Colonoscopy is an exam that lets the doctor closely look at the inside the entire colon and rectum to find the polyps or signs of cancer. Polyps are small growths that become cancer over time. It can happen to both men and women. The doctor uses a flexible, hollow, lighted tube that has a tiny video camera on top of it. It is known as colonoscopy that is gently moved inside the colon and gives a picture on the TV screen.
Screening is for people without symptoms too. There are patients who experience bleeding in the rectum, changes in their bowel habits, abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss, should seek medical attention, even if they are currently following screening guidelines.
Colonoscopy detects polyps, an abnormal growth found on the lining of the large intestine. Polyps are typically non-cancerous. When there is bleeding out of the anus, it may be a sign of colon cancer. Still, it may not be too late to get the procedure and get rid of the cancerous tissues. On average, colon cancer takes around 10 years at least to become cancerous. During a colonoscopy, the doctor removes polyps, preventing them from becoming cancerous. Timely colon screenings are the best prevention of colorectal cancer.
Most people feel discomfort only during screening. Specialists are able to remove potentially cancerous polys during colonoscopy. It is the procedure which combines detection and primary prevention. Here are five must-know facts about colonoscopy.
1. Colonoscopy saves lives
A colonoscopy is a common procedure. You must not be embarrassed to share the problem with the doctor. The doctors who treat the colon are highly trained. Although the procedure may seem invasive, it is necessary for preventing colorectal cancer. So do not be embarrassed, it can save lives. The procedure takes 30-60 minutes.
2. Preparation for colonoscopy is critical
For colonoscopy to be successful, emptying the contents from the colon is essential. To clean the colon before the colonoscopy, a doctor will give you a liquid laxative that will empty the colon. Although laxative portion generally starts a day before the test, it is important to review the bowel preparation instructions at least a week prior to the test to make the dietary changes. The dietary changes include moving to a low-fiber diet that includes nuts, whole grains. The preparation may seem too much, but it is minimal when it comes to preventing colorectal cancer.
3. For most of the patients, colonoscopy is not painful
Some people are anxious about colonoscopy and very few experiences the discomfort during the procedure. The doctor gives conscious sedation so that the patient sleeps through the entire procedure. Most of the patients opt for it and wake up fresh and with no memory of the procedure.
4. It is the procedure which offers both detection and prevention
If the doctor finds any polyp during the test, they will remove them during colonoscopy. Other procedures are focused on preventing death from cancer, whereas a colonoscopy is a procedure that prevents the development of cancer.
5. Most people should begin colon cancer screening at the age of 45 and repeat the process every 10 years
The screening should start at age 45, for average-risk individuals. This is based on the rate of colorectal cancer in varying age groups, which begins to increase significantly after 50 years of age. Screening should be done early for people with a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps.
Other things you must know about colonoscopy include:
- The inner lining of the colon is checked first as the cancerous cells tend to grow mostly in that area.
- In some cases, a fecal test is suggested by the doctor as a colonoscopy cannot be performed. If the doctor finds the symptoms of possible cancer, they would perform a colonoscopy.
- Polyps can be removed making without any incision as they are found during the procedure.
- The risk of complications is very low during colonoscopy.
If a polyp is not removed completely by colonoscopy and the biopsy results are completely non-cancerous, another colonoscopy should be done in 3-6 months. Every effort should be made to remove polyps, as there is a significant risk that over time they can progress to invasive cancer. If a polyp cannot be removed with colonoscopy, the doctor suggests surgery to remove that portion of the colon.
Advanced Health Care 