Colon cancer is one of the deadliest types of cancer known today. This cancer along with rectum cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. This disease occurs in your large intestine.
It starts out as small, benign clumps of cells called adenomatous polyps. These polyps can eventually grow into cancerous growths. A change in your bowel movement is one of the first signs that something is wrong. These signs include a change in bowel movement consistency, constipation and diarrhea.
Most people with colon cancer do not experience symptoms during the polyp stage. Symptoms usually show up in the later stages of the disease. The intensity of symptoms tend to vary depending on the tumor position in your colon and its size.
It is recommended that you get regular screenings to help with identifying polyps. These polyps should be detected before they have a chance to get bigger and become cancerous. Read on to find out how a colonoscopy can detect colon cancer.
Get A Colonoscopy Colonoscopies are the type of test that allows your doctor to check the inner lining of your large intestine. People start getting this test at the age of 50 and continue until they are 75. This screening test can detect bleeding, areas of inflammation, tumors, ulcers, and colon polyps.
Prepare For The Test This examination requires special preparation before going through the test. To prepare, you must follow a special diet and clean out your colon with strong laxatives. You are also put to sleep during a colonoscopy. The test is done using a special tool called a colonoscope that looks at your colon.
If your doctor finds cancerous cells, then a biopsy can be performed and the abnormal tumors can be removed. A colonoscopy is the most accurate test for rectum and colon cancer. It can detect the disease early, which results in saving lives. However, it is important to not get the test done too often. After getting the test done, you do not have to get another one for ten years.
How Much Does The Test Cost? This examination is covered by most health care plans and Medicare. However, it is only covered when you get the screening during the required times. There is also the possibility of incurring charges for anesthesia and polyp removal. A typically colonoscopy costs around $2,000 but can increase to $2,100 for a biopsy. Cancer is scary and it takes a huge toll on a family. If you suspect something is wrong, then you should get to the doctor for a diagnosis as soon as possible. Contact a clinic like Lincoln Surgical Group PC for more information.
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