A colonoscopy can sometimes reveal abnormalities. The camera on the colonoscope allows the doctor to clearly view the inside of the colon to inspect for abnormalities such as polyps, bleeding, inflammation, or other changes in the colon lining. Many individuals feel uneasy when it comes to their colonoscopies since they are unaware of what goes on during the procedure and what the doctors should see. Knowledge of the procedure will help you know what to expect. This paper will discuss how the colon is examined through colonoscopy, why there are polyps, and the need for follow-up.

What Is a Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is the process that entails the use of a flexible tube known as the colonoscope. The colonoscope is fitted with a small camera and light to enable the practitioner to visualize the colon lining.

As compared to an imaging test, a traditional colonoscopy requires the insertion of the colonoscope through the rectum in order to inspect the colon from the inside. Colonoscopy may be done using drugs to relax the patient.

Prior to carrying out the examination, the colon should be cleaned up. This may require the patient to follow a special diet and bowel preparation before the procedure.

Why Is a Colonoscopy Performed?

A colonoscopy is one of many reasons. This can either be done as a screening test for colorectal cancer or because of symptoms like rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, or iron deficiency anemia that cannot be explained.

The advantage of this test is that the polyps found during colonoscopy can be removed at once. Removal of some types of polyps stops them from becoming cancerous.

What Happens During the Examination?

In the process of colonoscopy, the medical practitioner carefully maneuvers the colonoscope inside the large intestine while examining the colon lining via a monitor. Should any abnormalities arise, a biopsy sample of the tissue can be removed to undergo laboratory analysis.

This procedure usually takes only a short time, though the total duration of the appointment may take more time due to the preparation and post-procedure recovery.

What Are Colon Polyps?

Colonic polyps are abnormal growths that occur in the colon’s interior lining. While most of the polyps are benign, there are some polyp types that can turn into colorectal cancer.

Having polyps doesn’t mean that a patient suffers from cancer. Size, number, location, and microscopic features are some of the factors that help determine the further actions.

What Is a Normal Number of Colon Polyps?

There is no universal normal range for the quantity of colon polyps for everybody. There are those who do not have any, while some can have one polyp, two, or even more polyps. What is important is the kind of polyp rather than its quantity.

If there are polyps during a colonoscopy scan, then the health care provider may decide to remove them.

What Happens After Polyps Are Found?

The polyp will generally be taken to the lab, where it is tested using a microscope to determine whether the polyp is benign, its type, and pathology findings.

Recommendations at this stage would vary depending on several factors, such as the number, types, and sizes of the polyps, locations, and also the results of the pathological tests conducted. One having several polyps will likely get different recommendations compared to one having fewer polyps.

This is the reason why a colonoscopy scan report should be read in relation to the pathology and medical history of the patient.

Considering a Reliable Imaging Provider

People researching diagnostic imaging may encounter different types of tests designed to investigate specific health concerns. Information about polyps found during colonoscopy can help explain why follow-up depends on factors such as the number, type, size, and location of the polyps. ViaScan of Las Colinas provides CT imaging for diagnostic evaluation, which is a different type of examination from a traditional colonoscopy. 

Understanding Your Colonoscopy Results

A colonoscopy provides very useful information regarding the health of your colon, and some abnormalities could be dealt with on the spot. But just because you have found a polyp does not necessarily mean that you have cancer, and the number of polyps alone does not determine the overall result. 

If you have been provided with a report from a colonoscopy scan, it is better for you to consult your doctor about it and ask him/her to clarify all the information. This will allow you to take the necessary steps without drawing unnecessary conclusions.