Colonoscopy is a method in which a doctor uses a colonoscope or scope, to look inside your rectum and colon.
How is virtual colonoscopy different from colonoscopy?
Implicit colonoscopy and colonoscopy are different in several ways:
- Implicit colonoscopy is an x-ray test, takes less time, and you don’t need anesthesia.
- With implicit colonoscopy, your doctor doesn’t view the entire length of your colon.
- Implicit colonoscopy may not find certain polyps as easily as a colonoscopy can.
- Doctors can’t remove polyps or treat certain other problems during an implicit colonoscopy.
- Your health insurance coverage may be different for the two methods.
Why do doctors use colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy can help a doctor discover the cause of symptoms, such as
- bleeding from your anus
- changes in your bowel activity, such as diarrhea
- pain in your abdomen
- unexplained weight loss
Doctors also use colonoscopy as a screening device for colon polyps and cancer. Screening is examining for diseases when you have no signs. Screening may detect diseases at an initial stage when a doctor has a greater chance of correcting the disease.
Screening for Colon and Rectal Cancer
Your doctor will suggest screening for colon and rectal cancer —also called colorectal cancer—starting at age 50 if you don’t have health difficulties or risk factors that make you more likely to improve colon cancer.
You have a chance for colorectal cancer if you
- are male
- are African American
- or anyone in your house has had polyps or colorectal cancer
- have a private history of inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease
- have Lynch syndrome, or different genetic disease that enhances the risk of colorectal cancer
- have other circumstances, such as that you weight too much or smoke cigarettes
If you are more likely to improve colorectal cancer, your doctor may prescribe screening at a younger age, and more often.
If you are greater than age 75, discuss with your doctor about whether you should be screened. For more information, Visit Mediliv Hospital Contact Dr. Sharad Deshmukh is one of the best gastroenterologist in Nashik.