3cm TVA

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Hello!

I'm new here and wanted to share my story so far, and wondered if anyone had any insight.

I was sent for a colonoscopy last June following some PR bleeding and an intermittent prolapse which my GP felt was a haemorrhoid. The colonoscopy was done at a local health centre where they found a 2.5cm polyp. They were unable to remove it due to its size, took some biopsies and I was referred onto my local hospital. The appointment for the hospital didn't come through for ages and I was eventually seen in the October. However, the hospital had not received any biopsies!. The hospital sent me for an MRI so they could get an idea of what to expect before they went in to do the repeat colonoscopy and polypectomy. I am a nurse in ED so know we don't sent people for MRI's (especially as this was done within 2 weeks!) without genuine concern. After lots of chasing up I finally received the biopsy and MRI results. They found a 3cm sessile tubulovillous adenoma which was non-invasive at the time. After lots of chasing regarding the polypectomy, I was eventually told I should be done by the end of March as I needed to be done by a consultant due to the size of the polyp and the increased risk of bleeding. Then corona struck and everything was delayed. After developing pelvic discomfort which I have felt every day for the last 6 weeks, my GP and I chased it up and I am booked in for my polypectomy in 2 days. I've also had swollen lymph nodes in my neck this long too.

I am terrified. Being a nurse I know far too much. I know that anything over 1cm is considered large. I know that TVA's have a high chance of being/becoming cancerous, especially those that are sessile and are larger. I also feel like I can't share my true concerns with my family as they all worry too much as it is. My dad died almost 3 years ago of rectal cancer but there is no other family connections.

Has anyone had similar?

Many thanks

Emma

court over 4 years ago

Hi emn ,

Welcome to the forum . Sometimes having knowledge on a subject leaves you no where to hide in the beginning but can really come into its own when navigating a system .

Please feel free to share your concerns here . It’s something that goes on a lot here and a great way to seek support without adding a burden to people who love us .

I understand your concern with your dad’s medical history and the size of your polyp . However the vast majority of lymphatic spread tracts around the liver and bowel Is reported here . Not sure if that’s a help to you but I know how easy it is to look at the outlying examples and fear the worst Especially if you have some knowledge. But it’s certainly not seen here a lot .

I have to say you have been unfortunate in all the mishaps that have surrounded your case and seem to have to do a lot of work seeking things out .

Hope it gets resolved for you very quickly.

take care ,

Court

Helpline Number 0808 808 0000

emn over 4 years ago in reply to court

Thanks for your reply Court.

They were unable to remove the polyp today. He felt it had too many cancerous properties and didn't want to take it out in parts and risk not getting it all. He's referred me for an MRI and CT and to be seen by the surgeons for a TEM.

The reports states: '40mm sessile, surface type VI -irregular arrangements and sizes of IIIS, IIIL and IV polyp identified in the rectum. Limited lift and firm areas on palpation make possibility of invasion high.'

Now the waiting begins again

court over 4 years ago in reply to emn

Hi emn,

Sounds a tough day ! He certainly has been honest with you and given a lot of feedback .

I think everyone here understands just how difficult this waiting period can be to get you through this process and back to your full health .

Hopefully it will come through soon and give you the peace of mine you need right now .
You have self advocated well and that will hopefully stand you in good stead going forward. They normally get the next part done quickly and one plus side of the current situation it has from observation sped up the results process by giving them over the phone .

I do hope it’s easily resolved and attended to quickly .
We are here to support you through this and if you feel you need some support over the phone the helpline staff are on hand to chat . 0808 808 0000.

take care ,

Court

Helpline Number 0808 808 0000

FormerMember over 4 years ago

Hi Emma. You might be interested in my story, which is in my profile, and it might give you some hope at this horrible time.

In summary, I was told I had a very large tumour in my transverse colon, and that it was definitely cancer. Had an extended right hemicolectomy in January this year, and one week later found the tumour was a large TVA and not malignant. (5cm x 3.5 x 1.7).

The relief was unimaginable.Have recovered very well, and consider I'm now back to full health with no long term effects.

Warm wishes to you as you go through this horrible journey.

FormerMember over 4 years ago in reply to FormerMember

Hi Cherie

Glad to hear that your tumour wasn't malignant, and you're doing well following your surgery.

There are other condition such as IBS, that have similar symptoms to bowel cancer, and our GPs send us for a colonoscopy to find out what's going on inside us. We all think the worst, but it can be good news.

Thank you for sharing your story, it's always good to here stories like yours.

Also, thank you for filling in your profile, we try to encourage everyone to do this as it often help us (community champs) and others members of the forum to know a little about you and your treatment.

Take care, and keep safe.

VickiLynne