Medical experts recommend colonoscopies once an individual hits 40 to detect colorectal cancer early and increase the chances of successful treatment. If you have a history of colorectal cancer or are above 40, you may benefit from a colonoscopy Katy at Imperial Digestive Health Specialists PLLC.
The essence of a colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a procedure that provides your doctor with imaging of your rectum and colon. The technique helps the Imperial Digestive Health Specialists PLLC team to examine and diagnose different gastrointestinal disorders like rectal cancer, ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticular disease, colon cancer, and colon polyps. If they identify a problem during the procedure, the specialists can administer therapy or repair it during the same appointment. For instance, if your provider identifies colon polyps, which are often precancerous, they remove the tissue immediately and test the tissue for cancer. The specialists recommend starting screening after turning 45 if you have no history of colorectal disease, and a colonoscopy is usually part of the screening. If you have a history of colorectal disease or rectal cancer, your provider may recommend beginning the screenings earlier. Your doctor may suggest a colonoscopy as a diagnostic test if you have blood in your stool, abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhea.
Colonoscopy myths to be wary about
Many people dislike colonoscopies for reasons best known to them, but this aversion often results in many people getting diagnosed with advanced colon cancer. A colonoscopy helps your doctor detect colorectal cancer in their early stages, increasing the chances of successful treatment. Many people don’t understand that colon is among the most preventable cancers, and a colonoscopy could be what they need to save their lives. Colonoscopy myths that may prevent you from seeking treatment include:
- It is painful
During a colonoscopy, your provider expands your colon using air and obtains a clear view of all the sides using an endoscope. You may experience cramping and pressure, but your specialist will administer a sedative to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
- The preparation solution is hard to take
In the past, people were requested to ingest a gallon of preparation solution to induce bowel movements and clean the colon. Drinking so much of that liquid can be discouraging, but nowadays, you only need to drink one quart of the preparation solution the night before and another quart on the morning of the procedure. If you can’t take the fluids, your provider may prescribe special pills to clean out your colon.
- The risks of colonoscopies outweigh the benefits.
Medical experts consider a colonoscopy a safe procedure; however, on rare occasions, the endoscope may puncture the wall of the rectum or colon, leading to perforation. This complication can only get better with surgery. However, studies show that the risk of perforation is one in every 10,000 patients.
- Colon cancer affects men only.
Colon cancer can affect anyone regardless of sex. Many people confuse prostate cancer with colorectal cancer, leading to the assumption that colon cancer only affects men.
Call the Imperial Digestive Health Specialists PLLC office for more information about colorectal cancer, or book an appointment online.
