What Should You Learn About Colonoscopy Before A Doctor?

What Should You Learn About Colonoscopy Before A Doctor?

A colonoscopy is a specialized test performed by a medical practitioner to identify the changes like swollen or irritated tissues, polyps, or cancer in the colon and rectum. During this examination, a long and flexible tube often referred to as a colonoscope, is inserted into a patient’s rectum.

A colonoscope has a tiny video camera at its tip that helps a doctor get an inside view of the colon. During this test, a doctor can even remove the polyps or other types of abnormal tissue (if necessary). In addition, a specialist or doctor can take samples of abnormal tissues for further investigation.

Are you also planning to undergo this test? If so, you can schedule your appointment with a colonoscopy specialist at L.I. Medical Group now! Get accurate test results and expect the best medical care from our experts.

Why is a colonoscopy done?

Usually, a doctor can recommend a colonoscopy to:

Investigate signs and symptoms of intestinal problems-

This test can help your healthcare provider know about the causes of your symptoms, such as chronic diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, or other intestinal problems.

Screen for colon cancer-

If you’re 45 or more years old and at risk of colon cancer, your doctor might suggest you go for this test. It is best to get this test at least once after 10 years.

Look for more polyps-

If you have had polyps in the past, your doctor may recommend this test to look for additional polyps. In case he observes any polyp, he will remove it. The polyp removal procedure is performed to reduce the risk of developing colon cancer.

Offer treatment for any issue-

Sometimes, this exam may be done for treatment purposes. For example- a doctor can perform a colonoscopy to place a stent or remove any tissue or object present in your colon.

Signs that show you need a colonoscopy test

If you experience any of the following symptoms for a long time, your doctor might recommend you go for a colonoscopy.

• Persistent abdominal pain
• Visible bloating
• Issues with bowel movement. For example- constipation or diarrhea, etc
• Unexplained weight loss
• Rectal bleeding
• Feeling like your bowel isn’t emptying completely
• Stomach cramps
• Chronic fatigue
• Change in bowel habits
• Anemia

These are some of the signs of abnormal functioning of the large intestine. Therefore, it is advisable to watch out for these symptoms. If you experience any of the above-listed signs and discomforts for more than 10 days, look no further and get the colonoscopy test done by specialists at a well-renowned medical care center.

Results of colonoscopy test

Your healthcare provider will review the results of the colonoscopy test.
In case the result is Negative, there is no need to worry! This test is considered negative only when a doctor doesn’t observe any abnormalities in your colon. But he may recommend you to have another colonoscopy test within 1-7 or 10 years, depending on your risk for developing any colon issues.

And if the result is Positive, you have polyps or abnormal tissues in your colon.

Most polyps aren’t cancerous. However, some can become cancerous. Your doctor will remove the polyps or abnormal tissues from your colon and send them to a laboratory for further analysis. The laboratory analysis results can help doctors determine whether the polyps are cancerous, precancerous, or non-cancerous.

Your doctor will advise you to go for another colonoscopy sooner in case you have the following:

• More than two polyps in your colon.
• A large-sized (1 cm or larger) polyp.
• Residual stool in the colon, due to which your doctor becomes unable to get a clear view of your colon.
• Polyps with specific cell characteristics, similar to cancer.
• Cancerous polyps.