A colonoscopy is one of the most powerful tools for evaluating colon health — so powerful it’s considered the “gold standard” for detecting colon cancer in its earliest stages.
Colonoscopy uses a special instrument equipped with a strong light and a tiny camera to evaluate the lining of your rectum and colon, looking for signs of cancer and other issues that can otherwise go undetected until an advanced stage.
While many patients spend a lot of time focusing on how to prepare for their exam, knowing what results you might receive — and what they mean — is essential for your future health, as well as for relieving potential anxiety.
As a leading provider of colonoscopy procedures, Michael H. Tarlowe, MD, wants every patient to feel empowered and confident about their procedure and its importance in their colon health. Here, learn the basics about what your colonoscopy results mean, so you can play a more proactive role in your wellness.
This is the result we all hope for. A normal colonoscopy means the lining of your colon appears healthy, with no signs of polyps, inflammation, bleeding, or structural changes (like bumps or “pouches”). This is the best possible outcome and often means no further testing is needed for several years, depending on your age and personal and family risk factors.
Normal findings also confirm that your current screening intervals are appropriate for you and your risk factors. They also provide a clear baseline for future comparisons — an especially important benefit considering colon cancer risk increases with age.
A polyp is a fleshy growth that forms on the lining of your colon. While most people associate polyps with colon precancer, these growths are almost always harmless (benign), and they typically grow very slowly. Some can develop into cancer, though, so removing them is essential.
The instrument used for your colonoscopy features tiny tools that enable Dr. Tarlowe to safely remove polyps so they can be evaluated in a lab setting. When polyps are determined to be precancerous, it could mean you need to have future screenings more often to make sure more polyps don’t form.
Inflammation in your colon could indicate a range of conditions, including infections, inflammatory bowel disease, or other causes. Inflammation could also explain symptoms like chronic diarrhea, chronic or recurrent belly pain, or rectal bleeding.
When Dr. Tarlowe spots an area of inflammation, he typically takes a biopsy — a tiny tissue sample — for lab evaluation. Lab analysis helps identify the cause and guide treatment decisions to protect your health and reduce or prevent future symptoms, too.
Colonoscopies can also detect structural changes in your colon, including the development of tiny pouches called diverticula. These tiny pouches become increasingly common with age—so common that the condition has a name: diverticulosis.
While this condition is usually harmless on its own, if the pouches become inflamed or infected, you can develop a painful condition called diverticulitis. If your colonoscopy uncovers these tiny pouches — or other structural changes — Dr. Tarlowe uses the findings to map out a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
If Dr. Tarlowe removes tissue samples from your colon, they’re sent to a lab where they’re carefully evaluated. These samples are so important that they’re commonly taken even when your colon looks completely healthy and normal.
Lab results are usually available for review shortly after your colonoscopy. Results indicate whether the tissue sample indicates normal tissue or whether inflammation, precancerous tissue, or other issues are found or suspected.
This information guides care and helps determine whether you need additional testing and when to schedule your next colonoscopy for optimal screening.
Having a colonoscopy is one of the best ways to protect yourself, and it all starts with a consultation. During your visit, we’ll review your medical history and other factors to determine the right time for your next colonoscopy, so you can take a proactive role in your wellness.
To schedule your consultation, call 954-210-7127 or request an appointment online with Dr. Tarlowe in Deerfield Beach, Florida, today.
