This procedure is done using sedation. Barium and air are delivered to the colon by means of a tube that is inserted into the rectum. This procedure is done without sedation. The fecal occult blood test determines if there are small amounts of blood in the stool. The slides are then given to your physician for examination.
Polyps are benign or noncancerous growths that grow on the inside lining of the colon.
A polyp looks like a small mushroom and can be smaller than a pea or as large as a lemon. History of ulcerative colitis greater than eight to 10 years in duration History of familial polyposis or hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer People who have one of more first-degree relatives diagnosed with colorectal cancer at age 55 or older should undergo screening colonoscopy every three or five years beginning at ages 35 to 40. You also may be at increased risk for colorectal cancer if your diet is low in vegetables and fiber or high in fat and meat. Making changes in dietary habits, however, does not replace the need to have routine cancer screening examinations for colorectal cancer. How screening works Screening tests can be used to prevent colorectal cancer by finding precancerous growths called polyps in the colon or rectum.