What Diseases Can be Detected by a Colonoscopy?

Let’s start by understanding what a colonoscopy is

A colonoscopy is a vital diagnostic tool for identifying a range of conditions affecting the colon and rectum. This procedure involves inserting a flexible tube with a camera into the rectum to examine the colon’s interior. It helps in detecting a variety of diseases and conditions, many of which can significantly impact health if left untreated.

Here’s a comprehensive look at what diseases and conditions can be detected by a colonoscopy:

Crohn’s Disease is an inflammatory condition of the GI tract. Symptoms often include abdominal pain, fatigue, diarrhea, blood in stools, and weight loss. 

It’s like having constant irritation or swelling in different parts of your digestive system, which includes the mouth, stomach, and intestines.

Early detection through colonoscopy is critical for managing symptoms and preventing complications such as intestinal strictures and fistulas.

Colon Polyps are growths on the intestinal lining that have the potential to become cancerous. Although they are often asymptomatic, they can sometimes cause darker stool color, diarrhea, and constipation, or rectal bleeding. 

A colonoscopy is crucial for detecting and removing these polyps to mitigate the risk of colon cancer. They can often be removed during the same procedure.

Regular screenings are advised for people with a family history of colon cancer or those over 45 years of age to catch and remove polyps early.

Diverticulitis is a complication in which small pouches called diverticula that form in the colon wall become inflamed or infected. Think of these pouches as tiny, balloon-like bulges that push out from the colon wall. Symptoms include rectal bleeding, sharp lower left abdominal pain, fever, bloating and changes in bowel habits. 

Colonoscopy helps diagnose diverticulitis and enables timely treatment, which can prevent complications like abscesses, and bowel obstructions or perforations.

Ulcerative Colitis is a chronic condition characterized by inflammation and ulcers in the lining of colon and rectum, leading to symptoms like frequent diarrhea, weight loss, fatigue and abdominal pain. 

Colonoscopy not only helps diagnose ulcerative colitis but also monitors its progression and assesses the effectiveness of ongoing treatments. If left untreated, ulcerative colitis can lead to complications such as severe bleeding, perforation (a hole in the colon), or an increased risk of colon cancer.

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower part of the rectum and anus which may cause itching, swelling, pain and bleeding.

While they’re typically diagnosed through a physical examination, a colonoscopy can identify internal hemorrhoids (located inside rectum) or other issues when investigating symptoms such as persistent rectal bleeding. 

Colorectal Cancer starts in the colon (large intestine) or rectum, often developing from small, benign growths called polyps, which can become cancerous over time. Symptoms prompting investigation include bloating, abdominal pain, and blood in the stool.

One of the most important uses of a colonoscopy is to detect colorectal cancer. It can detect early signs of cancer, such as abnormal polyps, and provide tissue samples for biopsy.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder of the bowel, meaning that while the digestive system looks normal, it doesn’t function as it should.

Although IBS itself cannot be diagnosed via colonoscopy, the procedure is useful for excluding other serious conditions that present with similar symptoms, such as pain, bloating, and irregular bowel movements.

Changes in Bowel Habits that are persistent, such as chronic diarrhea or constipation, may indicate an underlying issue. A colonoscopy can help diagnose the cause of these changes, whether they are due to structural abnormalities, inflammation, or other conditions.