Colonoscopies
Colonoscopies
are very common procedures that help to detect cancer of the
intestine.
Basically
this is a special camera inside of a flexible tube that is inserted
into the large intestine. A Gastroenterologist, specialist inintestine and stomach disorders, is usually the doctor will perform
the test.
The
test itself is done in a hospital or surgery center. It is
recommended for all men and women over the age of 50. It is
recommended at younger ages if you have a family history of any type
of intestinal or colon cancer. Other conditions can also be diagnosed
through a colonoscopy including alternative colitis or Crohn's
disease.
Your
doctor will give you a bowel prep to drink the night before. This
allows your intestine to be clean and free of any stool that would
affect the testing.
Your
doctor will give you anesthesia or sedation and you will not remember
any portion of the test. A colonoscopy is not painful, however you
may have some cramping sensations afterward.
The
camera will examine the large intestine to determine if there is any
bleeding, abnormal tissue, or polyps. A polyp is an overgrowth of the
intestinal skin into a mushroom shape. Polyps are linked with cancer
and will be removed during the colonoscopy. This procedure is called
a biopsy. The polyp sample is then sent to a special laboratory for
additional testing.
If there is cancer in the polyp, your doctor will
discuss treatment options. If your test is normal, you will not be
required to do another colonoscopVV N y for 10 years. Most cancers
grow very slowly in the intestine. Therefore early detection is the
best way to prevent complications and extensive surgery later in
life.
If
you have a family history of intestinal problems, you are recommended
to have a colonoscopy soon. Talk with your doctor today. It may save
your life.
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