When polyps are removed from the colon are they checked immediately?

Not likely...: Unless there is a pathologist on site, the polyps undergo a process of fixation, staining, sectioning, and interpretation. Most experienced gastroenterologists can tell you with about 90% accuracy whether a removed polyp carries the risk of cancer and whether further intervention is required in the event the polyp may be large or invasive.

Not usually: Polyps are usually sent to a pthology lab, where they are processed, fixed in preservative, cut, stained and then 'read' by a pathologist. This takes time, especially if you want them to be accurate in their diagnosis, but depending on the size, location, lab, etc, the results are usually back in 3-7 days. Ask your doc how long his specimens usually take to get an idea as it varies widely.