When the pathology report on a polyp removed at colonoscopy says “tubular adenoma”, it means the polyp is not cancer but carries a risk of turning into cancer over time.
This is why it matters that the polyp is removed completely. In particular, no polyp tissue should be left behind where it was taken from.
Most tubular adenomas never turn into cancer. Some, however, can do so over the years. For this reason, depending on the pathology result and on the size and number of polyps, follow-up colonoscopy is needed at set intervals.
After a polyp has been removed, it is recommended that you have follow-up colonoscopies at the intervals your doctor sets, to protect your bowel health and to catch any new polyps early.
Sources
- Prof. Ali Tüzün İnce, MD