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Should I Go For Colonoscopy Inspite Of Having A Family History Of Precancerous Polyps?
Question: Hi - I have RA and I'm about to start Etanercept. Also taking methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine. There is a strong family history of colon cancer - grandmother uncle and aut had it and my dad has had pre-cancerous polyps removed on several occasions. I am 47 yrs old. Although I have no symptoms should I have a screening colonoscopy to check for polyps before commencing etanercept. Have been told it is linked with solid tumour proliferation
Brief answer....you must get the colonoscopy done
Detailed answer....
Hello,
Thanks for the query.
Even if you had not been put on ETANERCEPT,protocol says that you should be having regular colonoscopy done every five years starting from the age of 40 years,since your father had precancerous polyps removed.
It is very important for the regular screening for polyps because these don't produce any symptoms till they become very big and by that time it may be very late.
I hope it helps,however you may revert to me for any further query.
Best of luck
Thanks
Detailed answer....
Hello,
Thanks for the query.
Even if you had not been put on ETANERCEPT,protocol says that you should be having regular colonoscopy done every five years starting from the age of 40 years,since your father had precancerous polyps removed.
It is very important for the regular screening for polyps because these don't produce any symptoms till they become very big and by that time it may be very late.
I hope it helps,however you may revert to me for any further query.
Best of luck
Thanks
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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