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766080 tn?1240252458

Colon/Rectal Cancer - how long for it to 'develop'?

I was diagnosed with IBS ast a teenager and I am now 35; so I've been living with this basically for as long as I can remember. Many of the symptoms vary from day to day so sometimes I would just not bother with a 'doctor visit' b/c he'd always come back with 'IBS'; My family has a history of colon cancer too.  I've had many colonoscopies and scheduled for another one next week. They've removed many polyps, some pre-cancerous and some benign -
My last colonoscopy was in 2007; and I can actually feel an obstruction (hard to explain but I know something is there; the pain and discomfort) - I have alot of the 'cancer symptoms'  / 'IBS symptoms'  (most gastro symptoms seem to be related) so it's always written off as 'IBS' and told to watch my diet. (I have always and still do eat healthy and plenty of fiber (which sometimes makes it worse)). Well, the problems have increased, meaning more of everything or more intensified in the symptoms. BMs: More blood (when there is blood), More mucus (when there is mucus), sometimes only mucus (lots of it), Very thin bms, nauseous a lot of the time, dizzy and weak/extremely tired (I have more symptoms, but these are the ones that concern me - also lately I've had this horrible throbbing headache everyday; not sure if it's related)
So my questions are: could a new polyp(s) have developed from 2007 have delveloped and turned to cancer? could the doctor have missed on in the last colonoscopy? (They are doing a CT Scan next week too, but in the meantime I was hoping to find some more answers on what this could be if it's not related to cancer and what I can do about it).
I thank you in advance to any help anyone can give me.
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766080 tn?1240252458
Thank you to both of you (I am just now seeing this; I thought I had it on my 'tracker' - guess not.
I try to stay tuned in on this b/c of all the info people have (some have suggested how wrong their doctors were and one lady even said her husband died even after having a 'clean bill of health' after a colonoscopy; so that scared me a bit.

Well, I had the seigmoscopy (sp?) today and they removed one polyp and sent it off for a biopsy - so I guess whenever the results are in I'll find out. (I only wish he had done the whole 'colonoscopy' instead b/c there could be more further up. I don't think this polyp was big enough to cause an 'obstruction' but I don't really know. Could a small polyp cause all the symptoms? (or do you think that I should request having the full colonoscopy done; my doctor said most of my problems are in the lower part; but I've had polyps removed from the entire area so it worries me for sure.) He wants me to do the barium xray thing when you have xrays done during 'expelling the barium' How embarrassing that will be, but to avoid any further health problems I'll do it - does anyone know anything about this procedure??? Thank you again for your advice and responses!!!
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Avatar universal
Colon cancer is typically slow developing,  and you are quite young to have it.  However, given your family history you are wise to have frequent colonoscopy studies.  Early detection is key.   Best of luck next week.  Be sure to post and let us know how it turns out.

jd
Helpful - 0
862265 tn?1250866771
Yes it can develop that quickly,  if you think something is wrong,then you're probably right.   NO ONE knows your body changes better than you.  Good luck on your CT next week.  I pray all will turn out for the best.
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