Colonoscopy, with its unique diagnostic method, combines advanced technology with the essence of traditional medicine, allowing us to understand the health of the intestine more accurately and intuitively.
Colonoscopy is mainly divided into two types: traditional colonoscopy and endoscopic ultrasound. The traditional colonoscope, like a long, slender exploratory rod with a tiny camera at the end, is able to delicately pass through the patient's anus and deep into the rectum and large intestine.
Through this magical "eye", doctors can intuitively observe every detail of the intestinal tract, whether it is tiny inflammation, ulcers, polyps, tumors, etc.
Endoscopic ultrasound is another innovation in medical technology. It is a perfect fusion of ultrasound technology with the endoscope, allowing the end of the probe of the endoscope to release high-frequency ultrasound waves.
These ultrasound waves act as sophisticated detectors that penetrate the intestinal wall, probing different levels of tissue structure and even finding out whether there are lesions in nearby organs. This depth of exploration ability makes endoscopic ultrasound more accurate and comprehensive in the diagnosis of intestinal diseases.
01
Why should I get a colonoscopy early?
Colonoscopy is the gold standard for detecting intestinal diseases, and its role in the prevention of bowel cancer and its early detection of cancer is becoming increasingly prominent. Numerous research data have confirmed that through colonoscopy, people can not only prevent the occurrence of bowel cancer, but also timely intervene at the early stage of cancer, which greatly reduces the incidence and mortality of bowel cancer.
In a report released by the American Cancer Society, it was clear that the significant decline in the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer since 2000 was mainly due to the popularity and widespread use of colonoscopy. This trend fully illustrates the important role of colonoscopy in the prevention and control of colorectal cancer.
In this context, colonoscopy has become a major cancer screening program in developed countries such as the United States. According to statistics, the proportion of adults over the age of 50 in the United States who undergo colonoscopy has risen sharply from 21% in 2000 to 60% in 2015.
This large-scale screening has led to the early detection and removal of many precancerous lesions, which in turn has contributed to the declining incidence of colorectal cancer year by year.
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How long can the "expiration date" last after a colonoscopy? The doctor said the answer, and after reading it, he gained knowledge
Professor Li Zhaoshen's emphasis on colonoscopy is not untargeted. He placed special emphasis on a colonoscopy at the age of 45, which is based on in-depth medical research and statistics.
Colorectal cancer, a disease that is most commonly seen and occurs after the age of 55. However, we must understand that the process of turning an intestinal polyp into a cancer does not happen overnight, it takes about 5 to 15 years.
If we work backwards, 55 years minus 15 years is exactly 40 years old. This means that at around the age of 40, if intestinal polyps can be detected in time through colonoscopy, and effective measures such as removal or regular observation can be taken, then it is possible to prevent them from becoming cancerous further. This preventive medicine strategy is the key to our fight against colorectal cancer.
The Shanghai Anti-Cancer Association also clearly put forward similar recommendations in its "Recommendations for Screening and Prevention of Common Malignant Tumors for Residents" issued by the Shanghai Anti-Cancer Association. Both men and women should have a colonoscopy every 10 years from the age of 45 until the age of 75.
Therefore, a colonoscopy before the age of 45 can be insured for 5 or 10 years. If it is a high-risk group, it is recommended to have colonoscopy as early as the age of 40.
03
What are the issues that need to be paid attention to when doing colonoscopy?
First of all, dietary modification is crucial. In the days leading up to the test, patients need to follow a specific diet plan, usually a low-residue diet, to ensure a clean bowel.
This is because during the examination, the doctor needs to look inside the intestine through a colonoscopy, and any remaining food debris may affect the clarity of the observation. Therefore, patients should not only control their diet before the examination, but also ensure the quality of their diet and avoid consuming too much food that is difficult to digest.
Secondly, bowel preparation is also an essential step. The day before the test, patients usually need to take specific medications to cleanse the intestines and ensure that the feces and residues in the intestines are completely excreted.
This process can be a bit uncomfortable, but it is a critical part of ensuring that the results are accurate. Therefore, patients need to take their medications correctly as instructed by their doctors and pay attention to how their body reacts.
In addition, during the examination, the patient needs to remain relaxed and cooperate with the doctor's guidance. Colonoscopy may cause some discomfort, but with deep breathing and relaxation techniques, patients can relieve tension and better cooperate with the doctor. At the same time, the doctor will also give the patient appropriate sedation to reduce the discomfort.
Finally, after the examination, the patient needs to pay attention to the body's reaction, especially the bowel movements. If you have any abnormal symptoms, such as abdominal pain, bleeding, etc., you should report it to your doctor in time. In addition, patients also need to follow their doctor's advice for necessary follow-up treatment and care to ensure gut health.
04
Colonoscopy report, have you read it?
polypus
A polyp is like a small protrusion on the lining of the intestines. It is divided into two types: hyperplastic polyps and adenomatous polyps. Hyperplastic polyps, most of the time benign, have a low risk of becoming cancerous.
During a biopsy, doctors often remove it directly. Adenomous polyps, on the other hand, are like a ticking time bomb, and they can become cancerous. Therefore, once adenomatous polyps are found, they need to be removed under endoscopic guidance.
Wettability
This usually means that the growth range of the lesion in the body has broken through the mucosal layer, penetrated deep into the muscular layer, serous layer, and even has the possibility of spreading to the surrounding tissues.
This is often seen as a manifestation of cancer. Faced with such a situation, doctors usually recommend a combination of treatments such as surgery to prevent further deterioration of the condition.
High, medium, and low differentiation
The degree of differentiation actually refers to the proximity of tumor cells to normal cells. Well-differentiated, meaning that the tumour cells are less malignant and usually respond well to treatment. Medium and low differentiation mean that the tumor cells are more malignant and the prognosis after treatment is relatively poor.