Colonic Polyps
Persons with family members with colonic polyps are at increased risk for development of colorectal cancer. Those patients should have individualized screening performed. However, the screening recommendations from the American College of Gastroenterology are similar to those described above for colorectal cancer.
Medicare allows for colonoscopy as often as every 2 years, which may be needed depending on other factors. Your gastroenterologist (gastrointestinal specialist) will decide what interval is appropriate in your individual case.
Genetic testing (blood sample testing) is available only for Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) and Herditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC) patients. These are inherited syndromes with their own screening recommendations.
Surveillance of Colorectal Cancer
Persons who have had colorectal Cancer or Pre-cancerous Colorectal Polyps require continued evaluation of the colon to prevent recurrence of colon polyps and colorectal cancer. This process is called surveillance.
Recommendations for Surveillance of Colorectal Cancer and Polyps
| Findings of Most Recent Colonoscopy | ACG Recommendations |
| Colorectal Cancer | Colonoscopy between 3 months and 1 yr. * |
| Pre-Cancerous Polyps | Colonoscopy between 3 months and 1 yr. * |
| Normal Examination | Colonoscopy -- usually in 5 years |
* Most patients can have their next colonoscopy in 3-5 years, but some patients will need colonoscopy repeated in as little as 3 months to 1 year. Medicare allows colonoscopy as frequently as 2 years to allow for special circumstances and covers more frequent intervals when medically indicated. Your gastrointestinal specialist will decide what interval is most appropriate in your individual case.
NB: Patients with ulcerative colitis involving most of the colon for more than 8 years, or involving the left colon for 15 years or more are at increased risk for colorectal cancer. In addition, patients with long standing Crohn's Disease are at increased risk for colorectal cancer. These patients should undergo colonoscopy every 1 to 2 years. Your gastrointestinal specialist will assist you further in determining your individual needs.
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Other Gastrointestinal Diseases:
- Celiac Sprue |
Crohn's Disease |
Colon Cancer |
Colon Polyps |
Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines for 2001 |
Constipation |
Diarrhea |
Diverticulosis |
Esophageal Strictures |
Fecal Incontenence |
Gastrointestinal Bleeding |
GERD Treatment Guidelines Summary |
Helicobacter Pylori |
Hemorrhoids |
Irritable Bowel Syndrome |
Lactose Intolerance |
Malabsorption Syndromes |
Pancreatic Cancer |
Pancreatitis |
Pilonidal Cysts |
Puritis Ani |
Rectal Abscess |
Rectal Prolapse |
Treatment of Anal Fissures |
Ulcerative Colitis |
Whipple's Disease
Related Links
- Definitions
Patient Education:
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