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Colon Cancer Diagnosis: What to Expect During Colonoscopy
By Raveena M Prakash
Early diagnosis plays a crucial role in the prevention of colon cancer. One of the most powerful tools for the diagnosis of colon cancer is a colonoscopy. If you are recommended to get a colon cancer diagnosis and are concerned about this procedure, then understand it’s natural to feel nervous.
In this blog, we’ll dive deep into the entire process of colonoscopy, from how to prepare to what to expect before and after the procedure, recovery, and risks and complications.
What is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is an accurate diagnostic method that allows cancer specialists to examine the inner lining and walls of the large intestine (colon and rectum) of the suspected cancer patients. A healthcare provider uses a long, thin flexible tube also known as a colonoscope with a camera at the tip.
The doctor can identify:
- Polyps (abnormal growths in the lining of intestine)
- Signs of colon cancer
- Inflammation
- Bleeding
Colonoscopy is often considered the standard diagnostic test for colon cancer, and it helps with early diagnosis and prevention of this cancer in high-risk individuals.
Why do you need a colonoscopy?
Colonoscopy is an effective, accurate diagnostic test used to diagnose colorectal cancer. It is often referred to as preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic, sometimes all together in a colorectal cancer patient.
A medical team might advise you to get a colonoscopy for routine cancer screening if you belong to a high-risk group for developing colorectal cancer. Studies have shown that colorectal cancer can develop in anyone. It can develop without showing any warnings or symptoms. Performing screening tests is the best way to stay ahead of it.
How to prepare for a colonoscopy?
Your medical team will provide instructions to follow for the success of the procedure. You may need to follow the instructions one or two days prior to the procedure. The main purpose of this preparation is to ensure that your large intestine is as clean and clear as possible for the colonoscopy.
If the large intestine isn’t clear enough, then it won’t produce expected results. Your endoscopist might not be able to see what they need to see.
Here are some of the instructions to follow for the colonoscopy:
- You are advised to adjust your diet few days before the procedure
- You need to eat low-fiber diet for two or three days
- You may need to follow clear liquid diet
- You are advised to take a laxative formula to purge the bowels
After taking the laxative formula, it will clean your stomach. The colonoscopy was mostly performed the next morning.
What happens during a colonoscopy?
You may be advised to bring one or two close bystanders with you, because the doctor might give you anesthesia. It might take a day to wear off the effects of the medication.
Here’s what you can expect during the procedure:
- You may need to wear a comfortable gown for the procedure.
- A nurse will inject an IV line into your arm to begin delivering sedatives and pain relief medication to the patient's bloodstream.
After the colonoscopy
- You may be in a sedative state, and after the procedure you may be shifted to a room and kept under observation.
- If you don’t feel any pain or discomfort or bleeding, you may get discharged the next day.
- In case the patient feels pain or discomfort, then informing the doctor would help you to avoid any future complications.
- Arranging someone for transportation would be advised, because you won’t be able to drive after the procedure.
How does the colonoscopy procedure work?
A colonoscope is a small, tiny piece of equipment that connects with a lighted camera attached to the end of a long, thin, flexible tube called a catheter.
A healthcare professional inserts the colonoscope through the patient's anus. It slowly advances it through the colon and reaches the small intestine.
When the catheter advances it starts to pump the air to the colon to inflate it. The camera helps to transmit the video of the inside of the patient’s colon to a monitor.
A healthcare provider uses this to watch the monitor to find out anything abnormal. Once it reaches the end of the colon, they remove the colonoscope and watch a second time.
Is colonoscopy painful?
If the colonoscopy is performed with sedation, then most of the patients won’t feel any pain inside the colon. In most cases, the patients might feel a mild gas pain or pressure when the colonoscope enters into the colon. The colonoscope blows up the carbon dioxide gas into the colon to inflate it for better viewing.
Studies have shown that it's not too visible or noticeable when inflation is done. The doctors may advise you to lie in the fetal position on a hospital bed, and you might get sleepy.
Benefits of colonoscopy
Here are some of the benefits of colonoscopy.
These may include:
- Early detection of colon cancer
- Reduce the risk of colon cancer
- Colonoscopies are highly accurate
- Improved diagnosis
- Reducing the risk of colon cancer deaths
- Prevention of colon related diseases
- Cost effective
- Improves the overall quality of life
Risks and side effects of colonoscopy
Studies have suggested that risks and side effects of colonoscopy are quite rare, but it's still possible.
These may include:
- Experiencing injury to the colon wall (perforated colon)
- Uncontrolled bleeding from tissue removal
- Abnormal reaction to the anesthesia
- Infection which requires antibiotics
Consult Today
Colonoscopy is not just a diagnostic tool; it’s a powerful tool essential for the early diagnosis and prevention of colon cancer. In most cases people often get intimidated when they are suggested to get a colonoscopy for the diagnosis or prevention. Colonoscopy is safe and precise, and it can potentially be life-saving.
At Oncare, we offer quality treatments, including cancer surgeries at affordable price ranges with an experienced cancer specialist consultation.
If you or any loved ones of yours are diagnosed with cancer, then visit Oncare Cancer Center and book an appointment with our cancer specialists today. Get an estimated cost of your cancer treatments today!
Frequently Asked Questions
A gastroenterologist or a colorectal surgical expert usually performs colonoscopies most of the time. Both of these healthcare professionals are specialized in treating gastrointestinal diseases and performing some endoscopic procedures in patients.
The procedure usually takes almost 24 hours for the anesthesia to wear off completely. Your healthcare team might recommend that you avoid driving and ask your friends or family to accompany you to the hospital.
Some might experience symptoms such as gas pain, bloating, or nausea after completing the procedure, mostly after the first one or two hours.
Some of the abnormal results may include:
- Uncontrolled gastrointestinal bleeding
- Benign, precancerous or cancerous polyps
- Inflammation from infection
- Ischemia or autoimmune disease
- Chronic tissue damage (scarring)
- Obstruction or narrowing of the intestine
- Abnormal pouches in the intestinal lining
The risks and complications are considered rare in colonoscopy, but it's possible.
These may include:
- Injury to the colon wall
- Sudden and uncontrollable bleeding from tissue removal
- Infection might require antibiotics
- Abnormal reactions to anesthesia