While a colonoscopy probably isn’t at the top of your list of things to do, it is one of the most important routine medical procedures you can have performed. According to the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), colorectal cancer is the third-most common cause of cancer deaths in the U.S.—and with a regular colonoscopy, it is almost completely preventable.
Using a thin flexible tubular instrument called a colonoscope, the procedure allows your gastroenterologist to look at the inside of the entire colon and rectum to detect precancerous growths or polyps. Polyps are abnormal growths in the colon lining. They are usually noncancerous and range in size. If polyps are detected during a colonoscopy, Dr. Madokoro will remove them for analysis. Cancer begins in polyps and removing them is a critical step to preventing colorectal cancer.
Most colonoscopies are administered on an outpatient basis, and the entire procedure usually only takes between 30 minutes and one hour. Following the colonoscopy, Dr. Madokoro can explain the results of the colonoscopy as soon as it has been completed.
Why might I need a Colonoscopy?
Most medical experts recommend a colonoscopy procedure starting at the age of 50 and usually once every 10 years thereafter. Some people may have a greater risk of developing colon abnormalities and require a screening earlier or more frequently, including people with a family history of colon cancer or someone with colon polyps or inflammatory bowel disease.
In addition to identifying abnormal polyps or precancerous growths, a colonoscopy can also help:
Determine the cause of abdominal pain, rectal bleeding or change in bowel habits
Diagnose or rule out many digestive disorders, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease
Remove polyps before they become cancerous
Remove abnormal tissue samples for further testing
Stop intestinal bleeding
Monitor response to treatments if you have inflammatory bowel disease
Benefits of Newport Beach Colonoscopy
Colon cancer is called a silent killer because symptoms don’t usually present themselves until the cancer is too advanced for treatment. Early detection is the key to successful removal and treatment of colon cancer. The good news is that a colonoscopy in Newport Beach—a quick, 30 minute screening—is the only procedure that both detects and removes precancerous polyps during the same procedure.
If you have questions about colonoscopy, colon cancer or other abnormalities affecting the large intestine, contact Dr. Madokoro today or schedule a consultation online.