Which symptoms would most likely prompt a follow-up colonoscopy for a patient with a family history of colorectal cancer?

The presence of polyps is a significant factor that would likely prompt a follow-up colonoscopy, especially in a patient with a family history of colorectal cancer. Polyps are growths on the inner lining of the colon or rectum, and while many are benign, certain types can develop into cancer over time. For patients who have a family history of colorectal cancer, the risk is elevated, making it crucial to monitor any findings of polyps closely. Regular surveillance through colonoscopy can lead to earlier detection and removal of polyps, thereby potentially preventing the progression to colorectal cancer.

In patients with a family history, the guidelines usually advocate for more frequent screenings, including the removal and examination of any polyps during colonoscopy, to manage the risk proactively. This aligns well with current recommendations for heightened surveillance in at-risk populations, underscoring the importance of polyps as a prompt for follow-up procedures in this context.