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 6261 reviews

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Thom S.

The entire staff was helpful and attentive to my needs. The procedure was very thorough and everyone made the experience one that remediated any fears I might have had. The smiles were contagious.

Lisa L.

The staff were all friendly and professional. Procedure was quick yet they let me take as long as I needed to recover.

David S.

It was a fast and efficient experience.Everyone was very professional and helpful.

Bob S.

Staff was very friendly and PROFESSIONAL. Bob S

Debbie C.

This office is run professional with friendly patient care. My call out to Amy, Nick, Jorden, Nicole, and Dr. Tocco. They all treated me with gentle respectful care. During my prep stage (which is the unpleasant part) I had some questions and called the office. Sherrie answered all of my questions and helped calm an advance middle aged lady down! You guys are the best!

Jane B.

Great caring staff handled professionally. I will continue care at this location with Dr Donat and his staff.

Jeanette Y.

The Center was an excellent experience from Roger and Brittany my nurses to the procedure room and Anesthetist, all was smooth. Very caring team and of course a fabulous physician, Dr Weber! Highly recommend this site and team!

Marlene D.

Very kind, pleasant help, from sign in, and each and every assistant and nurse. And Dr Q set me at ease, thank you. I also appreciated the follow up phone call at home.

Vincent K.

I appreciated being told at registration what the planned schedule was for my procedure. And it was pretty much on time. Also, the nurses who prepared me and discharged me were very professional and most pleasant.

K B.

Everyone in the building works to both help and make you feel comfortable in the whole process

Nicole G.

Staff was great! Very pleasant. Dr. Weber was fantastic! He listened to my questions and answered every one. I didn't feel rushed and he was very kind.

Ed L.

The peope were very professional and courteous. I would highly recommend this location

Sharon O.

All of the staff are very professional. They keep the patient informed every step of the way.

Darrell P.

Staff was great they made my procedure easy . Thank You

Dino P.

Dr. Donat and team are great! Professional, caring, friendly, truly the best experience.

Rick H.

Great doctor and an excellent staff

Brad G.

From Dr. Bologna, to the staff all very knowledgeable, professional and nice people. I felt very comfortable and cared for. See ya in five years!

dennis W.

Staff was very friendly and answered every question. Felt very comfortable!

Elaine M.

I was surprised I didn't have to wait very long to see the Dr because the last place I went to kept me waiting about 2 hours. Very positive experience.

Susan P.

Staff here are great! Very friendly and willing to answer any and all questions.

Pamela P.

Everyone I came in contact with was courteous, helpful, and knowledgable, and I felt comfortable.

Russell B.

Efficient, compassionate, knowledgeable, and pleasant.

Allison B.

Great experience for me here. Staff took care of me with straightforwardness and compassion, which I appreciate during medical visits. Slight hiccup with IV placement in one arm, but efficient at getting the other arm hooked up quickly and without issue. Great, pre- and post-care (and I can assume during, too, but I was napping, so...). 🙂 I highly recommend Center for Digestive Health.

delshawn J.

The staff was Absolutely amazing! Everyone went above and beyond to make me comfortable.

Richard M.

very friendly and professional they make sure you understand everything about your procedure and take time to be sure you understand the results

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

Based on 6266 reviews

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Diana T.

Everyone was professional and compassionate. They addressed all of my concerns and questions

Kim H.

They’re like a fine oil machine someone to take care of all your needs make it comfortable and that’s over and done and you’re great

Kimberly N.

I have been here twice and both times I have had a wonderful experience. When you need to get a colonoscopy, go here!!!!

Anna M.

Everyone was very pleasant

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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