digestive disorders
Polyps of the Colon and Rectum
Diagnosis of Colorectal Polyps
For polyps, colonoscopy For Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, genetic testing A doctor may be able to feel polyps by inserting a gloved finger into the rectum, but usually polyps are discovered when colonoscopy is done to examine the entire large intestine. This complete and reliable examination is done because more than one polyp is often present and any may be cancerous. During colonoscopy, any polyps seen are removed and evaluated for possible cancer. People who have bluish black spots on their lips or in their mouth and/or have 2 or more polyps in their digestive tract or a family history of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome should have a blood test to determine whether they have the gene mutations that cause this disorder. Once people are diagnosed with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, doctors recommend they have regular tests to detect the various cancers that can develop with this disorder. 