Hi Friends,
Dr. Tabibian here. Hope you all had a special Thanksgiving :)
Today I'm going to talk about something less festive but still very important: colon polyps.
If you’ve ever had a colonoscopy and been told, “We found a few polyps, but we took them out,”.. you’re not alone.
It can sound scary, but in most cases, it’s actually good news in that they were found and removed before becoming a bigger problem.
And since the Holiday season is a time for gratitude, I’ll say this: I’m grateful for colonoscopies.
They save lives quietly, every single day.
WHY YOU SHOULD READ THIS NOW
Polyps are one of the most common findings during colonoscopy, and one of the easiest to treat if found early.
Not all polyps are the same: some are completely benign, while others can develop into colon cancer over time.
Understanding what type of polyp you have helps determine when you actually need your next colonoscopy. It’s not “one-size-fits-all.”
Today’s Opponent:
Colon Polyps
They’re small growths that form on the inner lining of your colon.
Some are flat, some are mushroom-shaped, and some have yet a different appearance.
Some are harmless, but some have the potential to become cancerous… which is why gastroenterologists (like me) take them seriously.
We don’t always know why polyps form. Age, genetics, diet, inflammation, and certain lifestyle factors all play a role.
Just as your skin can form moles or sun spots over time, your colon can develop polyps.
The Different Types of Polyps:
Hyperplastic polyps → Usually harmless, very low risk of turning into cancer.
Adenomatous (adenomas) → The most common “precancerous” type. These are the ones we remove and track closely.
Sessile serrated lesions (SSLs) → Flat, subtle polyps that can carry a similar cancer risk over time if left behind.
How They’re Removed:
Removal (called polypectomy) is usually done during colonoscopy using a forceps or snare tool.
The technique matters. Larger or flatter polyps require more advanced skill and training to remove safely and completely.
When to Repeat Your Colonscopy
This depends on several factors, including:
Number of polyps found
Size
Type (benign vs. precancerous)
Family history of colon cancer
Quality of the bowel prep (how clean your colon was)
That’s why “come back in 5 years” isn’t a one-size-fits-all rule.
For some of you, it will be 3 years; for others, 7–10 years.
There are also instances where the interval is quite short, like 6-12 months.
“Not all polyps are dangerous, but essentially all are worth recognizing. Identifying and removing them properly is one of the most effective ways to prevent colon cancer, period.”
“Think of colonoscopy as the ultimate early-intervention tool. You don’t wait for symptoms; you prevent them from happening. That’s real health care, not sick care.”
What to Tell Your Doctor
“I had a colonoscopy a few years ago and they found a couple of small polyps. Can we review my report to see when my next one should be? I want to make sure I’m on the right follow-up schedule.”
What’s On Your Mind?
Respond to this email and let us know!
As gastroenterologists, we definitely have a lot to talk about when it comes to your gut health and well-being. But we can’t always get to everything (you know… like coffee enemas)! So reply directly to this email or DM us on TikTok below and maybe YOUR topic will be featured soon!
