Your routine health checkup was proceeding smoothly. You had a detailed conversation about the changes in your health! Recent laboratory tests make you happy and celebrate your birthday even in a better way. You believed that the doctor’s visit for health might come to an end. However, your doctor broaches the subject that you have been apprehensive about arranging your initial colonoscopy screening.
What is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is commonly used in colorectal cancer screenings., It is a medical examination that involves a thorough examination of the large intestine. It is a medical examination that involves a thorough examination of the large intestine.
However many people feel embarrassed or afraid when faced with the procedure. During a colonoscopy, a specialist doctor examines the lining of your colon for any abnormal tissue growths called polyps. If left untreated could invite potentially cancerous situations.
The colonoscope is a flexible plastic tube equipped with a small digital camera and light at one end, which is used during the colonoscopy procedure. It is an effective method for detecting colon polyps or bowel cancer, as well as aiding in the diagnosis of symptoms like unexplained diarrhoea, abdominal pain, or blood in the stool. Additionally, it allows for the removal of early cancers and polyps during the same procedure.
Though colon cancer may not produce visible symptoms in its early stages, routine colonoscopy screenings can detect and remove polyps before they become cancerous. A colonoscopy allows a specialist to carefully guide a camera-equipped instrument through the colon to closely inspect its lining for any signs of cancer or precancerous growth. This minimally invasive procedure provides a magnified view of the colon via a monitor, helping doctors find and remove dangerous polyps even when there are no outward symptoms.
Early-stage colorectal cancer typically does not show symptoms, which is why colonoscopies play such a vital role. By using colonoscopies to examine the colon and rectum where cancer begins, doctors can detect and treat cancerous and precancerous cells early. Following colorectal cancer screening guidelines and getting recommended colonoscopies saves lives by finding colorectal cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages. Colonoscopies are also used as a diagnostic tool when people have concerning symptoms.
A colonoscopy can detect a variety of conditions, including cancer as well as other issues like diverticulosis, diverticulitis, intestinal infections, and inflammatory bowel disease!
Signs that you may need a diagnostic colonoscopy
Screening colonoscopies are preventive care for asymptomatic people, but a doctor may recommend a diagnostic colonoscopy to determine the cause of colorectal symptoms such as:
- Persistent abdominal pain, cramps or gas
- Frequent indigestion
- Alterations in your gastrointestinal patterns, such as persistent constipation or diarrhoea
- Abnormal stool colour or unusual appearance of faeces regularly.
- Blood in your stool
- bleeding from the rectum
- pus or mucus in the stools
- Unexplained weight loss
- unexplained abdominal pain
A colonoscopy screening can find colon and rectal cancers early when treatment is most effective. A single colonoscopy can provide years of assurance. Most people can safely wait 10 years between colonoscopies.
Conclusion
Colonoscopies save lives by detecting colon polyps and removing them before they become cancerous. If you have concerns, consult the expert endoscopists at Crest Surgical Practice in Singapore. They can explain the value of colonoscopies for assessing colon health and determining if you need one. So don’t delay, schedule today.
1 comment on “What is a colonoscopy and the Signs that need a colonoscopy diagnostic”
Thank you for the valuable information about colonoscopies and their importance in colorectal health. It’s reassuring to know that routine screenings can detect and prevent colon cancer by identifying polyps early. The detailed explanation of the procedure and its role in diagnosing various gastrointestinal conditions provides a clear understanding of why colonoscopies are crucial for maintaining health and preventing serious illnesses. This blog serves as a helpful resource for anyone considering or needing more information about colonoscopies.