How Is a Colonoscopy Used To Find Polyps?

Removing polyps from your lower gastrointestinal tract helps you reduce your risk of colon cancer. Colonoscopy, a procedure offered by your gastroenterologist in Calabasas, CA, Dr. Parviz Gholami of Calabasas Advanced Gastroenterology, provides a safe, minimally invasive way to remove the growths.

Why polyps are a problem

Polyps are small growths that grow on the lining of your colon, which consists of your large intestine and rectum. Often, the growths are benign (harmless). Unfortunately, sometimes, polyps are pre-cancerous or cancerous.

Removing benign or pre-cancerous polyps helps you avoid colon cancer. If a polyp is cancerous, treating the disease promptly will help you protect your health and increase the odds of a positive outcome.

How colonoscopy helps your Calabasas, CA, doctor find and remove polyps

Colon cancer doesn't usually cause symptoms until the disease is well-advanced. By that point, the cancer may be harder to treat. Routine colonoscopies allow your gastroenterologist to find and remove polyps long before they can threaten your health.

The procedure can also be used to find out why you're experiencing:

• Rectal bleeding
• Anemia
• Frequent diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Bowel movement changes
• Unexplained weight loss

Colonoscopies have been so successful in finding polyps that the American Cancer Society lowered its age recommendation for initial colonoscopies by five years. Forty-five is now the recommended age to begin receiving colonoscopies.

During a colonoscopy, your doctor inserts a small tube called a colonoscope into your anus and passes it through your rectum and large intestine. The lighted colonoscope contains a miniature camera that transmits real-time images of your colon to a digital screen. Your gastroenterologist can see every inch of your colon, thanks to this tiny camera.

If he spots a polyp during the procedure, he'll use tiny instruments to remove it. After removal, polyps are sent to a laboratory for testing. If your polyp is cancerous, you may need surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or other cancer treatments. Luckily, most polyps aren't cancerous.

A day or two before you receive your colonoscopy, you'll need to restrict your diet to clear liquid and take laxatives to clean out your colon. These steps will ensure that your gastroenterologist has a clear view of the lining of your colon. Before the colonoscopy begins, you'll receive a sedative and won't remember anything about the procedure.

When you wake up, your doctor will give you a preliminary report about his findings. Although you'll feel alert after your colonoscopy, you'll need someone to drive you home as it can take some time for the sedative to wear off completely.

Is it time to schedule your colonoscopy? Call your Calabasas, CA, gastroenterologist, Dr. Gholami of Calabasas Advanced Gastroenterology at (818) 696-8840 to make your appointment.