subject: Colonoscopy Alternative - Know Other Alternatives You Can Do For Testing [print this page] Colonoscopy Alternative - Know Other Alternatives You Can Do For Testing
A lot of individuals these days are suggested to undergo colonoscopy particularly those who are older in age but also those with significant family history of cancer. However, people who may have taken this procedure may not want to undergo the same procedure again. Hence, more of them are looking for an colonoscopy alternative that will help not to undergo the same procedure again. First of all, you may think why many people are looking for these alternatives. Basically, the traditional colonoscopy procedure can be bothersome for many people while others can't take the discomfort. The good news is alternatives are available for the patients who don't want to go the same condition.
The first alternative suggested by physicians is the high sensitivity fecal occult testing. This test utilizes chemical as aid for testing. On this test, stool will be tested for blood and cancer is possibly preset once blood is present on it. Experts suggest for this test to be processed once a year. The next type of colonoscopy alternative available for patients is fecal occult testing using sigmoidoscopy. This procedure would only need to be done every five years. However, this procedure would still need a person to clean the colon for better imaging. This procedure would use sigmoidoscopy, small tubes that can check the lower part of the colon and is a good alternative for this procedure.
The next type of alternative is something that the future hold for medical world is colonography. This is just like a CAT scan specialized only for colon checking for polyps. Another alternative is the use of sample stool. This is will test for presence of any cancer cell DNA to know if the patient may have it. The only problem is this type of testing should get a good sample since not good sample may not show these cancer cell DNA. Since it will require a good sample, the tests will need difficult procedure and may cost a lot more than the usual.
These are some of the colonoscopy alternative options for you if you don't want to do colonoscopy again. However, remember that every test procedures also have their own advantage and disadvantages. It's a good practice for you to consult your physician for the best alternative you can do to get the bet test result. As long as you do the procedure as advised, you'll surely find out if you have colonic issues and get them treated properly.
