Why Is a Colonoscopy Recommended?

How a colonoscopy from your gastroenterologists in Ventura, and Oxnard, CA, can help you

Colorectal cancer is a killer. In fact, it’s the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. There is a simple procedure which can detect colorectal cancer in its early stages, when it is most treatable. The procedure is called a colonoscopy, and it could save your life.

The gastroenterologists at Island View Gastroenterology Associates provide comprehensive gastrointestinal services, including colonoscopies. They have two convenient office locations in Ventura, and Oxnard, CA, to help you.

So, why is a colonoscopy recommended? It’s a diagnostic test for colorectal cancer, and you should have one by the time you are 45 years old, even if you are having no symptoms. You should also have a colonoscopy if you are experiencing signs and symptoms like these:

  • Chronic pain in your abdomen
  • Recurrent diarrhea or constipation
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Blood in your stool

A colonoscopy takes about 45 minutes, but plan on spending a total of 2 to 3 hours in the office because you will be sedated during the procedure. You will also need to bring another person to drive you home after your procedure.

When you have a colonoscopy, the doctor will use a colonoscope, which is a thin, flexible tube with a camera attached to one end. The colonoscope is inserted into your rectum and guided up into your colon.

The attached camera allows your doctor to examine the walls of your colon, looking for growths and other abnormalities. If a growth or abnormality is found, it can be removed for a biopsy. The biopsy determines whether the tissue is precancerous or cancerous.

If you are age 45 or you are having unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms, see your gastroenterologist. You may need a colonoscopy. To find out more about the importance of having a colonoscopy and why it might be recommended, call the gastroenterologists at Island View Gastroenterology Associates. You can reach them in the Ventura, CA, office by calling (805) 641-6525, or in Oxnard, CA, by calling (805) 973-1227, so call now.

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Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

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Wednesday:

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Thursday:

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Friday:

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