colon polyps

familia polyposis is a hereditary problem that runs in my family.  i had a colonoscopy done in august of 2002. they did biopsies on the polyps they removed and found that they would eventually become cancerous. i was suppose to have my colon removed due to the fact it was completely filled with the same polyps, but i never did due to pregnancy.  are there any signs i should look watch for that may mean they are cancerous already?

[CalGal]

By the time the signs were present that would suggest the polyps were beyond the pre-cancerous stage, it's very possible the problem might be more widespread than you would like. Have you made an appointment to go back to the doc and reschedule the surgery?

[wenny15]

FAP also runs in my family. I had my colon removed when I was 22. My kids were only 1 and 3 at the time so it was hard. I had a lot of symptoms but a t the time I didn't know that we had this genetic mutation in our family. My doctors all say I was really lucky to have symptoms so early on because the cancer was still contained and most people don't have symptoms like I did. You need to get back to the doctor now. You don't want to wait until it is too late. Sorry if this scares you but the truth is it is scary and it can be deadly if not treated. Also have you had your children tested. I had my children tested for the mutation and only my youngest daughter has it. Please don't wait until it is too late. get back to the doctor and have it taken care of. I lead a perfectly normal life even if it took me a while to get to this point. I had a reversal done so I don't have an external device. I have a j pouch. You'll have to have an ostomy for awhile but its not that bad and all the pain and discomfort is more than worth it. Good luck and God bless.

[boron]

Do not in any case rely on symptoms! Developed colon cancer may be asymptomatic. It is considered that FAP develop into a cancer in 100%, if colon is not removed. Also do not rely on "negative colonoscopy" since it is impossible to make a biopsy of all hundreds of polyps. Discuss with your doctor, what is the best time for colon removal.

[linzaroni]

i've rescheduled my surgery a few times, but i either lost insurance or found out i was pregnant. i'm getting ready to have my last baby at the end of the month c-section so as soon as i have him i'm going to schedule the surgery, but i'm afraid that it may be worse than it as 4..4 1/2 years ago.

[boron]

I wish your childbirth goes fine. FAP is progressing, slowly progressing, you can't force anything now in your situation, but do that colonoscopy when appropriate.