polyps

I am 47 yr old male. I was having problems with bloating and constipation. I had a colonoscopy and I had three precancerous polyps removed. can someone explain what the different types of polyps are and since I have had these what precautions that i need to take so these dont come back again. my dr said I just need another colonoscopy in 5 yrs instead of the usual 10.  thank for the help

[CalGal]

If you use the google search engine and enter the words 'colon polyps' you'll pull up an overview by the Mayo Clinic. It will give you a good idea of the 'why and wherefore's.'

[kitkatz35]

I too have had precancerous polyps removed (years ago and just recently) but my doctor says to come back much sooner than 10 years when a 'pre cancerous polyp' has been present. I think it's 2 years, I wouldn't wait that long or at least ask another doctor's opinion on that (10 years is an awfully long time to wait for another screening if history of precancerous polyps).
I had three removed in 2007 and two weeks ago had a sigmoidoscopy (like a colonoscopy but only scopes the lower bowel) and found a new precancerous polyp. So it doesn't always take long to develop.
I would strongly suggest asking another GI specialist's opinion and switching doctors; that just doesn't sound right to me.

[kitkatz35]

Oh, one more thing...I am only 35 (female) and have this happening, so keep in mind that just b/c they say '50' (cancerous polyps) doesn't discriminate on age; Just want you to be aware of that.