Colon Polyps

Overview

A colon polyp is a growth on the surface of the large intestine or colon. While some colon polyps are benign, meaning they are not cancer, other types of polyps may already be cancer or can become cancer later.

While anyone can get colon polyps, certain people are more likely to get them than others. You have a greater chance of getting polyps if you are 50 years of age or older, have had polyps before, if someone in your family has had polyps, or if someone in your family has had colon cancer.

You may also be more likely to develop colon polyps if you eat a lot of fatty foods, smoke, drink alcohol, are overweight, or don’t exercise.

A colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy are the tests used to check for colon polyps. If polyps are found, the doctor will remove them during the procedure in most cases. The polyps are then tested for cancer.

Below is a drawing of a colon polyp being removed by a colonoscopy.

Applicable Procedures

Colonoscopy
Capsule Endoscopy

What causes colon polyps?

In rare cases, colon polyps can be the result of a genetic mutation. More common risk factors for colon polyps include being age 50 or older, using alcohol or tobacco, having uncontrolled type 2 diabetes, being of African American race, struggling from an inflammatory bowel condition like ulcerative colitis, obesity, lack of exercise, and having a family history of colon polyps.

Are colon polyps dangerous?

It is important to seek treatment for a colon polyp, because if untreated, they can become cancerous. Removing them early reduces the risk of cancer.

How are colon polyps treated?

Your doctor will likely remove any colon polyps detected during a bowel exam. This can be done through a polypectomy, which involves removing the polyp with forceps or a wire loop. If a polyp is too large for this procedure, it may be removed laparoscopically, by inserting an instrument into the bowel. In rare cases, the entire colon and rectum may need to be removed surgically.

Common Symptoms

“I noticed that my stool appeared black, and I had severe stomach cramps.”
“I had a sudden change in bathroom habits, as I became constipated, and the constipation lasted for several weeks.”
“I noticed blood in my stool, combined with abdominal pain and persistent diarrhea.”

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What They Are Saying

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Excellent

Center For Digestive Health, Rochester Hills4.8

Based on 6245 reviews

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Jan S.

Everyone was very nice and always explained what was being done.

Kelly H.

During a stressful time, Dr. Quallich and CDH staff ALWAYS does an outstanding and exemplary thorough job every time! Thank you!

Cynthia C.

The following is why I travel from the Ohio border up to Center For Digestive Health/ Macomb: Dr. Donat and his staff are the best at what they do. They truly care about their patients and go above and beyond to make you feel comfortable and secure. They really listen and make sure that each staff member involved in your care knows any concerns or special care that you require. I will continue to travel to them for as long as I need them! Thank you everybody for making me feel cared about and that I matter.

Danny S.

I am a new patient of Dr Nandi and I’m having a procedure next week. The office staff has been excellent to work with.

Paul B.

Very easy and informative! Dr Nandi is caring and compassionate. I love the telemedicine option and him being able to help me with my digestive issues

David S.

Very impressed by the quality and professionalism of the staff!

Sylvia E.

Everyone was so kind and wonderful. Highly recommend Dr. Weber and his staff!

Marla B.

So nice very Perfesonal and clean staff pleasant 😀

Andy P.

Could not have been more efficient or more pleasant.

Lavaughn C.

Less than a 5 minute wait to be called to a room. The assistant who did my vitals was very friendly. Dr came right in, we talked , prescribed new med. all my questions were answered as this was a recheck. Very happy with the care

nancy V.

This was my first visit and everthing was explained completely and I was taken right pn time.

Jason B.

Great experience from check in, to procedure

Dean R.

I recently had a procedure completed at CDH, and was extremely pleased with how it went, this was my second procedure at this facility and both were administered flawlessly. My doctor, nurses, technicians, staff... were all very courteous and professional. I highly recommend CDH if you are need of this type of care

Kathy R.

The Dr. and staff at the macomb facility were very caring and helped make the procedure a less anxious one. There really wasn’t a wait time so I was in and out in no time!

Alicia N.

All of the staff at this clinic were extremely friendly, upbeat and helpful. The whole time for my appointment only took 30 minutes from check in to check out. The doctor takes her time, is thorough and gets to the bottom of all of your symptoms and issues. I highly recommend this clinic!

Loraine D.

Instructions were very clear everyone very comforting and knowledgeable very professional team work would use them again

Tim H.

Doctor and staff were very efficient. Appointment was quick. I was in and out in about 25min. I would recommend Doctor.

Susan H.

