How do I read my colonoscopy results?
Positive result A colonoscopy is considered positive if the doctor finds any polyps or abnormal tissue in the colon. Most polyps aren’t cancerous, but some can be precancerous. Polyps removed during colonoscopy are sent to a laboratory for analysis to determine whether they are cancerous, precancerous or noncancerous.
What does an abnormal colonoscopy mean?
If your colonoscopy results list a positive finding, this means your doctor spotted a polyp or other abnormality in the colon. This is very common, and not a reason to panic. Most polyps are harmless, and your doctor probably removed it during the colonoscopy. Some polyps, however, can be cancerous or precancerous.
What is considered a large polyp?
Large polyps are 10 millimeters (mm) or larger in diameter (25 mm equals about 1 inch).
What diseases can be found in a colonoscopy?
Colonoscopies can detect conditions like colitis, inflammatory bowel disease and diverticulosis. But mainly, doctors are looking for precancerous or cancerous colon polyps, which are growths on the inside of the colon’s lining.
Do you get colonoscopy results right away?
When You’ll Get Your Colonoscopy Results If you had tissue removed for testing, your doctor will let you know right away. However, it will take some time to receive your test results from the lab that will confirm or rule out cancer.
What results can you expect from a colonoscopy?
Your healthcare provider will usually give you a preliminary result of your colonoscopy soon after the procedure. Your results can include: Normal findings Hemorrhoids Diverticula Colonic polyps If your results are normal, you will not need to have the procedure again for 10 years unless otherwise indicated.
How to understand your colonoscopy result?
In 10 years,if you’re at average risk of colon cancer — you have no colon cancer risk factors other than age
How to interpret colonoscopy results?
– Tubular adenoma polyp: A polyp with tubular component. It has malignant potential therefore surveillance colonoscopy is recommended. – Villous adenoma polyp: A polyp with villous component. It has malignant potential therefore surveillance colonoscopy is recommended. – Tubulo-villous adenoma polyp: A polyp with both tubular and villous components.
Do you get the results of a colonoscopy right away?
You should get a letter or a call with your results 2 to 3 weeks after a colonoscopy. If a GP sent you for the test, they should also get a copy of your results – call the hospital if you have not heard anything after 3 weeks. This means no growths (polyps) or cancer have been found in your bowel.