Hi Megen, and thank you for your post.

I am sorry to learn that your husband has recently been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, this must be a difficult time. 

As a cancer information nurse on a helpline and not involved in your husband's care, I am unable to say with certainty what the consultant meant, that they do not know exactly where the tumour was.

It would be best to clarify this with the consultant or your husband's nurse specialist (CNS) if he has one, as they know his situation. The colonoscopy report will show which part of the bowel the polyp was removed from and this should help give them an idea. But what this means in terms of what type of surgery your husband has I am not sure. 

During the surgery, the consultant will want to check the area where the polyp was removed and make sure that no cancer cells have been left behind following the polypectomy and to check nearby lymph nodes as this will tell them how far the cancer has spread , which will help them decide whether or not further treatment is needed.

We have information on our website about bowel cancer and how it is treated which you can find here, and bowel cancer UK has information here.

I am sorry I cannot be more helpful on this occasion but do clarify things with your husband's team at the hospital. Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Take care, all the best,

Jemma