What it is
Polyps are often found during bowel screening or a colonoscopy done for another reason. They can usually be removed painlessly during the colonoscopy.
After polyps are removed, you may need repeat colonoscopies at intervals based on how many there were, their size and type.
Common signs
- Usually no symptoms
- Sometimes blood or mucus in the stool
- Occasionally a change in bowel habit
How it is usually diagnosed
- Colonoscopy
- Stool test (FIT) as part of screening
- Lab examination of removed polyps
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Colonoscopy reports with the number and size of polyps
- Pathology reports for each removed polyp
- The date your next colonoscopy is due
Questions to ask your doctor
- What type of polyps were they?
- When do I need my next colonoscopy?
- Should my relatives be screened?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Heavy bleeding from the bottom after a polyp removal
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.