Bowel cancer? Polyp removed....

[CocoBean22]

My FIL had a colonoscopy today as a routine FIT stool test came back with trace of blood.
The colonoscopy found a polyp on the ascending colon, they removed it and have sent it away for tests.
The consultant explained the polyp looked 'suspicious' and explained what would happen if it came back cancerous, appointment with anaesthetist and surgery etc.
Do you think they have a very high suspicion it's cancer?
Why else would they talk to him about bowel cancer surgery, ct scans to see if it has spread etc....?

I think you have to take them at their word - they think it's 'suspicious' so it may or may not be cancer and they won't know for sure until the biopsy results come back.

It sounds sensible for them to take the opportunity while they have it to describe face to face what the next steps are likely to be if those biopsy results do come back indicating bowel cancer, as in my experience things will move pretty fast if they do.

Thanks for your Reply! Can ask what your experience was please?

Firstly well done for FIL doing the test so if it is anything it will probably have been caught early. They found my husband's at stage 1/2 also after one of the poo tests with no symptoms. At his colonoscopy they were obviously pretty sure it was cancer and actually put a marker round it to show up when operated on. He was given a box with various info on cancer, treatment etc. Not remembering all the exact details now but I think they must have done a biopsy then he was in having his op within 2 or 3 weeks. Despite the problems with the NHS they do still seem to expedite cancer patients, certainly in my area anyway. He had the op 2 1/2 years ago and after some checks he was classed as cancer free, now having blood tests scans and colonoscopies every 6 months or annually. So far all fine. I would think it is quite possible as they said it looks suspicious, it could well be positive but obviously not definite so they are trying to prepare him. It is such a horrible time but I hope my positive story is helpful. Sometimes it can be treated with a course of chemo without an op too.

My experience.

I'm female in mid-60's. Like your FIL, I did a routine FIT test as part of the bowel screening program in May last year. I didn't have any symptoms. The test came back positive, so I went for a colonoscopy.

That showed two polyps that were removed at the time, plus (what was obvious even to non medical me was) a tumour in my sigmoid colon. They took several photos and biopsies of it and tattooed the place for future reference. I was told straight afterwards that although the biopsy would confirm it they were pretty certain it was cancer. I had a choice of hospital to be treated at. I was told next steps would be a CT scan and that the results of that and the colonoscopy would be considered at the next colorectal MDT (multidisciplinary team) meeting to decide on treatment, which was likely to be surgery and possibly radiotherapy or chemotherapy before or after that.

I had a phone call at 08:30 on the morning following the colonoscopy asking me to come in for a CT scan late that afternoon, followed by a call from a member of the MacMillan cancer nurse team to introduce herself. Within a week or so I was told I would be having surgery (a left hemicolonectomy) to remove the piece of bowel with the tumour in and (all being well) reattach the two ends. I had the pre-operative assessment and surgery within about 8 weeks. I was in hospital for six days afterwards while my bowels got working again, but have made a full recovery with no after-effects and no need for follow up chemo. I've been told that I am now bowel cancer free though I will continue to be monitored for five years.

I hope your FILs test comes back benign, but hopefully my experience shows that these days bowel cancer is relatively easily treatable and curable if caught early enough, and I'd urge everyone to take advantage of the routine screening tests if offered them.

I have nothing but praise for my treatment on the NHS and I recommend these two websites for reliable up-to-date information and helpful community forums
https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/
https://www.macmillan.org.uk/