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.”

Find a Location in Your Area

Find a Location

Request an Appointment

What They Are Saying



Excellent

Center For Digestive Health, Rochester Hills4.8

Based on 6255 reviews

See all reviews

review us on

Anna C.

The nurses are so good getting back to you with questions and refills. Front desk is great getting you to the person you need to talk to. Dr Bolonga is always great.

Marla B.

So nice very Perfesonal and clean staff pleasant 😀

John B.

Excelent. Care wonderful staff

Jas S.

Amazing service. Very efficient and experienced staff with great processes. Highly recommend

Lynn T.

My procedure went really well and I enjoyed all the staff, they were so nice and friendly!

Janice V.

Dr saheed was wonderful! She was professional, informative, knowledgeable & spent quality time listening & explaining. Her office staff was efficient & personable

Patricia L.

I've been with Dr Balogna for 25 years or more. He is very caring man. Staff has always been kind and on the ball. I won't go else where very happy with him!

Kathy B.

Everyone was friendly and and helpful, my procedure went smoothly, ty

Fred M.

I'll make this brief. Full disclosure, I've known Dr. Partha Nandi for quite some time. I personally know of his commitment to treat his patients with care and courtesy. Plus, "HE'S THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS" !!! And the Troy Gastro staff is top notch !!!

William B.

Great staff. Professional, thourogh & friendly.

Caterina S.

Another great experience at Dr. Weber’s office, during my EGD procedure, everyone on his team is absolutely professional, very kind, friendly and genuinely concern the patient is comfortable as it can be. Thank you again for caring for me Dr. Weber- you are the best- as always!!

Jo B.

Professional, kind, thorough, & ever so gentle Can’t say enough good things about Dr Donat and his staff

Neil H.

Our whole family have been patients of the Center for many years and have enjoyed the service and attention we receive. The operation runs like a well-oiled machine and the doctors and nurses are extremely helpful in explaning our procedures and answering any questions we might have.

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.

Kathie G.

Video visit with Dr Quallich with all my concerns addressed in his comfortable, friendly manner.

Ted H.

They did a good job

John V.

Experience is always professional, personable and informative. The Doctor and his staff always provide excellent care.

Sabine H.

Fantastic care from beginning to end!

Leeann P.

Have been going to Dr Bologna for several years now for my gastric issue and colonoscopy . The staff and Dr Bologna are great! Attentive and pleasant ! I would would definitely endorse his group without hesitation

Tim H.

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

Edward P.

Dr. Nandi and the entire staff are absolutely outstanding.

Emeel A.

Professionally and efficient. Whole procedure with checkin and checkout lasted 1 hour and 15 minutes

Sharyn C.

Staff very friendly & helpful. Love Dr. Wille

Kim W.

The staff is great!! Friendly, caring and efficient. I highly recommend this place, I have been with Dr. Willy's office for almost 30 years.

Dianne B.

The nurses who helped prep me for my colonoscopy last Friday morning were angels, explaining everything as they went and carefully making sure I was comfortable and calm. Thank you; your kindness was noticed and appreciated. Dr Nandi as always was the perfect mix of professional and funny. Great experience all around.

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

Based on 6260 reviews

See all reviews

review us on

Rachelle P.

I was very nervous, as this was my first colonoscopy. The staff was extremely comforting and friendly. Dr. Abadir was very patient and knowledgeable. The facility was very clean. I highly recommend Macomb Endoscopy.

Michelle B.

Dr. Weber was very personable and professional. The entire process, from appointment setting to recovery, was very well orchestrated and the entire staff was incredibly kind. I'd recommend Dr. Weber and this office to anyone.

Rosalyn H.

Thank you so much redwood for fixing the situation I really appreciate it

Marty A.

Everyone was very welcoming and professional. The nurses and techs were very polite and enjoyable to be around. I was treated very well.

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.

3 reasons to see a gastrointestinal specialist when you turn 45

A gastrointestinal specialist is someone who specializes in the gastrointestinal tract. The gastrointestinal tract involves a pathway that starts at the mouth and ends at the anus. The organs within the gastrointestinal tract are those that function mostly for...

The Benefits of Water for Digestion

Digestion is a process that, when running smoothly, can help keep the rest of your body in good condition too. It’s an important component of your overall health. There are several different ways that the digestive system can be well maintained, and this can be helped...

Do I Need an Endoscopy for Acid Reflux?

An endoscopy is a procedure that is typically used to examine an individual’s digestive tract. It is a non-surgical procedure that involves a tube with a video camera attached to it, called an endoscope, that is used to examine the inside of a cavity in the body. An...