What diseases be spotted via a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a medical procedure that allows a doctor to examine the inside of the colon and rectum for any abnormalities. During a colonoscopy, the doctor can look for:

- Colon cancer: Colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. It is important to catch colon cancer early, when it is more likely to be curable. A colonoscopy can help detect precancerous polyps, which can be removed before they turn into cancer.

- Rectal cancer: Rectal cancer is cancer of the rectum, the last part of the colon. It is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. A colonoscopy can help detect rectal cancer early, when it is more likely to be curable.

- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): IBD is a group of conditions that cause inflammation of the colon and rectum. The two main types of IBD are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. A colonoscopy can help diagnose IBD and determine the extent of the disease.

- Diverticulitis: Diverticulitis is a condition that occurs when small pouches form in the colon and become inflamed. Diverticulitis can cause pain, bleeding, and fever. A colonoscopy can help diagnose diverticulitis and determine the extent of the disease.

- Other conditions: A colonoscopy can also help diagnose other conditions, such as polyps, hemorrhoids, and anal fissures.