Colonoscopy
What is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is an exam that looks at the large bowel or colon which is the distal part of our digestive system.
Under complete anesthesia, a small fiber optic camera is passed through the anus, and the whole colon is examined.
Why should I get a colonoscopy?
Colonoscopy is the best method to diagnose colon polyps and colon cancer. In many cases with a colonoscopy, we can find small polyps that can be removed during the colonoscopy which prevents them to become cancer in the future.
Who should get a colonoscopy?
Everyone, men, and women who are older than 45 years old should get a colonoscopy. If you have a first-degree family member with a history of colon cancer you might need to get a colonoscopy earlier than 45 years old.
If patients have symptoms like rectal bleeding and abdominal pain colonoscopy should be done immediately.
I don’t have symptoms or family members with colon cancer should I get a colonoscopy?
The great majority of newly diagnosed patients with colon cancer do not have any symptoms or family history of colon cancer. That’s why everyone who is older than 45 years old should get a colonoscopy.
Is the colonoscopy painful?
The colonoscopies are done when patients are fully asleep under deep sedation. It is a routine procedure that has minimal risks.
At The Center for colorectal disease of Arizona, we provide appointments as soon as today,