How to prepare for a colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a form of colon cancerscreening that is done on your colon and rectum to determine whether you have any cancerous or precancerous cells growing. Once the cells have been found they can either be removed or a biopsy done on them. A detailed cleansing of the colon is usually done before the screening is done and more often patients have to be sedated. You can have one done at Los Angeles colonoscopy lab that is always open to assist you.

Before a colonoscopy is done on you by a GI specialist, you may be required to:

1.      You will be required not to eat any solid foods. Your doctor will recommend that you have a diet of only fluids. These fluids have to be only clear liquids like water and tea. You are strongly advised against drinking milk or sodas and also to steer clear of red liquids that might be confused for presence of blood in your colon and rectum. When you are going for the test, you should have eaten anything 6 hours before the test.

2.      You will be advised to take a laxative in order to clear your colon and rectum of any stools that are present. Remember that the colon has to be cleansed very well in order to remove any impurities that will interfere with the colonoscopy. It is preferable if you can be able to take the laxative the night and morning before going for your test. This will see to it that your colon is cleared of any fecal content in it.

3.      You might be required to use an enema kit in order to cleanse your bowel. The lab where the screening is scheduled to take place may give you an over the counter kit that will aid you to clear out your colon. You might have to take it overnight or a few hours before the screening.

4.      It is advisable to let your doctor know if you are on any medications. This medication, if they have iron supplements of if they thin the blood will interfere with the screening and result it tests that are inconsistent. You might need a period of up to one week of not taking these drugs to ensure that your system is completely clear of them. An alternative method for treating you will have to be found during this period before your Los Angeles colonoscopy screening.

How to know if you have colon cancer in Los Angeles

Colon cancer is cancer that affects the rectum and the colon. It is caused by excessive and uncontrollable growth of cells in this region. The following are symptoms that indicate colon cancer though you will need to see a GI specialist who will refer you to a Los Angeles colonoscopy expert who will determine how true the symptoms are.

You can be able to suspect you have colon cancer when your bowel habits change all of a sudden. You might suddenly start to diarrhea or constipate. You might notice that your stool has also changed and it is not normal as it should be. In such an event, you are strongly advised to see a gastroenterologist who will have a look at your digestive system and advice you on the way forward.

If you have blood coming out of your rectum or your stool coming out with blood, you should immediately go to the doctor and have yourself checked by a specialist. A lot or factors cause blood to be in your stool. If you are constipated, scar tissue can tear and cause you to bleed. To be on the safe side, any such bleeding should be reported to your doctor so that a thorough screening of your digestive track is done.

If you are constantly having abdominal discomfort such as cramps, excessive gas and severe pain, you should immediately visit your doctor. At first, you might be put on drugs that may make this symptoms go away but in the event that they persist, it is always good to suggest to your doctor that you want to see a gastroenterologist where a full screening will be done on your digestive system.

The feeling of your bowel not emptying completely is very strange and uncomfortable. You might even resort to laxatives but experience no changes. If this has ever happened to you or if it is happening to you, you should immediately go and see a GI specialist who will have a look at your colon and rectum and tell you if it is just a normal digestive tract infection or an onset of colon cancer.

You might be losing weight at an alarming rate while not doing anything to induce it. You have not changed your dietary habits or even started on a new workout routine. Though many factors can make you to lose weight, you should never risk not going to the doctor. A very simple screening will be done and you will get to know the true cause of your ailment

Colon cancer screening in Los Angeles

If your GI doctor has referred you to have colon cancer screening in a Los Angelescolonoscopy lab, you should not ignore them. The process is usually straight forward and will not cost you much. You do not have to book an appointment while attending the lab as their 24hr service ensures there is always someone to attend to you. The screening will be able to detect whether there are cancerous cells in the colon and rectum as well as detect and find any polyps, non polypoid lesions and other digestive tract conditions that you might have.

Once the colonoscopy detects a problem in your colorectum, a diagnosis is made and treatment can be started immediately. If the problem is more gastro related, you will be referred to a GI specialist who will be able to do a more thorough check up on you. Early detection of the cancerous cells makes treatment all the more easier and you are more likely to survive an onslaught.

The colon cancer screening involves the following five methods.

   Fecal occult blood test

This test usually checks for any hidden blood in the stool of a patient. There are two types of fecal occult blood tests namely guaiac fecal occult blood test that uses the guaiac chemical to detect heme in stool samples and the immunochemical fecal occult blood test that uses antibodies to detect human hemoglobin protein in the stool samples of a patient.

   Sigmoidoscopy

This test uses a sigmoidoscope to check for cancerous or precancerous cells in the colon or the rectum. The device is able to detect the growth of these cancerous cells. This will result in either removal of the cancerous tissue or a biopsy can be done. Your doctor will be able to know the right procedure to follow.

     Colonoscopy

This test involves a colonoscope examining the whole of your colon and rectum and finding the cancerous and precancerous tissue. This test will be able to find the cells that the sigmoidoscope misses, usually cells at the top of your colon.

      Virtual colonoscopy

An X ray equipment is used to give detailed pictures of the colon and rectum which are then magnified to show whether there are any polyps or abnormalities present in your colon or rectum. 

    Double contrast barium enema

A patient is given an enema solution and then an x ray is done of the entire colon and rectum to find any cancerous tissues that are present.