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What is a Colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a medical procedure that examines the inside of your large intestine (colon) and rectum. It's used to:
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Screen for Colon Cancer: This is the primary use of colonoscopy. By detecting precancerous polyps and removing them before they have a chance to turn into cancer, colonoscopy can significantly reduce the risk of colon cancer.
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Diagnose Problems: Colonoscopy can be used to diagnose a variety of problems in the colon, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), ulcers, and rectal bleeding.
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Treat Problems: During a colonoscopy, your doctor can also remove polyps, treat bleeding, and perform other procedures.
Synopsis
How is a Colonoscopy Performed?
A gastroenterologist, or doctor with expertise in the intestinal tract, does a colonoscopy test. Briefly, the procedure flow is summarised below:
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The patient will be given medication to help you relax and sleep.
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A thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end (colonoscope) will be inserted into the rectum of the patient and carefully advanced through the colon.
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The camera will send images of the colon to a monitor, allowing the doctor to examine the lining of the colon for any abnormalities.
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During the treatment, polyps that are discovered can be removed.
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The entire procedure usually takes about 30 minutes.
What are the Benefits of a Colonoscopy?
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It can help to prevent colon cancer by detecting and removing precancerous polyps before they undergo metastasis.
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It can help to diagnose a variety of problems in the colon.
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It can be used to treat some problems in the colon.
Colonoscopy is a critical tool in the early detection of colon cancer, offering several key advantages:
1. Visualisation and Removal of Precancerous Polyps
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Colonoscopy allows for direct visualisation of the entire colon, enabling the detection of precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) before they develop into cancerous tumours.
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During the procedure, polyps can be removed instantly, preventing their potential progression to cancer.
2. Early Diagnosis and Improved Treatment Outcomes
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Early detection of cancer through colonoscopy significantly increases the chances of successful treatment.
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When cancer is caught in its early stages, treatment options are more effective, resulting in higher survival rates and less invasive procedures. Consult our expert Oncologist in Baner, Pune for early detection and treatment.
3. Reduced Risk of Mortality
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Regular colonoscopies as part of a screening program significantly reduce the risk of death from colon cancer.
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By identifying and removing precancerous polyps, colonoscopy plays a vital role in preventing cancer development and saving lives.
4. Cost-effectiveness
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While the initial cost of a colonoscopy may seem high, its cost-effectiveness is undeniable.
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Early detection and treatment of colon cancer through colonoscopy are far more cost-effective than managing the advanced stages of the disease.
5. Peace of mind
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Regular health checkups and colonoscopies provide peace of mind to patient families by confirming the absence of colon cancer or identifying and addressing any potential issues in the early stages.
Here are some additional benefits of colonoscopy:
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Colonoscopy can also detect other conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease and ulcerative colitis.
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The colonoscopy procedure is minimally invasive and relatively quick, with most patients experiencing minimal discomfort.
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Modern advancements have made colonoscopy more comfortable and efficient.
What are the Risks of a Colonoscopy?
As with any medical procedure, there are some risks associated with colonoscopy. These colonoscopy risks include:
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Bleeding
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Infection
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Tearing of the colon
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Reaction to medication
Who should get a Colonoscopy?
Healthcare guidelines in gastroenterology indicate that most adults should begin getting regular colonoscopies after crossing the age of 45. However, some people should start getting colonoscopies earlier, such as those with a family history of colon cancer or other serious risk factors. Book an appointment at our Oncology Hospital in Baner, Pune to get expert colon cancer treatment.
Overall, colonoscopy cancer remains the gold standard for early detection and prevention of colon cancer. By identifying and removing precancerous polyps, this procedure plays a crucial role in saving lives. The frequency of colonoscopies depends on your risk factors. An experienced doctor can help you determine how often you should get a colonoscopy. Check our blog page for the latest medical updates.
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