Guide To Colon Cancer Diagnosis And Treatment Options

Polypectomy

A patient with colon polyps or precancerous growths in their colon may need to undergo a procedure referred to as a polypectomy as part of their treatment plan. This is a procedure involving the excision of a polyp or abnormal tissue growth that contains malignant cells or precancerous cells from an individual's colon. Due to the nature of the procedure, it is often performed at the same time as a colonoscopy, which is a procedure where a surgeon inserts a colonoscope with a light and camera on the end of it into the patient's rectum. The camera transmits real-time video to a monitor the surgeon can use to look for any signs of colon polyps. If concerning polyps are discovered, the surgeon usually chooses to remove them. Depending on the type of polyp found, the surgeon may use a tool with a looped wire to cut the polyp off with heat. The tool can cauterize any leftover tissue or stalk to prevent severe bleeding and expedite the healing process. Most early-stage colon cancers contained within a polyp and have not spread any further are treated using a polypectomy.

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