Young with polyps.

[worrymom1]

I am 36 years old.  Long history of chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain and other IBD type symptoms.  Currently being tested to rule out Crohn's.  Had colonoscopy a couple days ago, and while my doctor didn't find evidence of Crohn's/IBD, he found two polyps in my left (descending?) colon.  He said they were approx the size of the bed of his finger nail...(1 cm?) or so...and he removed them and sent them to pathology.  He kept saying it was unusual for my age and that although we didn't find the reason for my symptoms, it was VERY good we were in there and found those polyps etc...that if I had waited until recommended age that could of been bad.  I was still too groggy to think thru my questions, but now I have a million.  He did say I would have to have colonoscopy at least every 5 years, and that my sister should go get one now.  (she is 34)  (my mom had her first colonoscopy 4 years ago and they discovered 'sessile" polyps-4 of them, all pre-cancer, and she is supposed to go back every 5 years too.-she is now 57)

I forgot to ask him what kind of polyp it was, and he said he was going to call me when the path results were in, so I didn't really want to bother him anymore about it until those came back.

Should I be worried?  Because I am really worried and anxious over this.  Is being 36 with polyps a greater concern...?  (does this make the risk of them being malignant any greater?)  Has anyone here had experience with being under 40-50 and had polyps?  What were the path results?

I guess I am hoping for reassurance, or maybe even a reality check if need be...  While I am waiting on the path results, how do I view this?

[Annie_777]

I had at least 10 of them - 1 hyperplastic, 1 cancerous, the rest precancerous.  All found when I was 35.  I'm 42 now and doing fine.  Don't worry too much.  Eat an anti-inflammatory diet and follow up with your GI yearly.  You will be fine!  I have no family history at all.

[Sara_MHModerator]

Thank you for sharing your inspirational story.  Can you tell us about any treatment you received since you had one cancerous? How often do you have colonoscopies now after the discovery of cancer.  We are glad they found your cancer with your being so young when diagnosed!

[missyb46]

i was 18 months old the first time i had polyps removed (i am 52 now) . both pedunculated (on stock) and sessile (flat). i have colonoscopies every year with removals of polyps every time.  past few times they have been precancerous. i had a genetic test done and found out i have lynch syndrome and FAP. just listen to your doc and you will do fine.  getting the tests is crucial. to stay ahead of any bad reports. try not to "cross any bridges" before the path report comes back. have faith in your docs and the Lord. prayers

[missyb46]

i am 49 yrs old, had a colonoscopy 8/19/16. they found 2 semi-sessile polyps in rectum and removed them. this is nothing new to me. i have been getting these every year since i was 18 months old. back then they didnt do them rectally. full blown surgical procedures. but they always are there evey year, and they always come back precancerous. so we did genetic testing and found out i have Lynch Syndrome. this scares me more then any polyps ever have. but explains ALOT about my personal medical history as well as my families history. FAP and Lynch together ..............

[lahm1234]

I am 50 years old and have just been diagnosed with lynch syndrome. I have endemetrial and ovarian cancer. Just had colonoscophy and had a 15mm sessile polyp in rectum. it is also pre cancerous. Did you have  any further surgery?? What is FAP and how do you know you have it?? This is all knew to me and very scary.

[bgb1976]

I just had colonoscopy done and I am 33. Had mine last Tuesday. They removed a large polyp 15 cm or mm. Not sure but it was a large one. THey have to send off and have it checked mine came back adonoma which is a precancerous polyp, I have to go back every 4 years now.. Its gonna be okay. They removed them. No worries,, Please keep me updated.