Friday, July 19, 2013

What Is The Difference Between a Los Angeles Virtual Colonoscopy and a Traditional Colonoscopy?

Colon cancer is a serious disease which kills hundreds of thousands of Americans in the United States per annum. It is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in Los Angeles and in America. Making it even more deadly is the fact that it is often a silent killer. There are many people who are diagnosed with advanced stage colon cancer who are completely symptom free, and unaware that they were even sick. Often by the time that a person is symptomatic, the disease has had time to grow and, in some cases, metastasize to other organs. The best way to tackle Los Angeles colon cancer is through early detection methods.

What is a Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a screening test that is used for colon cancer. It is a way to get a look into the large intestine to check for any abnormal growths or cell changes that can indicate both cancer and precancerous lesions or polyps. There are two different types of colonoscopy screening procedures. Traditional colonoscopy involves putting the patient under anesthesia and inserting a scope into the large intestine to check for any abnormal growths. During the procedure if there is found to be anything suspicious, biopsies can be done to check for the presence of cancer or precancerous cells. It is an invasive procedure that involves a person to do a bowel prep to clean out the colon for optimal visualization.
A virtual colonoscopy is different in that it involves imaging instead of a colonoscope. Clinicians in Los Angeles use CT scans or magnetic resonance imagery to reconstruct the internal structure of the large intestine. By using the images that they capture, physicians are able to form a virtual 3-D construct of the intestine to look for any concerning structural changes, or abnormal growths, that can indicate the need for further biopsy or screening methods. It is a fairly new procedure that continues to be perfected and and is a viable alternative to the traditional colonoscopy.
Colonoscopy is the best tool that clinicians have to rule out the existence of precancerous polyps or the need for more invasive procedures. Being able to get a glimpse into the internal structure of the large intestine is a good way of being able to catch colon cancer at a time when the prognosis for treatment is much better than when the disease is farther advanced.

What are the Advantages of Virtual Colonoscopy in Los Angeles and Who Can Benefit From It?

There are some advantages to virtual versus traditional colonoscopy. Virtual colonoscopy does not have the same anesthetic risks as a traditional colonoscopy. It is  less invasive in that a colonoscope is not involved but  there still is a risk of perforation of the bowel or intestine due to insertion of air. For those who have had a history of anesthesia related problems or a heart condition, it is a valuable alternative to other screening methods.
A virtual colonoscopy in Los Angeles still involves a bowel prep to visualize the inside of the colon via imaging. Even though it does have some limitations, convincing someone to do it at all is the most important part of any screening process. It is also a viable screening method for those who have had prior surgical reconstruction which may make a traditional colonoscopy difficult.
Los Angeles Virtual colonoscopy is a very useful tool to rule out any obvious growth structures in the large intestines. For those whose risk is low, it is a good way to make sure that more invasive procedures, which run greater risks, are not warranted. When using  MRI for virtual colonoscopy, you also do not run the risk of being exposed to radiation as you would with a CT scan. It can also be combined with other tests that can target other organs while the scan is being performed.
Which screening test is most appropriate for an individual depends on the circumstances and medical condition of the patient. The best way to determine which colonoscopy is best for you is to schedule a consultation with a professional clinician in Los Angeles to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both methods to decide which one is best.