Help - 84 year old with irregular ulcer in the bowel

[mistymo]

My grandfather is 84 and very active. He recently had a colonoscopy and was told that he had an 'irregular' ulcer in the right hand side of the bowel and a large polyp (3-4cm) in the left hand side. A biopsy has been sent of the 'ulcer' but he is convinced he has cancer. He went for a CT scan and is now going to see two consultants and his own GP - all within 4 days. Any advice? The documentation he received after the colonoscopy said ulcerative colitis - but I was with him and the doctor didn't mention this at the time. Any advice? He's very worried.

[Sqad]

A man of 84 had a colonoscopy which showed polyps and an "irregular ulcer" almost certainly has bowel cancer.

The definitive diagnosis will depend upon the biopsy, but malignant disease is the first thing that comes to mind.

In an 84 year old there are other possibilities including ulcerative colitis, but there are "rank outsiders"

[anneasquith]

sorry to hear about your grandfather. i know of a very similar situation as his and and benign polyps werw diagnosed, hope all goes well for him at the hospital appointment

[mistymo]

Thanks - he's otherwise healthy - no weight loss etc. Fingers crossed!!

[Sqad]

mistymo....keep us informed.

[mistymo]

will do - seeing consultants on Tuesday and Wednesday and GP on Friday

[mistymo]

Well, saw the consultant today. The tumour is cancer but the polyp isn't. The scan showed that it hasn't spread thankfully, however he has to go for an ecg in the morning as they suspect he has aortic stenosis. So, two trips to the hospital tomorrow - one for the ecg and one to see the surgeon. Consultant was impressed by how active he is so hopefully that bodes well for any treatment they may be considering!

[mistymo]

Went for echocardiagram this morning but the results weren't back in time for us to see the surgeon this afternoon. Surgeon has scheduled operation to remove tumour and polyp on 14 Sept anyway - pending results of echocardiagram. Have to go for pre-op assessment tomorrow

[Sqad]

mistymo...have left you a post under Body and Soul or Health and fitness.
fao mistymo