Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a test used to check for any changes in your large intestine (colon) and rectum, like swollen tissues, polyps, or cancer. During the procedure, a long, bendy tube called a colonoscope is put into your rectum.
This test helps diagnose diseases in your gut, such as inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer. It’s also used to treat and prevent colon cancer. Doctors recommend getting colonoscopies regularly, especially for adults in their middle age and older, to screen for cancer.
The colonoscopy involves examining the inside of your colon, rectum, and anus. It’s a type of endoscopy, where a flexible tube with a camera at the end (an endoscope) is inserted into your body. During the procedure, the colonoscope goes through your anus and rectum into your colon, sending pictures of your large intestine to a screen.
