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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Polyp Removed During Colonoscopy. How Rapidly Do Polyps In The Large Intestine Grow?

I had a colonoscopy this morning, for my first screening (just turned 50). The Dr. removed a polyp, which he described as half of a golf ball. He said that had I left it much longer, it would have grown to the point of needing surgery. My question is: how rapidly do polyps in the large intestine grow? How long is 'much longer' in 'ish' terms?
Tue, 29 Oct 2013
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.

There are many types of polyps which can grow in the large intestine. There can be isolated polyps or multiple large polys. Some polyps can also come in crops and are very small. Most polyps are benign and harmless, however it is advisable to do biopsy for every polyp removed form the colon. At around 60 years of age one in 3 people can have a polyp and this can be considered normal. Some polyps also run in families and are supposed to be genetically transmitted.

The growth rate of benign polys is considerably slow and over years. It can grow for 10 to 20 years and suddenly become cancerous over months. So any single suspicious polyp must be removed when detected on colonoscopy.

Hope this helps
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Polyp Removed During Colonoscopy. How Rapidly Do Polyps In The Large Intestine Grow?

Hi, Thanks for writing in. There are many types of polyps which can grow in the large intestine. There can be isolated polyps or multiple large polys. Some polyps can also come in crops and are very small. Most polyps are benign and harmless, however it is advisable to do biopsy for every polyp removed form the colon. At around 60 years of age one in 3 people can have a polyp and this can be considered normal. Some polyps also run in families and are supposed to be genetically transmitted. The growth rate of benign polys is considerably slow and over years. It can grow for 10 to 20 years and suddenly become cancerous over months. So any single suspicious polyp must be removed when detected on colonoscopy. Hope this helps