The American Cancer Society expects more than 100,000 new cases of colon cancer this year. Avoid being part of that number by having a colonoscopy. Screenings for colon cancer should start at age 50. Screenings start earlier if there’s a family history of cancer. Schedule a consultation with Gastroenterology Physicians Petal MS to learn what’s involved.
What Is Colon Cancer?
Colon cancer is cancer of the large intestine. Usually, the cancer starts as a group of cells that form a growth called a polyp. Polyps are removed during the colonoscopy and checked for cancer cells. Colon cancer symptoms include changes in bowel movements and blood in the stools. Further, many patients have pain in the abdomen, dizziness and weight loss.
How To Prepare For The Colonoscopy
The colon must be cleaned before the screening test. Gastroenterology Physicians in Petal MS give patients written instructions. Patients follow a clear liquid diet the day before the test. The diet includes broth, clear drinks like ginger ale and popsicles. In addition, patients take a bowel prep solution. This strong laxative helps to clean the large intestine. Further, patients must stop taking baby aspirin or blood thinners a few days before the test.
The Test
A colonoscopy is an out-patient procedure done at a hospital or surgery center. Patients are sedated so they will need someone to drive them home. Patients lie on the side and the doctor inserts a long, thin tube which is attached to a video camera. Air is pumped into the body to inflate the colon. This gives the doctor a better view on the nearby monitor. They’ll look for polyps, lesions and anything abnormal.
Doctors can tell a lot by examining the colon. For instance, many cases of diverticulitis are found this way. Diverticula are pockets that develop in the lining of the intestine. An infection may develop if food particles get trapped in the pockets.
Patients wake up shortly after the procedure and begin to expel the trapped gas. Additionally, expect to be sleepy for the rest of the day. Resume a normal diet and report any bleeding or discomfort to the doctor. For more information, visit Hattiesburg G.I. Associates at hgia.net.
