Overview
When polyps are discovered in a sigmoidoscopy (an inspection of the lower third of the large intestine), they are retrieved to be tested for cancer. If a large amount of polyps are found, a more thorough examination of the entire length of the large intestine (a colonoscopy) may be recommended.
Review Date 4/18/2023
Updated by: John Roberts, MD, Professor of Internal Medicine (Medical Oncology), Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, CT. He is board certified in Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology, Pediatrics, Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.