Obtain the details: colonoscopy versus. virtual colonoscopy

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• Virtual Colonoscopy-Mayo Clinic

If you are age 50 or older, you need to get screened for colorectal cancer. But, which kind of colorectal cancer screening exam in the event you get?

Lots of people select a colonoscopy, the defacto standard for colorectal cancer screening and prevention. But there’s an alternative choice, virtual colonoscopy.

So, which if you undertake? Let’s compare the 2.

Colonoscopy: suggested every ten years

Throughout a colonoscopy, your physician uses an adaptable tube to insert a small camera to your colon using your rectum. They’ll search for polyps or any other problems because the tube is withdrawn.

Polyps are small growths in your colon wall. Not treated, they are able to grow bigger and become cancer with time.

Pros

Polyp removal — Your physician can remove polyps throughout a colonoscopy. Polyp removal is the easiest method to prevent colorectal cancer.

Little discomfort — You physician can provide you with medication that will help you stay relaxed and comfy throughout the exam.

Cons

Complications — It isn’t common, but inserting the scope may cause bleeding and tearing from the colon.

Virtual colonoscopy: suggested every 5 years

Throughout a virtual colonoscopy, your physician will a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis to produce 3-D images. These images show polyps along with other abnormalities within your colon and rectum.

Pros

Less invasive — Your physician will insert a tube inside your rectum and colon. But, it’ll be shorter compared to tube employed for a colonoscopy.

Less complications — You won’t be required to worry just as much about bleeding or tearing from the colon.

More comprehensive — Your physician can easily see the region outdoors the colon. This assists you to place other issues within the pelvis area.

Cons:

Follow-up colonoscopy — In case your physician sees a polyp or other things unusual on your virtual colonoscopy, it’s important to obtain a traditional colonoscopy to get rid of the polyp or execute a biopsy.

Radiation exposure — Virtual colonoscopy makes you to face a minimal dose of radiation. You will be uncovered to more radiation than the usual chest X-ray but far under a normal CT scan.

No test is ideal

If you are leaning toward an online colonoscopy so that you can steer clear of the colon-cleansing prep, reconsider. Both tests need a cleansed colon. Which means you are able to have only obvious fluids yesterday the exam, and you’ll have to consider plenty of laxative solution.

No screening exam is 100% accurate. Your physician might not find every polyp on your exam. That’s particularly true for polyps which are harder to place, like small or flat polyps.

But, studies have shown that both exams are great choices to look for and stop colorectal cancer. Cost and coverage for screening exams varies. Before scheduling a test, ask your insurance provider when the exam is included.

“Colorectal cancer screening is really important since it saves lives,” states Robert Bresalier, M.D., professor of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Diet at MD Anderson. “The most typical characteristic of cancer of the colon isn’t any symptom whatsoever. Screening enables us to identify it.”

Start the colorectal screening discussion at the next check-up. If you are at elevated risk for colorectal cancer, speak to your physician to determine when you have to be screened. Regardless of what you select, don’t delay this test for anxiety about discomfort. Either virtual or traditional colonoscopy can meet your needs should you follow your doctor’s suggested screening schedule and correctly prepare.

Request a scheduled appointment at MD Anderson’s Lyda Hill Cancer Prevention Center online or call 877-632-6789.

Resourse: https://mdanderson.org/publications/focused-on-health/April2016/

Virtual Colonoscopy-Mayo Clinic