>> |
Anonymous
>>196509
OP here. Colonoscopies are generally performed to check for polyps and cancer. If you find blood in your stool or have other symptoms of cancer or other serious conditions like intestinal blockage or deterioration or what have you, a colonoscopy is a great way to explore the affected area and see what's wrong first hand. Once you hit 50 years of age or so, it's recommended that you have an annual colonoscopy just to keep an eye on things as you age.
In this case my friend went in for a routine check up that included submitting a stool sample, and the lab found traces of blood on the exterior of the stool. The doctor said that it's possible, even likely, that the blood came from a hemeroid (a result of straining to have a bowel movement) and isn't anything serious, but to cover all bases and be certain, they recommended he have a colonoscopy. If nothing else, it will serve as piece of mind for him and he won't have to worry about having another one for at least a decade.
|