Colonoscopy is an accurate test to identify diseases in early stages in the large intestine and prevent cancer. However, it is reasonable for a doctor to perform the analysis more often. The following content will be helpful for you to understand when it is necessary to opt for a colonoscopy and when you may need not have one.
Is It Really Necessary To Have A Colonoscopy?
A polyp, which is a grape-like growth in the rectum or colon is common among adults. It poses no harm. However, a few polyps, known as adenomas, turn into cancer with time. It is possible for a doctor to identify the same using colonoscopy and remove the polyps. Colonoscopy uses a flexible tube consisting of a camera to one end. The doctor passes it through the rectum through the colon until the tube reaches the large intestine. If the doctor is unable to find any presence of adenomas or any signs that pose a threat for the development of disease in the future, then you do not need a colonoscopy for at least a decade.
Even if the test did miss a few adenomas, the chances of growing the polyps into cancer are slow. Even if the doctor removes one or two small polyps during the procedure, it is unlikely that you will be developing cancer for the next 5 years. Therefore, repeating the test sooner will not provide any benefit. Considering this factor, you or anyone else need a colonoscopy once in a decade. However, for those who are suffering from serious polyps, they need to attend the test for more than once for the doctor to track the growth of the polyps and remove the same before they turn into cancer.
Risk Factors
You need not worry about the risk factors because colonoscopy is a safe examination procedure. However, occasionally, it may cause bleeding, inflammation, and tears in the colon. In certain situations, it can cause severe abdominal pain and problems for those suffering from heart or blood diseases. A few complications lead to surgery, hospitalization, blood transfusion, and rarely death. Additionally, you have to experience a few inconveniences before you can attend the colonoscopy. It is necessary for you to possess a clean colon to make a successful colonoscopy. To do this, the doctor will restrict your diet and ask you to consume laxatives beforehand. Furthermore, you may receive sedation, which again depends on the overall health and your willingness to undergo the test with or without sedation. In such cases, you have to bring in a company who can drive you home after the test.
Warranted for Colonoscopy
It is likely that an individual above 50 years can be screened for colon cancer. If the colonoscopy test turns negative, then the patient does not possess any risk factors, and the next screening test will be in a decade. However, in case the doctor removes one or two polyps during the initial screening, then it is necessary for the individual to repeat the test within the next five years. The second test will be helpful for the doctor to identify any further growths of the polyps, which may turn into cancer. If you are in pain because of inflammatory bowel disease, any underlying health disease, a family medical history of colon cancer, or other health conditions, it is preferable to speak with the doctor before the colonoscopy. If you cross 75 years of age, you no longer need routine checkups.
Conclusion
Colonoscopy provides accurate results about the health of the colon and rectum. The test will help the doctor to identify the growth of polyps and abnormalities.
Also Read:
- What Is A Colonoscopy Procedure & Why Do You Need To Do It?
- What are the Side Effects from a Colonoscopy?
- How Long Does It Take To Get A Colonoscopy?
- How Much Does It Cost To Get A Colonoscopy?
- What Not To Eat Before a Colonoscopy?
- How Long will it take to Recover from a Colonoscopy?
- Questions To Ask After Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is an accurate test to identify diseases in early stages in the large intestine and prevent cancer. However, it is reasonable for a doctor to perform the analysis more often. The following content will be helpful for you to understand when it is necessary to opt for a colonoscopy and when you may need not have one.
Is It Really Necessary To Have A Colonoscopy?
A polyp, which is a grape-like growth in the rectum or colon is common among adults. It poses no harm. However, a few polyps, known as adenomas, turn into cancer with time. It is possible for a doctor to identify the same using colonoscopy and remove the polyps. Colonoscopy uses a flexible tube consisting of a camera to one end. The doctor passes it through the rectum through the colon until the tube reaches the large intestine. If the doctor is unable to find any presence of adenomas or any signs that pose a threat for the development of disease in the future, then you do not need a colonoscopy for at least a decade.
Even if the test did miss a few adenomas, the chances of growing the polyps into cancer are slow. Even if the doctor removes one or two small polyps during the procedure, it is unlikely that you will be developing cancer for the next five years. Therefore, repeating the test sooner will not provide any benefit. Considering this factor, you or anyone else need a colonoscopy once in a decade. However, for those who are suffering from serious polyps, they need to attend the test for more than once for the doctor to track the growth of the polyps and remove the same before they turn into cancer.
Risk Factors
You need not worry about the risk factors because colonoscopy is a safe examination procedure. However, occasionally, it may cause bleeding, inflammation, and tears in the colon. In certain situations, it can cause severe abdominal pain and problems for those suffering from heart or blood diseases. A few complications lead to surgery, hospitalization, blood transfusion, and rarely death. Additionally, you have to experience a few inconveniences before you can attend the colonoscopy. It is necessary for you to possess a clean colon to make a successful colonoscopy. To do this, the doctor will restrict your diet and ask you to consume laxatives beforehand. Furthermore, you may receive sedation, which again depends on the overall health and your willingness to undergo the test with or without sedation. In such cases, you have to bring in a company who can drive you home after the test.
Warranted for Colonoscopy
It is likely that an individual above 50 years can screen for colon cancer. If the colonoscopy test turns positive, then he or she does not possess any risk factors, and the next screening test will be in a decade. However, in case the doctor removes one or two polyps during the initial screening, then it is necessary for the individual to repeat the test within the next five years. The second test will be helpful for the doctor to identify any further growths of the polyps, which may turn into cancer. If you are in pain because of inflammatory bowel disease, any underlying health disease, a family medical history of colon cancer, or other health conditions, it is preferable to speak with the doctor before the colonoscopy. If you cross 75 years of age, you no longer need routine checkups.
Conclusion
Colonoscopy provides accurate results about the health of the colon and rectum. The test will help the doctor to identify the growth of polyps and abnormalities.
Also Read:
- What Is A Colonoscopy Procedure & Why Do You Need To Do It?
- What are the Side Effects from a Colonoscopy?
- How Long Does It Take To Get A Colonoscopy?
- How Much Does It Cost To Get A Colonoscopy?
- What Not To Eat Before a Colonoscopy?
- How Long will it take to Recover from a Colonoscopy?
- Questions To Ask After Colonoscopy
