My husband had a colonoscopy. They found and biopsies on two polyps and two spots in the stomach. Today they said the polyps were precancerous. The spots that the thought were ulcers they aren’t sure if it’s ulcers or stomach cancer. They said an ulcer not healing can look like cancer. This doesn’t make since to me. They want to retest in 4-6 months. This doesn’t make since either. If it is cancer that’s a long time to do nothing. Thoughts?
Dear Kdweeks
Thank you for getting in touch with us at Macmillan Cancer Support. My name is Luzia and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists.
Receiving news of precancerous polyps comes as a shock to people. In terms of Bowel Polyps, it can take up to 10 years for precancerous polyps to develop into bowel cancer. GUTS UK has information on polyps also.
In terms of the possible Stomach Ulcer, your husband is maybe getting treatment for this now and in a few months it will be clearer weather they have healed. If they have not, they will likely take further samples in a few months and see if there are any changes to the samples.
We do not have access to anybody’s medical notes and therefore we always advice people to bring their specific questions to their medical team. We can only give general advice. Here is some general Macmillan information for people that are worried about cancer.
It is important to be aware of symptoms for both Bowel Cancer and Stomach cancer. If any of your husband’s symptoms are changing or worsening in the months until the follow up tests, we suggest you get back in touch with the Gastroenterologist team or your GP.
I hope this information is helpful. If you have any further questions, please get in touch again. You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email or contact us through webchat.
Best wishes
Luzia
Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
Ref: LzM/FP
