Colon Polyps

Treatment

Wire loop removes polyps during colonoscopy procedure.

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Removal is the main treatment for polyps that pose a cancer risk. Most polyps can be removed during the same procedure used to detect them (colonoscopy). The polyps can be snared with a wire loop that simultaneously cuts and cauterizes (burns) their stalks to prevent bleeding. Polyps that are too large to snare or that can't be safely reached during a colonoscopy can usually be removed with minimally invasive surgery.

After removal, the polyps are analyzed by a pathologist to determine if cancer is present, important in developing a treatment and monitoring plan.