A colonoscopy is a potentially life-saving examination of the colon, which is also known as the large intestine. It’s recommended that people undergo a colonoscopy at least every 10 years starting at age 50 as a means of detecting colon cancer, but this frequency may be increased if a person has a family history of the disease. Before you go in for your own procedure, take a moment to acquaint yourself with the following five terms, which are important for understanding exactly what the colonoscopy process involves.
Biopsy
During a colonoscopy, doctors may wish to perform a biopsy—which involves taking a tissue sample from the colon for further study. This is often done when doctors detect colon polyps during the procedure but are unsure as to whether or not they are cancerous.
Bowel Prep
The bowel prep is a procedure that patients perform at home in advance of their colonoscopy. This is done to ensure that no stool remaining in the rectum might obstruct the view of the colon wall during examination. While instructions for a bowel prep will vary from doctor to doctor, most involve a clear liquid diet for one to three days before the colonoscopy. Additionally, laxatives or enemas may also be necessary for a bowel prep.
Colonoscope
The colonscope is the device that doctors use to examine the colon during a colonoscopy. It’s thin, flexible, and can range in length from four to six feet—which is long enough to view the entire colon and part of the small intestine. A small camera is attached to the end of the colonscope that can capture video or pictures.
Colon Polyps
Colon polyps are abnormal cell growths found along the lining of the colon wall. While many polyps are harmless, over time they have the potential to develop into cancerous tumors. The best way to prevent this from happening is early detection with regular colonoscopy screenings.
Gastroenterologist
Colonoscopies are performed by a gastroenterologist, a specialized medical expert who has training and experience in dealing with the digestive tract—including the stomach, small intestine, and colon. However, gastroenterologists also deal with issues of the liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and esophagus as well.
