What Diseases can be Detected by a Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a medical screening test through which doctors check the rectum and colon of the patient. During the test, the doctors put a colonoscope, a flexible tube attached to a tiny camera, inside the colon through the anal passageway. This helps detect any abnormalities inside the rectum or colon. Abnormal growths, such as polyps, are easily removable by the colonoscope. 

Colonoscopy is one of the accurate screening tests for colorectal cancer, along with a list of other diseases detected by colonoscopy. The colonoscopy screening has an accuracy rate of 94%.  Read the remaining article to discover what diseases can be detected by a colonoscopy and who should get it. 

There are several diseases detected by colonoscopy. One should get a colonoscopy test if they have/are: 

1. 50 years or above
2. Family history of colon cancer or polyps
3. Personal history of colon polyps or colon cancer
4. Symptoms such as rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain or unexplained weight loss.
5. History of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis

A colonoscopy is typically performed as a diagnostic test to evaluate symptoms such as rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel habits, and it also is used as a screening test to detect colon cancer or precancerous polyps. It's considered as one of the most effective screening tests for colon cancer. Below is the detailed list of diseases detected by colonoscopy:  

Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease is one of the many diseases detected by colonoscopy. It is a medical condition that results in inflammation in the digestive tract. The disease can develop anywhere between the mouth to the anus. Generally, women are more likely to develop Crohn’s disease than men. However, it can affect any gender, especially those aged 16-30. There’s no permanent cure for Crohn’s disease. But treatments can help reduce symptoms in patients.  

A few symptoms of Crohn's disease include:

1. Abdominal pain
2. Fatigue
3. Diarrhoea
4. Blood and mucus in urine
5. Weight loss

If not treated on time, Crohn’s disease can cause complications like stricture (a condition that causes narrowing of the intestine), fistula, anal fissures, and osteoporosis. Hence, seeking medical advice is necessary when one feels any symptoms of Crohn’s disease. 

Colon Polyps

Colon polyps is an ailment in which clusters of cells grow along the lining of the large intestine. People aged 50 or above are more likely to develop colon polyps. Apart from that, people who smoke are obese, and those with a family history of colon polyps are also at risk of cultivating the disease. 

The disease is asymptomatic. However, some patients can experience the following symptoms: 

1. Changes in the urine colour
2. Diarrhoea
3. Constipation
4. Rectal bleeding 
5. Iron deficit

Most colon polyps are benign. But a few of them may turn cancerous. Thereupon, early diagnosis of colon polyps is crucial. Colon polyps can be detected and removed during a colonoscopy. 

Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is a condition in which bulging pouches grow along the border of the large intestine, especially in the lower area, i.e., the colon. Diverticula, as such, don’t pose any problems; however, sometimes, the pouches may become infected and inflamed. In such cases, diverticula are referred to as diverticulitis. 

These are the following symptoms of diverticulitis: 

1. Rectal bleeding
2. Stomach pain
3. Blood/ mucus in stools
4. Diarrhoea 
5. Constipation

If not treated timely, diverticulitis can cause further serious illnesses, such as intestinal obstruction, fistula, and abscess. Therefore, one must undergo diagnostic tests, like a colonoscopy, to detect the disease at the earliest. 

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a long-term medical condition in which the lining of the large intestine becomes inflamed. The disease is considered an auto-immune disease. The most common symptoms of ulcerative colitis are:

1. Frequent urination
2. Recurring diarrhoea
3. Stomach pain 

If left untreated, ulcerative colitis may cause complications, such as swollen colon (toxic megacolon), bowel cancer, and osteoporosis. Hence, early diagnosis of the disease is mandatory to prevent complications. Ulcerative colitis is among the diseases detected by colonoscopy. 

Haemorrhoids

1. Also known as piles, haemorrhoids are a health issue which causes lumps inside and around the anus. One also experiences itchiness at the bottom. Piles are nothing but swollen blood vessels. Usually, piles go away within a few days. However, if the condition persists for a long time, the doctor may suggest a colonoscopy screening to eliminate the cause. 
2. A colonoscopy isn't usually suggested for identifying or treating haemorrhoids because they can be found with a visual or physical exam. However, if you get a colonoscopy for another reason, you may discover that you have internal haemorrhoids that you were previously unaware of.
3. Additionally, if you know you have haemorrhoids but are suffering symptoms such as heavy or persistent rectal bleeding, your doctor may prescribe a colonoscopy to rule out other possible reasons.

Chronic Constipation

When bowel movements occur less than three times a week, it is called constipation. A few of the most common symptoms of constipation are:

1. Discomfort/ pain while excreting.
2. Large, dry and hard poop
3. Less than three poops in a week

If constipation does not disappear even after taking medicines, it could be a sign of something more serious. Therefore, doctors can ask the patient to have a colonoscopy screening to detect any underlying illness. 

Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is the uncontrolled growth of the cells of the rectal and colon. Generally, colorectal cancer develops in people who are sixty or above.

The common symptoms of colorectal cancer include: 

1. Bloating
2. Abdominal pain
3. Bloody urination

A colonoscopy provides a proper view of the colon and rectal area. Hence, colorectal cancer is classified among the diseases detected by colonoscopy.  

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic long-term medical problem which causes stomach and intestinal problems. For example, pain, bloating, diarrhoea, and flatulence. Irritable Bowel Syndrome is manageable if one strives for a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet. 

Fortunately, IBS does not cause colorectal cancer. Despite that, a colonoscopy test is advised for patients to exclude other diseases.

 If you have any of the following symptoms, you should consult your doctor about having a colonoscopy:

1. Constipation
2. Recurrent Diarrhoea 
3. Blood in the stool
4. Bleeding in the rectum
5. Pain or cramping in the abdomen
6. Unintentional weight loss
7. Tiredness 
8. Dark stools

There is a wide range of diseases detected by colonoscopy.  For instance, Crohn’s disease diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis and so on. Undergoing a colonoscopy test on time can save you from life-threatening diseases like colorectal cancer. That being said, you must never ignore the symptoms of bowel diseases. 

If you are fifty or above, notice any changes in your bowel movements, or have a family history of bowel diseases, you must undergo a colonoscopy test to rule out severe illnesses at the earliest. Consider taking an appointment with a healthcare provider. You can also contact us at HexaHealth to get a colonoscopy appointment.  The consultation call is absolutely free. Register today.