Colonoscopy
Your Colon
The colon and rectum form a long, muscular tube called the large intestine or large bowel. The colon and rectum are part of the body’s digestive tract. The colon works like a factory to remove vitamins and minerals from the food you eat so that these vitamins and minerals can be used in your body. The colon also holds the body’s solid wastes until they pass out of your system when you have a bowel movement.
Your body is made up of many different kinds of cells. Healthy cells divide and grow in a normal, orderly way. But, sometimes, healthy cells can change and grow into tumors.
About 112,000 people are diagnosed with colon cancer annually, and about 41,000 new cases of rectal cancer are diagnosed each year, according to the American Cancer Society.
The U.S. National Institute of Health estimates new cases and deaths from colon and rectal cancer in the United States 2009:
- New cases: 106,100(colon); 40,870 (rectal)
- Deaths: 49,920 (colon and rectal combined)
What is a Colonoscopy?
- A Colonoscopy is a common medical test given to look for early signs of cancer of the colon and rectum or to help diagnose certain medical conditions.
- During the test, the doctor will put a thin, flexible, lighted tube, called a colonoscope, into your rectum and colon. The colonoscope lets your doctor take pictures and look at the lining of your colon.
Indications for a colonoscopy include:
- As a screening exam for anyone over the age of 50
- Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
- Changes in bowel habits such as chronic long-lasting diarrhea
- Iron deficiency anemia (a decrease in blood count)
- Family history of colon cancer
- History of previous colon polyps or colon cancer
- Chronic, unexplained abdominal pain
- Significant, unexplained weight loss with symptoms of diarrhea, abdominal pain and nausea