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General health information

Bowel polyps

Bowel polyps are growths in the lining of the colon or rectum. Most are benign, but some types can develop into bowel cancer over years and are therefore removed and examined.

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  • A bowel polyp is a raised or flat abnormality in the lining of the colon or rectum.
  • Most polyps are not cancerous. Some adenomas and serrated lesions may slowly develop into bowel cancer.
  • Polyps usually cause no symptoms and are found during screening, investigation of symptoms or follow-up after previous polyps.
  • Many polyps can be removed straight away during colonoscopy. The laboratory determines the exact type and risk.
  • Size, number, structure, degree of cell abnormality, completeness of removal and the quality of the bowel examination determine follow-up.
  • A check-up performed too early adds demands and risk; one performed too late may miss significant growth. Follow the individual written advice.
  • The availability and delivery of follow-up in Curaçao may differ from foreign programmes. Actively confirm your local arrangements.

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