What Can a Colonoscopy Detect Besides Colon Cancer?
Colonoscopy is well known as a screening test for colorectal cancer, but cancer screening is only one reason a gastroenterologist may recommend the procedure.
Because a colonoscopy allows your doctor to directly examine the lining of the rectum and colon, it can identify several types of abnormalities and help investigate gastrointestinal symptoms.
What Does a Colonoscopy Look For?
During a colonoscopy, a gastroenterologist uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to examine the inside of the rectum and colon.
In addition to colorectal cancer, a colonoscopy can identify:
1. Colon Polyps
Polyps are growths that form on the lining of the colon or rectum.
Most colon polyps are not cancerous. However, some types can develop into colorectal cancer over time.
One major advantage of colonoscopy is that your physician can often find and remove a polyp during the same procedure. The removed tissue can then be examined by a pathologist.
2. Inflammation
A colonoscopy can reveal areas of irritated, swollen, or inflamed tissue.
Depending on your symptoms and findings, your physician may take small tissue samples, known as biopsies, for further examination.
3. Ulcers
Ulcers can occur within the gastrointestinal tract. Colonoscopy allows a physician to see ulcers and other abnormalities affecting the lining of the colon.
4. Signs That May Help Diagnose Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Colonoscopy may be used as part of the evaluation for inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Your physician can examine the intestinal lining and take biopsies when appropriate.
5. Sources of Rectal Bleeding
Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding can have many possible causes.
A physician may recommend colonoscopy to investigate bleeding and look for abnormalities within the colon. Finding the cause is important because treatment depends on the underlying condition.
6. Causes of Changes in Bowel Habits
Colonoscopy isn't performed only for cancer screening.
Doctors may also use it to investigate persistent changes in bowel movements, including ongoing diarrhea or other significant changes in bowel habits.
7. Abnormal Tissue
If an area of tissue looks unusual during a colonoscopy, your physician can take a biopsy.
The tissue is then examined by a pathologist to help determine what the abnormality represents.
Can a Colonoscopy Detect Problems Before You Have Symptoms?
Yes.
That's one of the reasons colorectal cancer screening is so important. Colon polyps frequently cause no symptoms, and colorectal cancer may also develop before noticeable symptoms appear.
Screening allows doctors to look for these abnormalities in people who otherwise feel healthy.
Can Problems Be Treated During a Colonoscopy?
Some can.
If your gastroenterologist identifies a polyp, it can often be removed during the colonoscopy. Most colon cancers begin as polyps, so identifying and removing certain polyps can help prevent cancer from developing.
This ability to examine the colon, obtain biopsies, and remove polyps during the same procedure is one of the major advantages of colonoscopy.
When Might Your Doctor Recommend a Colonoscopy?
In addition to routine colorectal cancer screening, your physician may recommend a colonoscopy to investigate:
Rectal bleeding
Persistent changes in bowel movements
Chronic diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Unexplained weight loss
Previous abnormal colorectal cancer screening results
Your individual symptoms and medical history will determine whether colonoscopy is the appropriate test.
Colonoscopy in Smithtown, NY
A colonoscopy provides your physician with information about much more than colorectal cancer. It can help identify polyps, inflammation, ulcers, abnormal tissue, and possible causes of gastrointestinal symptoms.
Smithtown Ambulatory Surgical Center provides outpatient colonoscopy procedures for patients in Smithtown and surrounding Long Island communities.
If your gastroenterologist has recommended a colonoscopy, contact Smithtown ASC for information about scheduling and preparing for your procedure.
This article is for general educational purposes and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.