Colon polyps

Colon polyps don't often cause symptoms. If they do, these might include:

• tummy pain
• rectal bleeding
• change in faeces colour
• change in bowel habits

In other cases, colon polyps often show up during a colonoscopy or bowel examination. Colon polyps found early can be removed safely and completely. So it's important to have regular colon screenings.

Your consultant gastroenterologist will most likely recommend certain tests to find out if you have a colon polyp(s). These might include:

• Colonoscopy. A test to look inside your colon using a flexible tube with a camera on the end. If a polyp is found, it can be removed immediately.
• Virtual colonoscopy. A CT scan to view your colon. If a polyp is found, a colonoscopy can be carried out to remove it.
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy. A rectal test to look inside your colon using a sigmoidoscope.

If a polyp is found, it can be removed by passing a thin hooking instrument down the sigmoidoscope.

In most cases, if colon polyps are found, they can be removed during your diagnostic screening. In some cases, a sample of the polyp may be sent away to test it for cancer. Your consultant gastroenterologist will discuss the results of this test at a later date. If you require further treatment, your consultant will explain this to you.