A Simple Colonoscopy Screening Can Be a Life-Saving Procedure

Colonoscopy

We do a number of things daily to sustain our health, such as caring for our teeth, working out, and eating our vegetables. But there’s one thing that repeatedly gets neglected that could really save our lives — a colonoscopy. This important test can identify and inhibit colorectal cancer, inflammatory gut issues, and other ailments. At Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, we advise getting a colon and rectal cancer exam every decade unless suggested otherwise. Our board-certified gastrointestinal (GI) doctors frequently perform colonoscopies for New Orleans, LA individuals.

Why should I have a colonoscopy procedure?

A colonoscopy is an examination of the colon and rectum that is used to discover abnormalities and/or growths (polyps) that could be or turn malignant. Over the course of this 30 to 60-minute exam, a gastrointestinal doctor will insert a miniature camera into the bowels to look for any signs of colon and rectal cancer or other concerns. Colonoscopies are often recommended as a technique to:

  • Identify the cause of gut discomfort, blood in the stool, persistent obstruction or diarrhea, or different issues
  • Screen for colon and rectal cancer
  • Check for polyps (tissue growths that can become cancerous if ignored)

At Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, we typically suggest that you see a colonoscopy physician at about the age of 45 and again every decade for regular exams. However, contingent on your exam results or if you have a family history of colon and rectal cancer, we may suggest you get tested at an earlier age and more often.

Can I just use a home colon cancer screening?

Many individuals today wonder why a colonoscopy is recommended when there are innovations in home screenings. The simple response is our gastrointestinal doctors can obtain a more comprehensive understanding of any irregular or potentially cancerous concerns than with an at-home stool specimen kit. While some people choose to use these at-home tests, they cannot replace a colonoscopy exam.

A home-based kit, for instance, might not detect any polyps that have formed in the large intestine. They may show particular signs of cancer, but a colonoscopy can detect indicators of cancer much sooner and more precisely than a home screening. At-home screenings are also not capable of detecting inflammatory digestive diseases.

What makes colonoscopies important?

Though colonoscopies may seem intrusive, the lifesaving consequences of this procedure can significantly override the few minutes of awkwardness it may cause. It’s significant to emphasize how necessary these exams can be, especially for men and women who have colon cancer in their family history. A number of individuals with colon or rectal cancer have no signs in the initial stages and might not even know they have the illness.

Several simple reasons to have a colonoscopy are:

  • This is the most effective colorectal cancer exam.
  • Despite prevalent belief, the preparation for a colonoscopy is not that bad.
  • Colonoscopies are fast and generally comfortable.
  • Though you might feel somewhat embarrassed, your GI physician is not.
  • Plainly put, a colonoscopy can protect your life.

Further, a colonoscopy can identify much more than cancer. It can also verify inflammatory intestinal diseases, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's, in addition to diverticulosis. Like colon and rectal cancer, when identified early, these conditions can be treated and further harm can be prevented.

Schedule a colonoscopy in New Orleans, LA as soon as possible

Even if you might feel like there’s no need for a colonoscopy, this exam can preserve your life. A colonoscopy can discover initial signals of colorectal cancer, and it can also identify diverticulosis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and more. This standard exam may be the critical factor between life and death, as our New Orleans, LA gastrointestinal doctors are well-trained to check for early indicators of cancer and other factors that could hinder cancer in the coming years. For more details on colonoscopies at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, please contact our GI office today.