A colonoscopy doctor specializes in the examination, detection, and removal of potentially cancerous or precancerous growths (called polyps) inside the lower part of the large intestine (or colon). The doctor will first examine the patient’s personal and family medical history to check for possible risk factors.
Next, they will perform other tests such as blood work to confirm that there are no other major conditions present that would be dangerous during surgery then you can continue with the procedure. Learn more about colonoscopy procedures here: https://drganesh.sg/.
Why Might your Doctor Refer you to a Colonoscopy Doctor?
According to available statistics on new cases, colorectal cancer was the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men and women in 2020, behind breast and lung cancer. These numbers show the significance of the early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer through colonoscopies.
There are several reasons why your primary doctor may want you to see a colonoscopy doctor. Discussed below are just some of the reasons why you may need to see one.
- You are experiencing bowel irregularity or discomfort: Bowel irregularity or discomfort can be a sign of abdominal conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitis, colon cancer, or Crohn’s disease. Colonoscopy can help your doctor determine the cause of irregularity and discomfort.
- You have been diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): IBD is a chronic condition that affects the digestive tract lining and causes inflammation in all or part of your digestive tract. The symptoms include diarrhea, recurrent pain in the abdomen, recurring fever, recurring rash, weight loss anemia. Colonoscopy is often used to confirm that there are no abnormalities present that would require further investigation or treatment before continuing with treatment for IBD itself.
- You have previously been diagnosed with polyps inside the colon: Polyps are common and usually non cancerous. They often do not cause symptoms, but sometimes they may bleed or become irritated. If you have previously been diagnosed with polyps inside your colon, your doctor may recommend a follow-up colonoscopy to check for any growths that might need further investigation before being removed.
- You have a family history of colorectal cancer: Individuals who have a parent, sibling, or child diagnosed with colorectal cancer are more likely to develop the condition themselves. A colonoscopy is one of the most effective ways to detect the presence of polyps early on so that they can be treated without delay before becoming more severe problems
- You are having symptoms such as persistent unexplained stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting: Persistent unexplained stomach pain may be a sign of something more serious such as gastrointestinal cancer. Nausea and vomiting are symptoms that can have several different causes, including gastroenteritis, constipation, gallstones, or ovarian cysts. A colonoscopy helps your doctor determine the cause so they can recommend the appropriate treatment for you.
- You are over the age of forty-five years old: Research shows that colorectal cancer is most common in individuals between ages forty-five and seventy-five years old. Colorectal cancer screening is recommended for people over the age of forty-five, but it can also be beneficial for people who are at higher risk because of other health conditions or family history—irrespective of the age.
- You recently had a barium enema: During a barium enema, x-ray images of the lower intestine and rectum are taken to look for any abnormalities that may require further investigation. A follow-up colonoscopy is usually recommended because it can detect polyps or inflammatory lesions which were not detected during the previous test.
- You have experienced unexplained weight loss: Sudden unexplained weight loss can be caused by several different conditions, including gallstones, endometriosis, inflammatory bowel disease, or pancreatic cancer. A colonoscopy helps your doctor make an accurate diagnosis so they can suggest treatment options for you.
- You are experiencing bleeding in stool: Bleeding in stool may be caused by hemorrhoids, peptic ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, or colorectal cancer. Colonoscopy helps your doctor make an accurate diagnosis so they can suggest treatment options for you.
- Your doctor has recommended a follow-up colonoscopy after previous screening turned up inconclusive results: In some cases, inconclusive test results from a previous colonoscopy might indicate that there is inflammation present which requires further examination during another colonoscopy. In this case, your doctor may recommend a follow-up colonoscopy that can help them determine the cause of the inflammation and recommend treatment options for you that will ensure it is resolved as quickly as possible before becoming worse.
The benefits of Seeing a Colonoscopy Specialist
One benefit of patients who choose to see a specialized service such as a Colonoscopy Doctor is that they will only need to go under general anesthesia once rather than multiple times for different tests or procedures. The best thing about this test is that it detects colorectal cancer before you might experience symptoms; those who receive screenings at least every five years and those with signs and symptoms can take action much sooner—sometimes even preventing full-blown colorectal cancer.
This is why your doctor wants you to see a colonoscopy doctor. The colonoscopy specialist will need you to prepare before your appointment by avoiding certain medications and taking others, drinking less than eight ounces of clear liquids the day before the test, and having a solid light breakfast no later than six am. You will be asked not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of the procedure except for water. A morning laxative may also be required, but if you are unable to do this, it is okay—the test can still go ahead without one.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to finding out the cause of unexplained symptoms, it is always best to see a colonoscopy doctor. It doesn’t really matter if you have already had a previous colonoscopy and not experienced any changes. It is advisable to book an appointment with a specialist to make sure there isn’t anything wrong going on inside your body.
At G&L Surgical Clinic at Mt Elizabeth Novena in Singapore, we specialize in providing a comfortable, professional, and convenient low-cost service. Our doctors are board-certified and have been performing colonoscopy procedures for several years. We understand how important your good health is to you, and we are here to help with all the additional information you may require. Contact Dr. Ganesh Ramalingam, M.D.at +65 6255 1234 or send us an email at [email protected] to find out more about the colonoscopy specialist services we provide.
Dr Ganesh (General Surgeon in Singapore) – Endoscopy, Colonoscopy, Gastroscopy
Suite 1 #05-23, Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, 38 Irrawaddy Rd, 329563
+65 6255 1234
https://drganesh.sg