TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Suncoast Pinellas News

Colonoscopy Can Find Other Potential Problems

University of Michigan Health System photo

Physicians recommend screening for colon cancer after the age of 50. Even healthy individuals with no history of colon cancer, colon polyps, other bowel problems or bleeding should have a colonoscopy, doctors say.

ADVERTISEMENT

SUNCOAST NEWS STAFF REPORT

Published: March 25, 2009

Malignant lesions and precancerous polyps aren't the only abnormalities that can be detected during colonoscopies.

Another potential serious colon ailment is diverticulitis. Regular wear and tear on the colon can cause little out-pockets called diverticula. Roughly one in three adults over the age of 65 has diverticula, according to Dr. Kim Turgeon, a gastroenterologist with the University of Michigan Health System.

While not dangerous in and of themselves, if diverticula get plugged with waste they can become infected. Having diverticula is known as diverticulosis.

Diverticulosis can lead to diverticulitis if fecal waste or the bacteria normally found in the large intestine becomes trapped in the diverticula pockets. Diverticulitis can produce serious complications such as cancer, and very rarely, death.

"Colon problems are actually quite common throughout a person's life, from childhood, through teen years, and adulthood," said Turgeon. "Regular cancer screening of the colon should start at the age of 50."

Physicians recommend screening for colon cancer after the age of 50, even in healthy individuals with no history of colon cancer, colon polyps, other bowel problems or bleeding.

Colonoscopies or alternative types of screening such as a barium enema or "virtual" CT colonography will show the presence of diverticuli.

About 15 to 25 percent of people with diverticulosis develop diverticulitis, Turgeon said in recorded comments. Of that group, one in four develop a complication such as a fistula, abscess or perforation

Diverticulitis, Turgeon said in a recorded interview, produces the "same type of complications we see with appendicitis."

Even if diverticuli are not bleeding or infected, it is important to keep the colon healthy and the bowels moving with a high fiber diet, regular exercise, and drinking lots of fluids throughout the day, Turgeon says.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT