What will colonoscopy diagnose

If the diagnosis is cancer, these results also help the doctor describe the cancer. This is called staging. The next section in this guide is Stages.

It explains the system doctors use to describe the extent of the disease. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide. Colorectal Cancer: Diagnosis Approved by the Cancer. How colorectal cancer is diagnosed There are many tests used for diagnosing colorectal cancer. Your doctor may consider these factors when choosing a diagnostic test: The type of cancer suspected Your signs and symptoms Your age and general health Your medical and family history The results of earlier medical tests In addition to a physical examination, the following tests may be used to diagnose colorectal cancer.

Types of Cancer. Colorectal Cancer Guide. Net Guide Colorectal Cancer. Medical Illustrations. Risk Factors and Prevention.

Symptoms and Signs. Types of Treatment. About Clinical Trials. Latest Research. Coping with Treatment. Follow-Up Care. Questions to Ask the Health Care Team. Additional Resources. View All Pages. This makes it the 2 nd leading cause of cancer-related death in the US. So, you should be familiar with colonoscopy if you aren't already. That's the test during which a doctor places a flexible tube through the rectum into the colon to look for polyps, tumors or other problems.

As awful as it may sound, it's usually well-tolerated: you're sedated for the procedure and often people don't even remember having it. We're lucky to have such a good screening test for colon cancer - colonoscopy can not only detect tumors while they're curable, but it can identify precancerous polyps which can be removed before they become cancerous. For people at average risk of colon cancer, colonoscopy is usually recommended as a screening test at age 50 or age 45, according to the American Cancer Society.

You may be offered a drink and something light to eat about one hour after you are fully awake. Usually you can go home after about four hours. Complications of colonoscopy Colonoscopy is a safe procedure, although complications may rarely occur.

These include: excessive bleeding perforation or puncture of the colon wall. Taking care of yourself at home Be advised by your doctor, but general suggestions include: You should not drive yourself home after a colonoscopy procedure, due to the effects of the medications that are given.

Don't consume alcohol, as it may interact with the medications. Follow all dietary suggestions. Long-term outlook after colonoscopy Any abdominal bloating, pain and flatulence will resolve within a couple of days. These symptoms are caused by the gas that is pumped into the colon during the procedure.

You will need to see your doctor again to discuss the results of your colonoscopy. Treatment depends on the diagnosis.

Tests other than colonoscopy There are alternative tests to colonoscopy, but they aren't always appropriate. Sometimes, these tests are done in conjunction with colonoscopy, because of the extra information they provide.

These tests can include: CT colonography — a special CT scan designed particularly to look at the colon. This is commonly used if the colonoscopy is incomplete. CT scan — this test can look at other structures in the abdomen although it is not a very sensitive test to look at the colon.

Sigmoidoscopy — this is a similar procedure to the colonoscopy, except the sigmoidoscope is much shorter. The device can't access past the sigmoid colon, which is the section of bowel that joins directly to the rectum. Where to get help Your doctor Gastroenterologist. In fact, colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths.

Your gastroenterologists at Comprehensive Digestive Institute of Nevada in Las Vegas want to share the facts about endoscopies and colonoscopies. An endoscopy uses a thin flexible tube with a camera attached. The tube is inserted through your mouth and slowly lowered to view your esophagus, stomach and small intestine. Endoscopies are a vital tool to detect:.

A colonoscopy is similar to an endoscopy, and often the two procedures are done together under anesthesia. A colonoscopy examines the lower half of your digestive system, your large intestine.

A colonoscopy is performed to detect:.