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 6227 reviews

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Richard F.

These people really have their act together. Everyone was very friendly and professional. I felt very comfortable being in their care.

Sharon S.

Best colonoscopy in town!

George T.

Very professional and very caring of their patients wellbeing, during and after the procedure.

Jere R.

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

Michael C.

The doctors and nurses were very kind and very efficient. My procedure was done professionally and very easy for me. I would recommend Dr. Bologna and his staff for anyone with lnternal gastro needs or problems.

Cheryl O.

I do not usually take the time to leave a review, unless I receive exceptional service, either good or bad. Well my experience yesterday was praise worthy!! Check in was quick, I was treated wonderfully throughout! The facility is exceptionally clean and the entire staff is caring and professional!!

Jeff H.

No one looks forward to a colonoscopy but the staff and doctors did a great job making the procedure as easy as possible. Everyone was caring and compassionate and concerned about my wellbeing.

LuCritia B.

Everyone from the time I checked in to the time I left was so helpful. Again thank you all so very much.

The J.

This was my first Colonoscopy. I experienced a first class experience start to finish. After walking me through and finishing the prep phase, I was greeted by staff the day of the procedure and finished within two hours. Thank you all again for this positive experience.

Kelly R.

I have seen many Gastro Dr's in my life, but Dr. Bolonga and his stafg have been the best so far. I feel like im finally getting some way over due answers to stomach problems I have had for ove half my life now. Thank you so much to Dr. Bolonga and staff for all your help sooo far. Kelly

Mary S.

Dr.Willie and his staff are wonderful. My procedure went.well. All my questions were addressed. I felt very comfortable in the procedure room.

Linda B.

Nice staff and very professional.

Renna G.

On schedule and Dr Wille always is caring and listening to me as a patient.

Patti S.

My visit went smoothly, quickly and professionally. I urged you not to judge the office by the reception area which is greatly in need of a renovation. The remainder of the office is modern and professional.

Dave A.

Great staff and location

Martha S.

Great experience in having a colonoscopy (if that is possible!). Dr Qualich is great

Kathryn K.

Staff explained all information provided and made sure that I understood what was provided to me.

Linda A.

Enjoyed how quick the process went. Very professional.

Lee M.

Professional, compassionate and workers had great attitudes

Jeffrey S.

The staff was very nice and professional, I was really impressed with how comfortable and knowledgeable they were.

Audrey B.

The office staff and clinical staff were all very friendly, Doctor was friendly. The check-in process was professional and efficient. Communication about the prep involved with a colonoscopy was great- I did not feel confused on what to do or when to start because instructions were clear and presented in advance.

Susan J.

Everyone one was so kind.. try all made you feel like you were a part of their family.. everything went well and I was fine before I knew it.. thank you to everyone.. Susan 😉

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.

Gerald L.

Dr. Willie was awesome. Professional and thorough and my procedure was done in 20 mins.

email S.

Great staff. My colitis is much better.

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

Based on 6232 reviews

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Cathy W.

From the pleasant staff to the wonderful and understanding Dr. Saeed ,I felt that my concerns and questions were heard and professionally answered. I would highly recommend using the Troy Center for Digestive Health.

Barbara F.

Very caring and professional practice.

Dorinda M.

Super nice staff! Very professional and everyone had a smile!

Michele R.

Dr. Wille thoroughly explained the procedure I needed to have done .

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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