Colonoscopy In Miami, Florida
Did you know that colorectal cancer is ranked as the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States? Did you know that if colon polyps (abnormal growths) are detected early enough, colon cancer is preventable? A colonoscopy procedure helps Dr. Simmons identify and treat gastrointestinal abnormalities before they get worse.Why Do I Need A Screening Colonoscopy?
Most patients should be checked for colon cancer starting at the age of 45 years old. Patients who are classified as high risk may need to be checked before they are 45 years old. A screening colonoscopy can prevent colon cancer or allow early detection of abnormalities so that they can be treated. Furthermore, if you are having issues related to your gastrointestinal tract, such as bleeding with bowel movements or diarrhea, a colonoscopy may help Dr. Simmons determine the cause and develop a treatment plan to address your symptoms.
What Is A Colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy procedure involves examining the colon using a thin flexible tube with a camera on one end. You are given anesthesia medications to ensure that you are comfortable throughout the procedure. This procedure is the most reliable way to both check for colon cancer and remove any pre-cancerous abnormalities (also known as polyps) before they progress to cancer and spread throughout the body. Unlike other tests to screen for colon cancer (such as submitting a stool sample), it is important to emphasize that this procedure is the only colon cancer screening option where precancerous colon polyps can be completely removed. Patients with an abnormal stool-based colon cancer screening test will need a colonoscopy to determine why the stool test was abnormal. During the colonoscopy, Dr. Simmons can investigate and/or use colonoscopy tools to treat the cause of gastrointestinal symptoms such as rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, or diarrhea.