My experience went extremely well. The staff was kind and professional from check in to check out. Dr. Bakken is exceptional! Shannon I believe was my anesthesiologist and addressed any questions as well as the check-in nurses. Exceeded my expectations. Thank you to all the staff

Kathleen O.

Awesome experience having my EGD with Dr. Donat! Best nap of my life! This place runs so smoothly and everyone is nice, professional, and caring!!!! Great job group!

JK C.

Every step of the process was characterized by efficient, personable professionals who made sure I was informed and comfortable with what was going on. Great work! Also, a happy, grateful shout-out to Lakeisha in Scheduling. I appreciate her upbeat spirit, professionalism, and patience in the several times I spoke with her regarding the appointment.

Cat C.

I had a visit with Noel, she made me feel very comfortable, and was able to address all my issues. I felt she was very knowledgeable about how to help me. She was able to come up with a plan, and explained it to ensure I understood completely. Noel was very friendly and professional. Excellent experience!

Ellene B.

Caring, kind and professional! Excellent care!

Terri F.

Dr Nandi is an amazing doctor. He and his staff make the colonoscopy not so bad after all 🙂

Jenny W.

Great experience here, all the staff was super friendly and professional. From check in until they walked me to my car... Nothing but good things to say. I really appreciated the 80's rock while I waited!

Julie

DrAbadir and staff are all very professional and have patience. The office visit was quick and the staff explained what was going to happen next so you were not guessing.

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

Based on 6250 reviews

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Francesca C.

The staff was friendly and the nurses were very nice. The only thing that could have been a little better is if they had coffee in the waiting room for the people waiting on their family or friend to get done.

N S.

Jessica is so nice and helpful. Jessica's plan to help my husband is working. Nolan was very nice and polite. They truly care about you.

Maricela O.

Excelente atención en todos los aspectos, desde las instrucciones para mi procedimiento, la atención de todo el personal, la atención del doctor…… todo EXCELENTE

Kathleen Z.

It was a phone call from Donat and a video conferencing. Dr. Donat is excellent and went above all expectations.

Our Doctors

We’re proud of our team here at Digestive Health Institute. Our health care providers include some of the very best colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists and physician assistants. To learn more about our qualified team of specialists, please visit our providers page.

Amir Abadir MD, FRCPC

Anezi E. Bakken MD, MS

Sante D. Bologna MD, FACP

M. Emin Donat MD, FRCPC

Partha S. Nandi

Jack Tocco DO

John R. Weber MD

Richard T. Wille MD

Tusar Desai MD

Aalia Saeed, MD

FAQs

What happens during my first visit?

If you are a new patient, you can expect to have a complete physical exam. You will also be asked detailed questions about your current problems and your past medical history, your current medications, allergies, your family history and other pertinent medical information. If you are taking medications, please bring a completed medical history form with you to your appointment. Once the physician has reviewed your medical information and completed the physical examination, a plan of care will be developed. You may need to be seen again in the office, be referred back to your family physician for follow-up care, or require additional testing. If additional tests are needed, we will assist you in scheduling these tests.

What if I need to schedule an endoscopic procedure?

An endoscopic procedure allows the physician to visualize a part of your gastrointestinal tract with a special instrument called an endoscope. If your family physician has ordered testing, you will be contacted by telephone by one of our staff members. If a physician orders testing and you are in the office, the procedure can generally be scheduled during the course of your visit. You will be given a date, time, and location for the test, as well as written instructions telling you how to prepare for the test. If you have any questions about the procedure, please feel free to ask one of our staff members or the physician.

How do I get test results?

We ask that you wait 10 to 14 days before contacting us for results. Often results come from several different sources. This information needs to be compiled and reviewed by your physician before you can be appropriately advised.

What insurances do you accept?

We accept payment from most insurance companies including Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, Physicians Health Plan, Cofinity, Sparrow Professional Health Network, Medicaid, McLaren, Health Plus, and several others. Accepted insurances are subject to change at any time without notice.

If your insurance requires an authorization from your primary care physician, you may be asked to assist us in obtaining this authorization.

All patients are responsible for all copays and deductibles at the time of service.

If you have any questions regarding your benefits or insurance coverage, please contact our Billing Department at 248-844-9710.

What if I need to contact the doctor?

To contact your doctor during business hours please call our main number 248-844-9710. If you have an urgent need to speak with the doctor after hours, you will be rerouted to our after hours answering service, and your doctor will be paged. In the case of a medical emergency please proceed directly to the nearest hospital emergency room.

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