What is colonoscopy? |
Colonoscopy is a safe, effective method of examining the full lining of the colon and rectum, using a long, flexible, tubular instrument. It is used to diagnose colon and rectum problems and to perform biopsies and remove colon polyps. Most colonoscopies are done on an outpatient basis with minimal inconvenience and discomfort.
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Who should have a colonoscopy? |
Colonoscopy is routinely recommended to adults 50 years of age or older as part of a colorectal cancer screening program. Patients with a family history of colon or rectal cancer may have their colonoscopy at age 40. Your physician may also recommend a colonoscopy exam if you have change in bowel habit or bleeding, indicating a possible problem in the colon or rectum.
A colonoscopy may be necessary to:
- check unexplained abdominal symptoms
- check inflammatory bowel disease (colitis)
- verify findings of polyps or tumors located with a barium enema exam
- examine patients who test positive for blood in the stool
- monitor patients with a personal or family history of colon polyps or cancer
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How is colonoscopy performed? |
The bowel must first be thoroughly cleared of all residue before a colonoscopy. This is done one to two days before the exam with a preparation prescribed by your physician.
Many patients receive intravenous sedation, or “twilight sleep” for this procedure. The colonoscope is inserted into the rectum and is advanced to the portion of the colon where the small intestine joins the colon. During a complete examination of the bowel, your physician will remove polyps or take biopsies as necessary.
The entire procedure usually takes less than an hour. Most patients can resume their regular diet and activities the same day.
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What are the benefits of colonoscopy? |
Colonoscopy is more accurate than an x-ray exam of the colon to detect polyps or early cancer.
With colonoscopy, it is now possible to detect and remove most polyps without abdominal surgery. Removing polyps is an important step in the prevention of colon cancer.
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What is colorectal cancer? |
Colorectal cancer is a term used to refer to cancer that develops in the colon or the rectum. these cancers are sometimes referred to separately as colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on where they start.
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What causes colorectal cancer? |
The cause of colorectal cancer is unknown. However knowing the risk factors for colon cancer is an important step in prevention.
Colorectal cancer risk factors include:
- A diet that includes foods high in fat, especially from animal sources
- Physical inactivity
- Aging (about 90 percent of people with colon cancer are over 50)
- Smoking and alcohol use
- A history of intestinal polyps
- Ulcerative colitis or Crohns disease
- A family history of colon cancer
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When should I get screened? |
Screening for most people should begin at age 50, but those who are at moderate or high risk for colorectal cancer may need to begin screening earlier. More frequent exams should be performed if polyps are found.
Talk to your doctor about which screening method is best for you.
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What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer? |
Most people with early colon cancer do not have symptoms. Symptoms usually appear with more advanced disease.
Signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer:
- anemia
- a change in bowel habits such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool that lasts for more than a few days
- a feeling that you need to have a bowel movement that does not go away after doing so
- rectal bleeding
- cramping or stomach pain
- weakness and tiredness
- unexplained weight loss
Most of these symptoms are more likely to be caused by something other than colorectal cancer. Still, if you have any of these problems, it is important to see your doctor right away so the cause can be found and treated, if needed. Detecting colorectal cancer early may save your life.
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What questions should I ask my doctor? |
If you have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, here are some questions that you might want to ask your doctor:
Would you please write down the exact kind of cancer I have?
Where is my cancer located?
Has it spread beyond the place where it began?
What is the stage of my cancer, and what does that mean in my case?
What treatment choices do I have?
What treatment do you suggest and why?
What is the goal of this treatment?
What risks or side effects are there to the treatments you suggest?
What can I do to reduce the side effects of treatment?
Will I need a colostomy? Will it be permanent?
What are the chances my cancer will come back with these treatment plans? What would we do if that happens?
If I lose my hair, what can I do about it?
What should I do to be ready for treatment?
Should I follow a special diet?
What type of follow-up will I need after treatment?
Source: American Cancer Society
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