A colonoscopy is an important test for many symptoms. This guide explains what a colonoscopy is and the diseases it can find. We’ll also show how the PHIN website can help you book a private colonoscopy and protect your health.
What is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is when a long, thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end (colonoscope) into your back passage (rectum). The doctor can see video images of your bowel to check for problems.
The doctor usually perform a colonoscopy while you’re awake but may offer a sedative if you’re feeling nervous or anxious. While a colonoscopy isn’t considered painful, it can be slightly uncomfortable. But the benefits it can offer outweigh any potential discomfort.
You must also follow a low-fibre diet before your colonoscopy. You can learn more about how to prepare in our guide ‘Colonoscopy preparation: what you need to know’.
A colonoscopy takes 30 to 40 minutes to complete and you can typically go home soon after and return to your usual activities.
Why might I need a colonoscopy?
Doctors use a colonoscopy to investigate unexplained symptoms.
Some of the symptoms that may benefit from being investigated with a colonoscopy can include:
- Bleeding from your bottom
- Finding blood in your poo
- Persistent diarrhoea or constipation
- Unexplained weight loss
- Feeling tired all the time
- Unexplained abdominal pain or cramping
If you’re experiencing one or more of these symptoms, your doctor may refer you for a colonoscopy. You might need to see a consultant before having the procedure.
Doctors can use a colonoscopy to check for growths (polyps) and any other abnormalities in your bowel. Polyps are often harmless, but they can sometimes turn into colon or colorectal cancer. The consultant can remove polyps during the colonoscopy.
If you have a pre-existing bowel condition, you might need a colonoscopy to monitor your condition. You may also need one to check how well your condition responds to treatment.
Generally, your GP will refer you for a colonoscopy. However, you can choose where you’d like your colonoscopy and with which provider. With PHIN, you can search local consultants and explore their qualifications, patient reviews and private costs to access the expert healthcare you deserve.
Can a colonoscopy detect cancer?
A colonoscopy can detect bowel cancer. This form of cancer can be found anywhere in your large bowel, including your colon and back passage.
Bowel cancer is common in the UK, so it's important to get a colonoscopy if you have symptoms.
Symptoms of bowel cancer may include:
- Changes in your bowel habits
- Blood in your stool
- Rectal bleeding
- Pain in your stomach
- Unexplained weight loss
- A lump in your stomach
- Feeling unusually tired
- Needing to empty your bowels more often
If you are experiencing bowel cancer symptoms, a colonoscopy is one of the best ways to either confirm or rule out it. These symptoms can relate to other conditions, so getting to their source is essential.
The earlier bowel cancer is detected, the better, as treatment can be much more effective.
Other diseases and conditions a colonoscopy can detect
As well as bowel cancer, a colonoscopy can detect:
- Crohn’s disease – a lifelong inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affecting parts of your digestive system.
- Ulcerative colitis – a type of IBD where your colon and rectum are inflamed, leading to ulcers. Symptoms include diarrhoea with mucus, blood or pus.
- Microscopic colitis – inflammation of the colon only detectable through a tissue sample (biopsy) during a colonoscopy
- Diverticular disease (diverticulitis) – Bulges in the intestine wall (diverticular) can cause stomach pain and other symptoms. These bulges may not cause symptoms but can become inflamed and uncomfortable.
- Colon polyps – growths that develop in the colon or rectum’s lining. They can be flat or have a stalk that makes them stick out. Mostly, colon polyps are non-cancerous. But sometimes, they can become cancerous and need removal. Colon polyps can be identified during a colonoscopy and a biopsy can be taken and the polyp removed.
- Internal haemorrhoids – also known as piles, haemorrhoids cause bleeding from your bottom or blood in your stool. A colonoscopy can diagnose them, and treatment may follow.
Can a colonoscopy detect irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
A colonoscopy cannot diagnose IBS. It doesn’t affect your bowel’s tissue, so it cannot be seen visually or via a biopsy. However, IBS symptoms can overlap with other bowel conditions, so you may have a colonoscopy to rule these out.
Benefits of a colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a highly beneficial for early detection of bowel cancer. Detecting bowel cancer at an early stage is critical as this is when it’s highly treatable. A consultant can detect and remove polyps during a colonoscopy and examine them to make sure they’re not cancerous. Polyps don’t always cause symptoms; a colonoscopy is the only way to confirm them.
Colonoscopy also helps check bowel conditions and assess treatment effectiveness.
Who can benefit from a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy can identify the cause of unexplained bowel symptoms. It is also beneficial if you have a family history of bowel cancer or other bowel conditions. Regular screenings allow doctors to detect and treat diseases as soon as possible.
How can PHIN help me book a colonoscopy?
Accessing a private colonoscopy can seem daunting. But with the help of PHIN, you can browse local consultants easily.
You can easily search for consultants and find details like their hospital, fees, and if they offer remote consultations. You can also read patient feedback and hear about their experiences. Our comprehensive consultant profiles give you all the necessary information in one place.
When you use PHIN to find your consultant, you can personalise your search and choose the best practitioner.
Sources
- Colonoscopy. NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/colonoscopy/. Last reviewed 14 November 2022.
- Colonoscopy. Why it’s done. NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/colonoscopy/why-its-done/. Last reviewed 14 November 2022.
- What is bowel cancer? NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bowel-cancer/what-is-bowel-cancer/. Last reviewed 9 March 2023.
- Crohn’s Disease. NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/crohns-disease/. Last reviewed 22 April 2021.
- Diverticular disease and diverticulitis. NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diverticular-disease-and-diverticulitis/. Last reviewed 7 September 2023.
- Ulcerative colitis. NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diverticular-disease-and-diverticulitis/. Last reviewed 1 November 2022.
- Internal haemorrhoids. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537182/. Last reviewed 31 July 2023.
- Microscopic colitis. Crohn’s & Colitis UK. https://crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/info-support/information-about-crohns-and-colitis/all-information-about-crohns-and-colitis/understanding-crohns-and-colitis/microscopic-colitis. Last reviewed November 2019.
- Bowel polyps. NHS. https://crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/info-support/information-about-crohns-and-colitis/all-information-about-crohns-and-colitis/understanding-crohns-and-colitis/microscopic-colitis. Last reviewed 28 July 2023.
- Following a low fibre diet for your colonoscopy
- Preparing for a colonoscopy
- How long does a colonoscopy take?
