Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is the preferred examination for investigating conditions of the colon (large intestine) and the terminal ileum. It is performed using a colonoscope, a long, flexible tube with a diameter of a few millimeters that is inserted through the rectum to examine the mucosa via a camera with a light at its end. In addition to direct visualization of the bowel wall, colonoscopy allows for the collection of biopsies from potential lesions, as well as performing therapeutic interventions (hemostasis, cauterization of lesions, polypectomies). Colonoscopy is a safe, painless routine examination that can easily, promptly, and effectively prevent adverse health outcomes and ultimately save lives.
The major advantage of this examination is the prevention of colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death worldwide and the third most common malignancy after breast and lung cancer. In the majority of cases, it begins as a small polyp on the bowel wall, which grows locally and does not cause symptoms in the early stages. The progression to colorectal cancer is usually a long-term process that takes more than 10 years. The appearance of symptoms such as obstruction (ileus) or bleeding likely indicates that the malignancy is in an advanced stage (local extension or even distant metastases) and requires surgical or oncological treatment. The vast majority (91%) of patients with localized disease survive more than 5 years, 70% of patients with locally advanced disease survive more than 5 years, while only 14% of those with metastases live more than 5 years. With colonoscopy, we can detect and endoscopically remove these polyps before they can transform or spread. This results in both prevention and immediate and definitive treatment, without the patient needing to undergo major and painful surgeries, exhausting chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.
In most Western countries, according to guidelines, all adults should undergo screening colonoscopy at the age of 50, as 9 out of 10 cases of bowel malignancy involve individuals over the age of 50. Depending on the findings of the examination, it should be repeated every few years, according to the gastroenterologist's recommendations, until at least the age of 75. Individuals with a family history (first-degree relatives) of bowel malignancy are advised to start screening even earlier. In recent years, there has been a decrease in the overall rate of colorectal cancer, highlighting the significant value of colonoscopy in its prevention. However, there is a trend to lower the starting age for screening to 45, as there is an increased frequency of malignancy in younger ages. When suspicious symptoms arise, such as blood in the stool, abdominal pain, a drop in hematocrit, or changes in bowel frequency and consistency, consultation with a gastroenterologist should be sought, and endoscopic examination may be needed immediately, even before the age of 50.
It is recommended to contact the diagnostic center you will visit for clarification on preparation, as it may vary based on the patient’s history.
Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is the preferred examination for investigating conditions of the colon (large intestine) and the terminal ileum. It is performed using a colonoscope, a long, flexible tube with a diameter of a few millimeters that is inserted through the rectum to examine the mucosa via a camera with a light at its end. In addition to direct visualization of the bowel wall, colonoscopy allows for the collection of biopsies from potential lesions, as well as performing therapeutic interventions (hemostasis, cauterization of lesions, polypectomies). Colonoscopy is a safe, painless routine examination that can easily, promptly, and effectively prevent adverse health outcomes and ultimately save lives.
The major advantage of this examination is the prevention of colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death worldwide and the third most common malignancy after breast and lung cancer. In the majority of cases, it begins as a small polyp on the bowel wall, which grows locally and does not cause symptoms in the early stages. The progression to colorectal cancer is usually a long-term process that takes more than 10 years. The appearance of symptoms such as obstruction (ileus) or bleeding likely indicates that the malignancy is in an advanced stage (local extension or even distant metastases) and requires surgical or oncological treatment. The vast majority (91%) of patients with localized disease survive more than 5 years, 70% of patients with locally advanced disease survive more than 5 years, while only 14% of those with metastases live more than 5 years. With colonoscopy, we can detect and endoscopically remove these polyps before they can transform or spread. This results in both prevention and immediate and definitive treatment, without the patient needing to undergo major and painful surgeries, exhausting chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.
In most Western countries, according to guidelines, all adults should undergo screening colonoscopy at the age of 50, as 9 out of 10 cases of bowel malignancy involve individuals over the age of 50. Depending on the findings of the examination, it should be repeated every few years, according to the gastroenterologist's recommendations, until at least the age of 75. Individuals with a family history (first-degree relatives) of bowel malignancy are advised to start screening even earlier. In recent years, there has been a decrease in the overall rate of colorectal cancer, highlighting the significant value of colonoscopy in its prevention. However, there is a trend to lower the starting age for screening to 45, as there is an increased frequency of malignancy in younger ages. When suspicious symptoms arise, such as blood in the stool, abdominal pain, a drop in hematocrit, or changes in bowel frequency and consistency, consultation with a gastroenterologist should be sought, and endoscopic examination may be needed immediately, even before the age of 50.
It is recommended to contact the diagnostic center you will visit for clarification on preparation, as it may vary based on the patient’s history.
