Colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel etc., are gastrointestinal diseases. These can be detected in individuals by colonoscopy screening tests. The growth of abnormal cells occurs in the form of polyps which are formed inside the colon. Not all polyps are cancerous but there are changes to turn from non cancerous to non cancerous. Most of the time, people do not experience any symptoms of the formation of polyps in the colon.

Types of Tests

Polyps in the colon can be find through the various tests:-

1. Flexible Sigmoidoscopy –

A thin, flexible tube is inserted into your rectum by a doctor. It is done to check cancer inside the rectum and colon.

2. CT Colonography

It is also known as virtual colonoscopy where X-ray is used to see the image of the whole colon. These images are seen on the computer screen to analyze polyps in the colon.

3. Stool Test

There are many types of stool tests which are as follows:-

Fecal Immunochemical test – It is done to check blood in the stool by using antibodies.
FIT- DNA Test – It is also referred to as the stool DNA test which is conducted by combining FIT tests. You have to collect the whole bowel movement. This sample is sent to the lab to check the presence of blood and to determine any changes in the DNA.
Guaiac-Based Fecal Occult Blood Test – It is done to detect blood in the stool. It is a chemical based test in which guaiac chemical is used. It can be done at home, your healthcare provider will give you a test kit.

Now collect your stool with the help of a brush or stick and send it to lab to check the presence of blood.

4. Colonoscopy

It is very similar to flexible sigmoidoscopy where a long, thin and flexible tube is used to check polyps in the whole colon and rectum. In this test, cancer is removed by a specialist doctor.

Who Should Go for Colonoscopy Recommendation?

People should go for colonoscopy at the age 45. It is because at this stage, Colorectal cancer can be diagnosed at an early stage to get better treatment. Individuals should get regular screening between ages of 45 till 75 years old.

There are various reasons which may cause an individual to undergo colonoscopy to detect colorectal cancer. There is high-risk of this cancer in the following people:-

Hereditary disease like Lynch syndrome
Older than 45
Inflammatory bowel disease
Family history
Have not gone for the test in last 10 years
If tissue had been removed during last Colonoscopy
Low fiber diet
Physical inactive
Overweight
Drinking of alcohol
Raise of blood sugar

Procedure of Colonoscopy Recommendation

It is done in the following ways:-

It is performed in the sterile room of the hospital where you have to remove your clothes and wear a hospital gown.
A sedative drug is given through your veins to get relief from pain.
All the body vitals are continuously checked like oxygen level, blood pressure and heart rate.
Now you will have to lie down on your left side by pulling up your knees towards your chest.
Then a thin, flexible and lubricated tube will insert into rectum and colon through anus. You will not feel any pain and discomfort during this step because of the effect of the sedative.
While inserting the tube the patient will ask to take deep breath slowly and this will help to relax abdominal muscles.
Air may be injected into the bowel and a water jet is used to clean the lining of your colon and to remove any liquid stool.
If the doctor sees any polyp then it will be removed during the procedure.
After this tube is removed by taking out and you will remain under observation for a certain period of time.
Doctor will advise you to go home after giving important instructions.