A colonoscopy is an endoscopy of your large intestine.
The exam is an important tool in the early detection
and prevention of cancer in the large bowel. It can
also confirm the diagnosis of many diseases of the lower
gastrointestinal tract:
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Colon cancer - a serious but highly
curable malignancy |
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Polyps - fleshy tumors which may
be forerunners of colon cancer |
 |
Inflammation of the colon (colitis)
which may be chronic and recurrent |
 |
Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis
- pockets along the intestinal wall that can become
infected |
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Suspected bleeding in the large bowel |
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Abdominal symptoms, such as pain
or discomfort, chronic diarrhea, constipation, or
a change in bowel habits |