What does a doctor look for in a colonoscopy?

What does a doctor look for in a colonoscopy?

Your doctor will gently push the tube inside your colon and take pictures along the way. He will pump small amounts of air inside your colon to keep it open while the tube is in place. The doctor will be looking for polyps (small growths on the colon) that could turn into cancer with enough time.

What is the most common reason people don’t get a colonoscopy?

The most common reason people give for not having a colonoscopy is that their doctor never mentioned the test to them (the second reason is the bowel prep). So, if your doctor is advising you to get this test, you’re already ahead of the game.

Can a colonoscopy still cause you to get cancer?

A research study in 2006 concluded this fact that almost all of the patients developed colorectal cancer even though they have removed their polyps. Colonoscopy is a highly profitable business that just makes doctors and pharmaceutical companies rich.

When is the best time to have a colonoscopy?

For people at average risk of colon cancer, colonoscopy is recommended as a screening test at age 50 and every 10 years thereafter until age 75. It is often recommended for younger people or more frequently for those who notice blood in their stool, have unexplained anemia or a change in bowel habits,…

What should my stool look like before a colonoscopy?

Your stool should be clear, yellow, light and liquid. The presence of dark particles or thick brown or black stool means you are not ready for colonoscopy. If your stool is not clear after taking your entire bowel prep agent, you may need additional prep agent.

How is a colonoscopy used to check for cancer?

A colonoscopy lets your doctor check the insides of your colon and rectum for cancer and polyps — growths that can be early signs of cancer. It saves lives, so follow your doctor’s recommendations on when to have one. They’ll give you a sedative to put you to sleep and use a long, flexible tube to look inside your colon.

What happens to your colon after a colonoscopy?

All these things can move and stretch your colon, so you might feel uncomfortable for a day or two after the exam. You may also feel nauseous and might even throw up. These symptoms usually aren’t dangerous, but if you have vomited or are in pain, call your doctor right away.

When to call the doctor after a colonoscopy?

You could notice blood from your rectum or in your poop after a colonoscopy. Most of the time, this happens because your doctor had to take a tissue sample or remove a polyp. Call them as soon as possible if the bleeding won’t stop or if there’s a lot of blood.