Male had diarrhea for nine weeks. Been to doctors and got referred for a colonoscopy. Had a colonoscopy test and there was inflammation, they took ten polyps for testing.
Referred for an MRI and CT scan , then all results will be spoken at the MDT.
Is it cancer?
What's the outcome?
Do they do the CT and MRI fast?
Hi Beth1994,
My name is Keith and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
Welcome to the online community hope you are finding the support helpful.
On this platform as we are a charitable organisation, we don’t have access to the individual’s medical information. For this reason, we have limited information regarding this situation. There for we can only give general advice as everyone can be affected differently by any diagnosis.
In the situation you have described a colonoscopy would usually be the first diagnostic step taken. You have also mentioned the removal of ten polyps for testing.
At this point it’s important to remember diarrhoea can be caused by many different things. Human nature is always to look at the worst-case scenario. This isn’t always the case. The colonoscopy is as much to rule out a cancer diagnosis as much as to confirm it.
Bowel polyps are small growths that can be found in any part of the bowel. Polyps are common and in a lot of situations not usually serious but can sometimes lead to an increased risk of a cancer diagnosis. Hence the rational for the removal of these polyps for testing.
In some situations, a diagnosis can be given by the visualisation of the bowel during the colonoscopy. If this isn’t possible the results from the investigations carried out on the polyps removed (histology) would confirm or remove the possibility of a cancer diagnosis. Also, if any other areas of concerns were noticed during the colonoscopy, biopsies may also be taken to clarify if any cancer was present or not.
CT and MRI scans can also be requested in a timely manner for many different reasons. Theses scans will give further detailed information to give a greater understanding of the individuals current medical situation.
All the tests and investigations carried out would be used by the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) to confirm any diagnosis and understand the individual current medical condition and used to discuss and decide any future treatment required.
In a situation like this we would advise the persons involved to contact the specialist nurse /consultant looking after this person for update regarding this situation and to discuss any concerns further.
Usually after the MDT meeting a consultation would be set up to give feedback on the results of all investigations This would be done in a way that the individual fully understands all information including the diagnosis and any treatment options available to them if required moving forward.
This is so the individual can make what we call an informed treatment choice if required.
On this platform it can be difficult to have a two-way conversation and to fully understand what you are going through.
If you’d like further explanation or have any other questions, please feel free to recontact us. By giving us a call or contact us via our web chat platform.
take care.
Keith, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
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.
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