Colorectal Polyps
Colorectal polyps are small, slow-growing protrusions from the inner wall of the colon or rectum. While most polyps are benign, some can become cancerous. Unless they cause bleeding, you may not even know you have them. At NewYork-Presbyterian Queens, we offer colonoscopy and other procedures to find and remove colorectal polyps before they become cancerous—an effective means of preventing colorectal cancer.
Screening for Colorectal Polyps
Polyps and early colorectal cancer often cause no symptoms, which is why periodic routine screening is important—even if you have no symptoms. NewYork-Presbyterian Queens offers colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, double-contrast barium enema, and fecal occult blood testing as polyp screening methods, starting at age 50 in people at average risk. (If you or a family member has a history of polyps or colorectal cancer, your screening may begin sooner and occur more frequently; your doctor will let you know.) If we find polyps, we will customize a plan of follow-up screening, based on the number and size of polyps found and your personal and family medical history.