Shocked! Flat polyp adenoma suspected...

[Lisachicago]

Hi,
I have had uc since 1999 but after 1 wild first and only attack when I was bleeding all over the place a brilliant gastroenterologist, Stephen Hanauer of the University of Chicago, saved my colon with some special method he devised.
I've been plugging along with no problems all these years but when I went in for my annual colonoscopy today Dr hanauer ordered a chromo colonoscopy instead of the usual one.
Naturally, i was quite suspicios as I have no symptoms of uc at all.
Bottom line, the "chromo" is used only when they suspect a problem. When I got home I googled up the purpose of a chromo - to detect flat polylp adenomas.
Hmmmmmmm....
His printed report says "awaiting pathology report.". This is where it usually says "next colonoscopy to be scheduled in 1 or 2 years.
Hmmmmmmmm.....
ANyone ever had one of these flat polyps and what happened? Thanks very much.
Lisa

 

[Aussie]

Hi Lisa, you might be over calling the report.

There has been a change in UC surveillance over the last few years. Random quadratic biopsies every 10cm looking for dysplasia has now been replaced by chromoendoscopy - essentially a dye is sprayed onto the mucosa to highlight potentially abnormal areas so targeted biopsies can be taken. Not all centres are doing this yet however.

He would've taken biopsies regardless of seeing any abnormalities as well, I would imagine, hence the last point of awaiting pathology result. He would've mentioned in the report if he had seen any suspicious areas or flat polyps.

Best wishes.

 

[Lisachicago]

How kind you are.

I have been upset since I googled and found the "flat polyp" information and, well , freaked out.

Maybe its not having slept last night....

Again, thanks so very much for taking the time to reply.

 

[2thFairy]

I have had a very tiny flat polyp come back as an adenoma. It was removed and no treatment necessary. Adenomas are considered precancerous, but don't require any treatment other than being removed and having the colon rechecked generally in 3 to 5 years after the polyp was discovered. I had 3 colonoscopies over a 5-year period after that was found and never had another polyp show up until pathology on my colon after it was removed, and even that one was tiny and flat.

 

[Lisachicago]

Thank you SO MUCH for that reassurance. I'm such a baby but I just got caught flat footed this time - just "figgered" it would be the same ole colonoscopy but my gastro had something a little more on the menu that I anticipated.
May I ask why you had your colon removed?
THanks so much.

 

[2thFairy]

I had my colon yanked after a 2-year long flare and my UC just wasn't responding to anything...not even Remicade. At the end of it all, I was on Lialda, VSL#3, Remicade, mesalamine suppositories, and 2 different enemas every day. I was thankful for surgery.

Be reassured, however, that most people with UC do very well with medication alone.

 

[Lisachicago]

Sounds like you did the sensible thing and I'm glad you are doing better now.