A colonoscope is a flexible tube about the thickness of a finger that has a light and a tiny video camera on one end. It is inserted through the anus and threaded into the rectum and colon. Special instruments can be passed through the colonoscope to take a biopsy (sample) or to remove any suspicious-looking areas, such as polyps, if necessary.
Why do you need a colonoscopy?
There are a few reasons why you might need a colonoscopy:
To look for polyps or cancer in the colon and rectum.
This test can be used to detect colorectal cancer. The purpose of screening tests is to look for cancer in people who have no symptoms.
If abnormal areas are seen during a colonoscopy, they may be removed (biopsied) and tested for cancer. If you have had colon or rectal cancer, a colonoscopy can also be used to look for new tumors.
You have a problem in your colon or rectum that requires treatment.
Constipation, abdominal pain, bloating, increased gastrointestinal noises, sudden changes in stool consistency, rectal pain or bleeding.
