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Treatments for Colon Polyps

Since it is impossible to know whether a polyp will become cancerous, the best treatment is to remove it. We can usually remove polyps during a colonoscopy.

Polyps in difficult-to-reach areas or of abnormal size can be more difficult to remove, but our doctors are skilled in removing these polyps. In fact, we specialize in performing minimally invasive polyp treatments.

Minimally invasive treatments for large and difficult to remove polyps include:

• Argon Plasma Coagulation: We use special gas (ionized argon gas) to deliver thermal energy (plasma), which can help remove abnormal tissue fragments that remain after a polyp is removed. Stanford doctors helped develop this procedure.
  
• Endoscopic mucosal resection: Using special instruments, we lift the abnormal tissue and trap polyps in a small rubber band. Another tool cuts the polyp from your colon. We repeat this process, if necessary, to remove all abnormal tissue. Learn more about endoscopic mucosal resection.
  
• Endoscopic submucosal dissection: Creating a cushion between healthy tissue and the base of the polyp by injecting small amounts of fluid, we slowly and carefully remove large, complicated polyps in one piece. Learn more about endoscopic submucosal dissection.

After removing your polyp, pathology experts examine it under a microscope to look for signs of cancer. Regardless of your test results, it is likely you will need a follow-up colonoscopy and then regular screening colonoscopy, since the presence of any polyp may mean that you are at a higher risk for colorectal cancer.