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Shrek59
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To cut a long story short back in January I had constipation which lasted around 6 weeks went to the doctor put me foreword for a scan. Had the scan discovered 3  polyps these were cut out in April. Left the hospital with the message see you in 4 years. Because of my age 62.  last week got a letter with a testing kit for bowel cancer. Had a letter back 19th October telling me there was blood in my sample. Phoned and was told they do phone appointments next one is end of November. So I find myself in limbo until then. Seems very quick if something has developed in that time or perhaps it's constipation playing its part

  • Offline

    Hi and thanks for posting

    A positive stool sample showing blood doesn't mean that it's to do with cancer, as there can usually be other explanations for the blood other than cancer, like piles, inflammatory bowels or there could be some more polyps that need looking into. Most polyps(like the ones you had previously) are benign(not cancerous) but they all need checking out just to be on the safe side.

    I can appreciate it's not great waiting and this can be stressful - you can always ask to be contacted if there are any cancellations.

    I hope this does happen so you don't have too long a wait

    All the best

    Wanda

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Wanda

    do polyps and diverticulitis show ion ct scans?

  • in reply to Brenda2

    Hi Brenda2 and thank you for your post.

    Yes, both polyps and diverticulitis can show up on CT scans, but they are detected using different types of CT scans.

    A CT colonography (or virtual colonoscopy) is specifically designed to look for polyps and other abnormalities inside the colon;

    whilst a standard CT scan of the abdomen is the best test for identify signs like inflammation such as diverticulitis.

     I hope this explanation is helpful

    Kind regards

    Tina

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