You probably know that colonoscopies are important for colon cancer screening. But that’s not all they do. A colonoscopy can uncover a range of other conditions that may affect your digestive health. While colonoscopies are important for cancer prevention, they are also valuable for investigating symptoms.
If you're dealing with stomach pain, changes in your bowel habits, rectal bleeding or other digestive conditions, your health care provider may suggest a colonoscopy so they can find out what’s going on. Here’s what to know about colonoscopies beyond their role in cancer screening.
Why might you need a colonoscopy for digestive issues?
A colonoscopy can diagnose many digestive symptoms and rule out some major conditions. According to Helen Hall, MD, a colon and rectal surgeon with Banner Health, findings from a colonoscopy may be able to explain:
- Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool
- Changes in your stool
- Bloating, abdominal cramping or gas pain
- Unexplained or frequent diarrhea or constipation
- Anemia or fatigue with no known cause
- Abnormal CT findings
- Ischemic colitis (a condition caused by reduced blood flow to the colon)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis)
- Infectious colitis (inflammation of the colon due to infection)
These symptoms are often caused by benign (non-cancerous) colon problems that are treatable.
Screening colonoscopies for colon cancer are recommended for people age 45 or older who are at average risk. But talk to your health care provider if you have any symptoms that concern you, no matter how old you are.
What can a colonoscopy detect besides cancer?
What does a colonoscopy show? This test can tell you a lot about your health. It may uncover benign colon conditions such as:
- Colon polyps: These are small growths in the lining of your colon. While most polyps are benign, some can turn into cancer over time. They are usually removed during a colonoscopy so they can’t get worse. If you have polyps removed, your health care provider will send them to a lab for testing.
- Diverticulosis and diverticulitis: Small pouches that form in the colon wall are called diverticulosis. They are common as you get older, and you might not have any symptoms. If they get inflamed or infected, it is called diverticulitis, which can cause pain, fever and other symptoms. A colonoscopy can show both conditions.
- Inflammatory conditions: Conditions like ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease or general colitis may cause inflammation in the digestive tract. During a colonoscopy, your health care provider can see signs of inflammation. If they do, they may take a small tissue sample (biopsy) to send to a lab so they can confirm a diagnosis.
- Hemorrhoids and rectal issues: Bleeding or discomfort during bowel movements might be caused by hemorrhoids or other rectal issues. If they are spotted during the exam, your health care provider can determine the best treatment.
- Infections or blood flow problems: Less commonly, a colonoscopy can detect some infections or conditions that reduce blood flow to the colon, like ischemic colitis.
When is a normal result still helpful?
Colonoscopy results that show no signs of disease or abnormal tissue can help rule out some major problems. Your colonoscopy findings can guide your next steps if you have been having symptoms. Even if your results are clear, your health care provider might suggest lifestyle changes or other follow-up tests depending on your symptoms.
"There still could be something functionally wrong with the colon or it could be an upper intestinal or stomach issue," Dr. Hall said. You might need a gastroenterology evaluation to check for other digestive issues, like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
What happens after the colonoscopy?
Once your procedure is done, your provider will go over the findings with you. If they removed any polyps or tissue samples, you’ll get lab results in a few days.
If everything looked normal, it’s most likely you will not need another screening for several years. You may need another colonoscopy sooner if you have:
- Large polyps or a number of polyps
- Signs of inflammation
- A family history of colorectal conditions
Partnering with Banner Health for digestive health
If you have digestive symptoms, a colonoscopy could uncover the cause so you and your health care provider can work together on a treatment plan.
At Banner Health, along with screenings we provide personalized care and support. Our digestive specialists offer thorough exams, expert advice and compassionate care every step of the way.
If you have been experiencing digestive problems, a colonoscopy may be the right next step for you. Talk to an expert at Banner Health to learn more about your options.
