Newbie colonoscopy result questions

[Gemineye]

Hello Everybody,

This is my first post here. I hope I am putting this new topic in the right place. If not, I apologize.

I had my first colonoscopy today. I'm a 64 guy, very late I know; my doctor has been after me for years to get one for years but I kept putting it off because I didn't want to suffer through that whole prep thing. Anyway, the actual procedure was a breeze but the results were a little surprising (to me, anyway) and a little unsettling. So I thought I would ask you kind folks for your thoughts.

They found the following polyps; a 3mm and 2cm flat in the ascending; a 6mm in the descending; 2 8-10mm pedunculated in the sigmoid and a 5mm in the rectum. The 2cm flat one could only be partially removed so I have to go back in 3-4 months for another scope. I think they are going to biopsy all of them. Also, they said my colon very "tortuous".

Here are the the questions I have: I've read that flat polyps are more dangerous and the larger they are the more suspicios for cancer they are. Is a 2cm flat polyp considered large? How concerned should I be? In general terms, what are the odd that it is, or will become cancerous? I know nobody has a crystal ball but any feedback would be helpful. Also, does the number of polyps found (6) mean anything in and of itself?

Sorry for the length of this post and I welcome any thoughts or advice you might have.

Regards,
Jim

[ANDRETEXAS]

I can only say that the one polyp I had during a colonscopy in Dec '13 was in the cecum and was flat. I had a colonoscopy six years ago and was given a clean bill of health, so don't know if was missed or wasn't there at the time. Mine was cancerous, but I am very fortunate I discovered it when I was checking something else out. You will have to wait until the biopsies are back before you start thinking about worrying. I don't know what size mine was and never asked. When I found out what it was, I started on a plan with my cancer team and went full speed ahead. One day at a time! Andre (not sure I answered any of your questions. )

[Gemineye]

Hi Andre, thanks very much for your reply. As you say I will have to wait until I get the results of the biopsy. That's good advice. Good luck to you in the future!

Jim

[SkiFletch]

Gotta wait for pathology for sure. 2cm is medium or medium-large in my non-doctor book. Who knows if it's trouble or not? The pathologist. Gotta wait for that.

The number of polyps is somewhat concerning. Normally that would just shorten your time till your next scope. But the flat polyp sort of short circuits that anyways. I'd imagine they'll put you on at LEAST the 5-year plan thereafter, if not something less than that given the larger number of polyps.

[Gemineye]

Thanks for your reply, SkiFletch! I agree that the number of polyps and that medium-big flat one are worrisome but you're right, have to wait for the pathology report. I don't know your story but good luck to you in the future---Jim