Colonoscopy

What is a colonoscopy?

In a colonoscopy, Dr. Kamran uses a long, flexible tube called a colonoscope to look at the inside of your colon. The colonoscope has a tiny high-definition camera on the end. The primary purpose of a colonoscopy is to screen for colon cancer, but Dr. Kamran may also order a colonoscopy to diagnose the cause of symptoms including:

• Abdominal pain
• Rectal bleeding
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Non-dietary weight loss

A colonoscopy can detect polyps (growths that are sometimes precancerous), ulcers, and tumors.

In addition to looking at the inside of your colon, Dr. Kamran may use the colonoscope to take a biopsy, or tissue sample, to diagnose abnormalities. He can also treat certain symptoms, including by removing polyps.

How often should I be screened for colon cancer?

The use of colonoscopies has proven effective at screening for colon cancer, and can even treat the early signs of the disease. Dr. Kamran recommends a screening schedule based on your risk factors.

If your risk of colon cancer is average, meaning you have no special risk factors, you should have a screening colonoscopy every 10 years beginning at age 50. Polyps take about 10 years to turn into cancer, so this schedule is safe for most people.

You may benefit from starting at a younger age or undergoing colonoscopies more often if you have risk factors including:

• An immediate family member with colon cancer or polyps
• An inflammatory bowel disease, including ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
• Previous tests that uncovered polyps or other abnormal growths

A colonoscopy is the best way to detect colon cancer early on. Further, when Dr. Kamran discovers and removes polyps, he prevents them from developing into colon cancer.

How do I prepare for a colonoscopy?

It’s crucial for Dr. Kamran to be able to see inside your colon during a colonoscopy, so it’s necessary for you to clear out your bowels beforehand. To do this, you need to avoid solid food and drink only clear liquid the day before the procedure. You may also need to limit foods high in fiber for a few days leading up to the test.

Be sure to arrange for a ride home from your colonoscopy. You’re sedated during the procedure, so you relax and don’t feel pain. Though you shouldn’t drive or make important decisions for up to eight hours after the procedure, you can plan to go back to work and other everyday activities the next day.

Schedule a colonoscopy at Arlington Gastroenterology Services online or over the phone.