athens gi center - tim beasley

Athens Gastrointerology Center
Athens Gastrointerology Center - Athens Endoscopy

21 Jefferson Place, Athens, GA 30601

Colon Screening for Colorectal Cancer

Colon Polyps:

Athens GI Center - Colon
        For the test, the person will lie on a table while the gastroenterologist inserts a colonoscope into the anus and slowly guides it through the rectum and into the colon.


Colon polyps are extra pieces of tissue that grow on the lining of the colon or rectum, which are parts of the large intestine. The large intestine absorbs water from stool and changes it from a liquid to a solid form.
Over time, some polyps can become cancerous.

Who gets colon polyps?

Anyone can get polyps; however, you may be more likely to get them if

Should I be tested for colon polyps?

Most people should begin testing for colon polyps at age 50. African Americans should begin testing at age 45. Your doctor may recommend testing before age 45 or 50 if

How will I know if I have colon polyps?

Your doctor will take a medical and family history and perform a physical exam to find out if you have colon polyps. He or she will also perform certain tests. Most people with colon polyps don’t have symptoms. However, some people do have symptoms, such as

How are colon polyps treated?

Doctors usually remove colon polyps during a colonoscopy—a test used to check for colon polyps. After the doctor removes polyps, he or she sends them for testing to find out if they are cancerous.

If you have colon polyps, your doctor will ask you to have regular testing in the future.

How can I prevent colon polyps?

While there isn’t one sure way to prevent colon polyps, you might be able to lower your chances with

 

If you have any questions or wish to schedule an appointment, please do not hesitate to call the office at (706) 548-0058. Remember that we usually require that you see a primary care physician (your family doctor or PCP) before we can schedule you. If you are having a medical emergency, get medical attention immediately at your nearest healthcare provider:

Athens Regional Medical Center: (706) 475-7000
St. Mary's Hospital: (706) 354-3000

 

This informational material is taken from the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources.

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