The best way to prevent colon cancer in Culver City is to detect polyps before they grow into cancer. The intestines unfortunately are a closed system which means that it is easy for cancer to grow without detection. Most cancers begin with precancerous growth, or polyps. By identifying the polyps and removing them, it not only gives the patient the best outcome for success, it can prevent the polyps from becoming something much more ominous that can spread to other organs, or metastasize. Virtual colonoscopy is a procedure that is used to see the inner workings of the intestines and to check for any irregular growth.
What is Virtual Colonoscopy and What are the Advantages and Disadvantages?
Colonoscopy is a procedure which has been used for decades to look inside the intestine and check for precancerous growths, or polyps. It is an invasive procedure which requires a person to receive anesthesia, and to go through a self-prep process which is uncomfortable and something that no one looks forward to. A virtual colonoscopy is a procedure which can check for the same intestine health signs, but does not involve the invasive procedure or sedation and is associated with less risk.
A virtual colonoscopy in Culver City is a procedure that uses either a CT scan, or Magnetic resonance imagery to check the large intestines for signs of precancerous growth. Precancerous growth can be detected by the presence of polyps in the intestine which show up on the films taken from the procedure. The CT scan equipment, and MRI, puts together a virtual image of the intestines reconstructing it, and signally the presence of any irregular growth. Having polyps does not always mean that there is pre-cancer, or cancer, but it does signal the need for further investigation. When polyps are found, it is an indication that further, invasive, investigation such as traditional colonoscopy is warranted to check for the overall health of the large intestine.
The advantages to the virtual colonoscopy are that there is typically no need for sedation that is necessary for traditional colonoscopy. It also carries virtually no degree of risk associated with the invasiveness of a colonoscopy performed with a scope. Not only is there no risk of perforation, there is also no risk associated with the anesthetic that must be employed with the traditional procedure. The major disadvantage is that it is not as thorough as a traditional colonoscopy and may miss small polyps or lesions. When things are found in the large intestine, it is not possible to biopsy which means that further tests need to be performed. Other disadvantages involve radiation exposure and possible non-coverage by some insurance companies.
Who Should get a Virtual Colonoscopy?
Polyps are more likely as you age. Therefore, it is reasonable for anyone after the age of 50 to get a virtual colonoscopy. The frequency of screening may depend on the quality and results of the virtual colonoscopy. Because of the radiation that is involved in a CT scan, they should be done with less frequency than an MRI. Anyone with a history of polyp may require more frequent virtual colonoscopy as they are more likely to have a recurrence of polyp growth.
Since colon cancer may be run in families, anyone who has a family history of colon cancer, especially those who have been diagnosed at an early age, should have a virtual colonoscopy done to check for any signs of irregular growth. Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of disease in Culver City such as bleeding, changes in bowel habits, or any other signs of digestive problems can also benefit from a virtual colonoscopy.
Those who have a history of problems with anesthesia in Culver City can likewise benefit from virtual colonoscopy. Being able to avoid the risks associated with traditional colonoscopy unless growth is realized is a huge advantage. Also, anyone who exhibits irregular blood work that is done at their annual exam can benefit from a virtual colonoscopy.
