When should a colonoscopy be done? What are the reasons for resorting to it? The answer to these questions, and more information on this topic, you will find in the following article.
Colonoscopy is a test that allows the health care provider to examine the large intestine, using a flexible camera called a colonoscope. This test is resorted to for several reasons, the most important of which is the detection or prevention of colon cancer, but when should a colonoscopy be done?
When should a colonoscopy be done: Indications for the test
Colonoscopy is usually used to detect colon cancer, or colon polyps, which are growths located on the lining of the colon, which can sometimes be cancerous, or they may be benign, to develop later and become cancerous, and the health care provider may see that the answer to The question "When should a colonoscopy be done?" Immediately, when the following symptoms or triggers appear:
Bleeding from the rectum.
Presence of blood in the stool.
Presence of pus or mucus in the stool.
Unexplained abdominal pain.
Changes in bowel functioning and habits, such as prolonged unexplained diarrhea.
Screening and monitoring of colorectal cancer.
Look for more benign tumors, and remove them, if any, if the person has already had them before.
Addressing a problem, a colonoscopy may be used for therapeutic purposes, such as placing a stent in it, or removing something from it.
When should a colonoscopy be done: Age
Determining the answer to the question "When should a colonoscopy be performed?" There are risk factors for colon cancer, but in general, most experts agree that people who do not suffer from any problems and do not have risk factors should start a basic colonoscopy at the age of 50, and if the results are normal, the examination is done every 10 years later.
The American Cancer Society recommends that a colonoscopy be done at the age of 45 or earlier as well, even if there are no risk factors for colon cancer, and then they do the examination every 10 years until the age of 75, and then the appointments are scheduled after that according to the patients’ desire, to stop after that at age 85.
Here are some exceptions
Colon and intestine problems
If a person suffers from diseases of the colon or intestines, such as: Crohn''s disease, ulcerative colitis, or irritable bowel disease, the doctor may suggest starting a colonoscopy earlier than usual, as well. It may be repeated more than once a year.
Family history of colon cancer
In fact, there is no "too early" term when it comes to having a family history of colon cancer in a patient. The earlier a person starts endoscopy if they have a higher risk, or if they have already been diagnosed with bowel cancer, the better, he recommends. Some doctors recommend colonoscopies starting at age 35 if either parent has been previously diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
After removal of benign tumors
Most doctors recommend a colonoscopy at least 5 years after the removal of polyps, and a person may need to perform it every other two years if he has a high risk of developing adenomas.
Diverticulosis
People with diverticulosis often need a colonoscopy every 5 to 8 years, depending on the severity of symptoms.
Ulcerative colitis
The doctor may recommend a colonoscopy every 2-5 years in the case of ulcerative colitis, as it increases the risk of developing colon cancer about 8-10 years after diagnosis.
Are there risks associated with a colonoscopy?
Yes. Possible risks during, before or after a colonoscopy may include
bleeding.
Colon perforation during the procedure.
An allergic reaction to the sedative or hypnotic used before the endoscopy.
severe abdominal pain
And if some symptoms are observed after the endoscopy, such as: dizziness, fever, or non-stop bleeding from the anus, please seek immediate health care.
