Following on from the upper bowel blockage that suddenly caught me out last August 2015 my consultant Mr Saleem El - Rabaa thought it may be a good idea for me to undergo a further colonoscopy Anyone that has followed my blog will know that my original colonoscopy was in 2009. This procedure saved my life, It identified I was suffering advanced bowel cancer. A video diary was taken of this procedure by the consultant which I later posted on this blog. I have an appointment in the near future at Kettering for a further colonoscopy. Anyone that has taken to look on-line for advice or information on colonoscopy's and may have stumbled upon this blog, I can assure you in my experience, the patient is mildly sedated asked to lay in the foetal position and feels very little discomfort. All very worth it if it saves your life - Normally the consultant tells you straight away if everything is fine or within 10 days if any biopsy's are taken. You know your body if something is not right GET IT CHECKED OUT It may be nothing ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy
- A colonoscopy allows your doctor to see inside your colon and rectum. This test allows your doctor to detect inflamed tissue, ulcers or unusual growths which may be the beginnings of cancer. A colonoscopy is used to diagnosis the reason for changes in your bowel movements, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding or unexplained weight loss. A colonoscopy is an outpatient procedure, and recovery is usually quick.
Biopsy
- During the colonoscopy, your doctor may decide to remove a small sample of tissue for testing. This removal of tissue is called a biopsy. Tissue removed can be viewed under a microscope and tested for any signs of disease. Testing tissue removed during a biopsy will tell your doctor what illness may be causing your symptoms.
Cancer
- Tissue removed during a biopsy may reveal cancerous cells. This tissue may come from abnormal growths like polyps and tumors or from inflamed lining tissue. Early detection of colorectal cancer helps improve your chances of recovery. Cancerous cells form when normal cells mutate and grow uncontrolled. A biopsy can help detect cancerous cells before they have grown into tumors and created blockages in the colon.
Polyps
- Polyps are growths that stick out from the lining of your colon or rectum. Polyps can be the beginning of cancer. Polyps are precancerous growths that can increase your risk of developing cancer. During a colonoscopy your doctor will remove any polyps found. Removing polyps can help prevent your from developing cancer.
Abscesses
- When tissue becomes infected your body's immune systems fights back by sending white blood cells to the infected area. As your white blood cells collect in the area pus begin to form. A build up of fluid, live and dead white blood cells, dead tissue and bacteria can form. This abscess can cause pain, changes to your bowel movements and bleeding. Infected tissue removed during a biopsy can be tested to determine what is causing the abscess. Most abscesses are treated with antibiotics to stop the infection.
