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 6246 reviews

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Jerome L.

Overall a great visit

Vincent A.

Like at Arby's I would ring for very good and professional and organized office . Thank you all

Kellie P.

Third visit to Macomb Center for Digestive Health. Dr. Bologna and the staff were great. Very efficient, personable and pleasant to work with. Highly Recommend! Kellie

LiAnne E.

I've been in desperate search for a new GI for quite some time now after not experiencing much with my last one. I got in to see Dr. Khan a week after calling due to a cancellation, while other places were booked out months ahead. The Macomb office was clean and her medical assistant Margaret is so sweet, empathetic, and easy to talk to. Dr. Khan was very honest, efficient, and clear in explaining every option. So far, since my first appointment, I've already done three different tests and am super impressed with the very active follow-up and helping me hopefully (finally) resolve my ongoing stomach issues!! I have already recommended them to all my other friends who also experience similar GI related issues.

Gerald W.

I felt very at ease with my procedure.

Brittney H.

Everyone was so great from the staff reaching out via phone, to the staff I met in person. Dr. Bakken and everyone else was very professional, compassionate, and kind.

Mark R.

This facility is extremely professional and efficient. Dr. Nandi has been my doctor for a number of years and is always professional and informative. Thank you.

stephen P.

My experience at the Center for Digestive Health/Macomb Endoscopy was very positive. My appointment time was kept and the whole procedure (colonoscopy) was thorough and painless, and very prompt. The staff (all-Doctor, nurses, anesthesiologist, technicians etc..) were very kind and knowledgeable in explaining every aspect of my procedure. I would recommend this office to anyone that needs this procedure or any other medical procedures.

L H.

The overall visit was pleasant. I had high confidence with the outcome as this was my 5th visit there. Although I was disappointed that I didn't get a gold star or a prize or another punch in a card because it was my fifth visit. All of the nurses were very friendly, and did a very professional job.

diana D.

Absolutely the best staff and Dr Bologna is wonderful. They are caring, knowledgeable and very friendly!

Dana D.

Everyone was very sweet, comforting and knowledgeable. The staff all made the procedure seamless and easy!

Mia D.

I Really feel a deep sense of peace and trust in Dr Richard Willie. He knows first of all how to interact with his patients, listens carefully to them, and makes them feel important. Have been going to him at least 15 years, if not more. He is an astute observer, a fine doctor with honed in skills of lab interpretation, biopsy results, and well experienced in advising what’s best for the patients outcome. I couldn’t be in better hand with Dr Wille. I’m very fortunate to have him in my corner as a doctor who has both the training and wisdom to give me the best care now and for the future!

Kevin C.

I was put at ease right away. The entire staff from the beginning to the end were polite, caring, professional and conscientious. Dr. Denot made me very comfortable before and after the procedure. I would highly recommend Center for Digestive Health to anyone.

Bob E.

Very well organized, great communication, a very efficient, well-oiled machine and very friendly and accommodating staff from top to bottom! I would highly recommend CDH to anyone!

Anelyse C.

When I entered the suite everyone was very friendly and reassuring as to the procedure.They truly calmed my nerves.

Derious R.

Dr. Bakken is very welcoming and knowledgeable. I really felt comfortable with her. The staff is very friendly and inviting. Overall pleasant experience.

Sherry G.

Doctor Bologna is fantastic!! He is very caring.and does a really great job.!

Kim B.

Dr. Weber and medical team were very thorough and respectful of my time.

Jere R.

Professional. Took time to listen to my challenges. Highly recommend.

Heather B.

Dr. Weber is truly amazing. Such great bedside manner and he really cares. Easy to understand, easy to trust.

Donald B.

Great people, smooth, quick painless process and the staff, nurses, doctor great through out.

Glenda G.

All registration assistants, nurses, techs, and the entire surgical team was friendly, informative and helped me feel comfortable with my procedure!

Helen G.

Wonderful staff and Doctors. Felt at easy and left feeling very informed of what was done.

Jeff K.

Showed concern for my problem

Marie K.

Dr. Willie and the staff at the Macomb Endoscopy center were caring and efficient.

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

Based on 6251 reviews

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Pamela R.

Dr. Quallick is a great and his staff also. They are very professional, caring and don’t forget to make you wait for weeks to get back with you. Just things like that mean a lot. I would recommend all their practice to anyone.

Ellen M.

I really appreciated how quickly they got me in, I've been to one other office where I waited 2 hours. Everyone was very kind and helpful.

Chip A.

Noelle is a HUGE asset to this organization...

Lynn D.

Staff is prompt, friendly, efficient, and overall exemplary. If I could improve one thing it would be to have a more spacious and comfortable waiting room.

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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