Colonoscopy is a kind of medical examination of the large intestine, and it mainly helps to collect important information about the state of the person’s gastrointestinal tract. It is one of the most routine screening tests, especially for those who have a family history of colon cancer or exhibit other symptoms such as changes in bowel movement, loss of weight, among others, and incessant stomach pain. A colonoscopy scan employs a flexible tube with a built-in compact camera called the colonoscope to examine polyps, tumors, or signs of inflammation. The procedure is essential in screening, diagnosing, and preventing major gastrointestinal illnesses, especially colon cancer.
What do you think the Colonoscopy Procedure involves?
This colonoscopy process is less invasive and normally takes approximately half an hour of the period assigned to it. The procedure involves the passage of a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light on its end (colonoscope) into the colon through the rectum. This enables the doctor to examine the lining of the colon to determine whether it is diseased, inflamed, or contains growths. In some cases, it may be possible to take small pieces of tissue (biopsies) for further examination, and any growths, such as polyps, that need to be removed can often be done at the same time. The operation is usually done under anesthetic, particularly because the patient would feel uncomfortable most of the time, but the procedure is generally well-endowed by people.
A study in the American Journal of Gastroenterology (2020) establishes that colonoscopy remains the best method of screening for colon cancer because it accurately identifies pre-cancerous changes that may lead to cancer, especially in the initial stages.
Why is a Colonoscopy scan needed to diagnose Colon Cancer?
A colonoscopy scan is another effective method through which colon cancer is most often diagnosed at an early stage. Colon cancer begins with a polyp that forms in the colon wall and may then actually take years to develop into a malignant growth. As these polyps develop into colon cancer, doctors can conduct colonoscopy tests, assess them, and remove them before growing any larger. The American Cancer Society (2023) noted that colon cancer currently ranks as the third most prevalent type of cancer for both males and females. Still, when detected early enough, the chances of treatment and survival are boosted. Annual colonoscopy screenings are suggested for anyone 50 and older or for those individuals who have other risk factors, such as a family history of colon cancer or other types of cancer.
What Is a Colonoscopy Procedure? How does it work, and how do you prepare for it?
To perform this procedure, patients need to adhere to certain preparations that prepare the colon for the procedure and clear it of any content. There is usually a preparation where a patient does not eat anything for 24 hours before the intervention and then takes a solution that is supposed to clear the bowel out. The result of this solution is loose stool to wash out any remaining stool in the colons for a colonoscopy process.
The patient is administered a preoperative sedative to reduce patient discomfort. The colonoscope is then passed into the rectum and slowly advanced through the colon, and the doctor observes images on a screen. However, like any other procedure, patients sorely complain of some degree of bloating or slight cramps caused by the air that is used to distend the colon as a means of getting a better view of the colon lining. During the recovery process from the sedative administered, patients are observed before being discharged, and the majority go home on the same day.
What are the risks or complications of Colonoscopy?
In most cases, colonoscopy is safe, but the procedure has potential risks that can develop after the colonoscopy procedure is performed. These may include the following: bleeding if, for instance, a biopsy was done or a polyp was then removed, or a very negligible risk of perforation, this being a tear in the colon wall. Other possible hazards that may arise because of the procedure include infection or allergic reactions to the sedation done to the patient during the procedure. However, such complications are very rare, and the general risk is low, provided an experienced gastroenterologist undertakes the procedure.
A study published in the Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology in 2020 shows that the probability of Colon Cancer complications is very low between 0.1% and 0.3%. The adverse effects of colon cancer early detection seem minuscule compared to the advantages of colonoscopy, so it is an important preventive measure.
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Conclusion
A colonoscopy is a useful medical procedure that has a significant role in diagnosing and preventing colon cancer. With the colonoscopy scan, doctors can see such things as polyps or tumors, which, being unseen initially, can only later reveal symptoms of their existence. The colonoscopy procedure is minimally invasive and relatively safe for most patients, but for the process to be effective, the necessary preparations need to be made. It is advised that persons presenting high-risk factors for developing colon cancer should undergo screenings, including age above 50 years and family history of the disease. Screening through colonoscopy has been proven to save lives, hence being an exceptional discovery in the current health systems. In this generation, VisScan provides the best colonoscopy services through quality equipment and well-trained service providers who can help clients catch their sickness early and take the necessary precautions.
