if you have a colonoscopy what are they looking for?

Question

what are the cause for havinga colonoscopy...... why would you have one........ what are some of the possible outcomes????

Answer 1

COLONOSCOPY
What are they looking for?

1. Inflamed tissue
2. Abnormal growths
3. Ulcers
4. Early signs of cancer in the colon
5. Early signs of cancer in the rectum

What are the causes for having a colonoscopy?

1. The causes for any changes in bowel habits
2. The causes for abdominal pain
3. The causes for rectal bleeding
4. The causes for weight loss

Possible outcomes?

1. Surgery to remove any tumor found
2. Simple operation to remove small polyps
3. Major surgery to remove any cancer found in the colon or rectum or more far-reaching surgery of other organs
4. Bowel resection
5. Colostomy
7. Radiation therapy
8. Chemotherapy
9. Peace of mind

A Colonoscopy today is a relatively simple procedure that can be done under general anesthesia, pain free.

Answer 2

One gets 'scoped for a variety of reasons.

The main reason is to check for colon cancer and other cancers of the lower digestive tract. Since there are few outward signs of colon cancer, apart from excretory evidence, the scope is the only way to find cancer and precancerous growths and markers.

From Wikipedia:

Indications for colonoscopy include gastrointestinal hemorrhage, unexplained changes in bowel habit or suspicion of malignancy. Colonoscopies are also frequently used to diagnose inflammatory bowel disease.

It's become a recommended test for people above 50.

The colonoscopy also allows for samples to be extracted from questionable formations in the colon. Polyps can be cut off, for example, and growths can be biopsied to detect cancer.

Colonoscopy is a very effective tool, and it's minimally invasive (though the procedure does have a serious prep time and you're not walking out of the hospital).

Answer 3

Its done routinely for people over 40 or fifty in many countries as a screening test for cancer and thed polyps that often come before cancer. Otherwise it is done as an investigation for things like abdominal pain, bleeding or changed bowl habits.

Outcomes: Normal, polyps found and removed, meed for surgery to remove a polyp, growth or obstruction (rare). Also woth saying that between 1 in 50 to 1:200 have complications and either need surgury to repair damage caused or have to be hospitalised to sort out excessive blood loss. Infections can also occur and in 1:1000 (source UK NHS study) death can result.

Answer 4

colon cancer runs in my family so I have to have one done every 5 years. Other reasons for having one if you've been having problems with your bowls they'll take a look. They're looking for polyps, any obstruction, checking for colon cancer or diverticulitis.
The procedure is harmless they give u a light anesthetic just so u r comfortable the hard part is the day before the prep for it.
I was awake and watched them on the screen. There is no pain atleast I've never experienced any.

Answer 5

Typically they look for little polyps,ulcers, tumors, or bleeding. During a colonoscopy they collect tissue samples, they can remove any abnormal growths, basically just look around.
If any sample tissues are taken, they are sent to a Pathology lab and tested, either cancerous or non-cancerous.
And it's usually just used to check for Cancer, maybe digestive problems, or constipation.

Answer 6

Are you having a colonoscopy? How old are you? I know where you can watch free 10 minute video on this subject. Really helps you feel more comfortable about having it done. Contact me for more info.

Answer 7

Usually when you are in your 50's it is recommended to have one at least every year or 2. They look for tumors or cancerous growth's.

Answer 8

Usually an obstruction, ulcer or colon cancer.

Answer 9

generally polyps which can become cancerous if not removed. If you have them, they are removed and tested for cancer.