Routine screening tests like colonoscopies may not be high on your list of things you want to do.
Maybe you don’t want to take time out when you feel just fine. Or you just shudder thinking about it. But getting a colonoscopy today — or one of a growing number of less invasive colorectal cancer screenings — can help prevent problems tomorrow.
If you’re age 45+, we recommend you get a regular screening. In a colonoscopy, that means we’ll take a look at your colon with a flexible tube, a light and a camera. What are we looking for? Any changes in the cells of your colon (large intestine), bleeding or colon growths (polyps). In less-invasive tests, some of which may be done at home, we’re looking for blood or genetic mutations in your poop. If we do find a problem, no matter how we find it, our experts have experience knowing what’s normal when it comes to colon changes — and what’s inflammation or a sign of cancer.
You’re in the hands of expert providers at Cleveland Clinic who have had additional education and training in finding, diagnosing and treating colorectal cancer. We can quickly and accurately evaluate growths (polyps) and bleeding in the colon. Meet our team.
Our providers may do thousands of colonoscopies each year, but you’re never just another patient. Our team goes the extra mile to help you feel comfortable at every step.
We hold ourselves accountable for the quality of our colonoscopy procedures. We make sure our healthcare providers have all the time they need to thoroughly examine every person.
Our providers use the newest tools to view and examine the detail of all colon polyps. We use these detailed views to determine if we should remove polyps during colonoscopy.
We offer colonoscopy at locations throughout communities near you. Our friendly team will greet you and answer your questions before your procedure takes place in a private room.
We monitor how effective our procedures are in detecting polyps. We also continuously research the best ways for you to prepare for the procedure to ensure the highest-quality colonoscopy.
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Colon polyps are growths that form in the lining of the colon. These growths may also form in the rectum. Over time, polyps may become colorectal cancer.
Cancers of the colon and rectum (colorectal cancer) are highly treatable when caught early. That’s why experts recommend a colonoscopy every 10 years for people who are at average risk for colon cancer. If colon cancer runs in your family, your healthcare provider may recommend more frequent screenings.
We use colonoscopies to find and examine polyps. Our experts often remove any polyps they find during the same procedure. Colonoscopy also helps our specialists diagnose conditions like Crohn’s disease, microscopic colitis and ulcerative colitis.
Our experts also use a colonoscopy to diagnose causes of rectal bleeding. These causes may include:
Our healthcare providers see patients at convenient locations throughout Northeast Ohio and Florida.
During a colonoscopy, specialists use a colonoscope (the flexible tube with a light and camera) to view your colon. If you choose, we give you medication (anesthesia) so you’ll be asleep during the procedure. The colonoscopy procedure includes:
A few weeks before your procedure, your provider will talk with you about how to prepare for your colonoscopy, including the bowel preparation instructions you will need to follow. It’s important that your intestine (bowel) is empty so your provider can see the detail of your colon. During the day (or night) before your colonoscopy, you’ll need to drink a solution that helps you poop and completely empty your bowel.
We work with you to make sure you’re able to prepare for colonoscopy in an effective way that’s comfortable for you. Talk with your provider if you have any concerns about how to prepare.
Be sure to let your provider know about all medications you take, including any over-the-counter supplements. You may need to stop taking them prior to this screening.
Specialists use a colonoscope to see detailed views of your colon and rectum. Most people choose to have anesthesia and are not awake during the procedure. Talk with your healthcare provider if you have concerns about anesthesia.
If our experts need to remove polyps during colonoscopy, they insert instruments through the colonoscope to remove tissue. Most colonoscopies take less than one hour.
Once our specialists complete the colonoscopy, you’ll stay in a recovery room until you wake up from anesthesia. It’s important to bring someone with you to drive you home.
If you stopped taking medications, your healthcare provider will tell you when you can begin taking them again and resume your activities.
Our experts recommend a colonoscopy for most people and consider it to be the “gold standard” for colorectal cancer screenings. But if colonoscopy isn’t right for you and you are not high risk for cancer, we may recommend:
If a stool/fecal test comes back positive, you should schedule a colonoscopy right away so we can find the underlying cause.
A colonoscopy may not be something you want to do. If you’re feeling anxious, afraid or just don’t know how to fit it into your schedule, know that we’re here for you. And you may have other, less-invasive options. Either way, our providers understand and are there to answer any questions you might have. Getting screened regularly is an important part of maintaining your health and preventing future conditions, like cancer. We’ll be with you through it all.
Getting an appointment for a colonoscopy or other screening with Cleveland Clinic providers is easy. We’re here to help you get the care you need.
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If you’re a Cleveland Clinic Florida patient, you may be eligible to self-schedule your colonoscopy without an initial office visit. This option is available for healthy people, ages 45 and older with an average risk of colon cancer.
However, self-scheduling a colonoscopy isn’t an option for everyone. You may not be able to self-schedule your procedure if you have:
If you’re currently experiencing any symptoms – bleeding or changes in your bowel movements – please call our offices to schedule your appointment instead of using the form.
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