Colonoscopy Clinic Singapore
As the name suggests, a colonoscopy clinic in Singapore is a medical facility where colonoscopies are performed. Colonoscopies help diagnose and treat various conditions related to the colon and rectum.
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For example, they may be recommended for colorectal cancer screening, detecting precancerous polyps, and diagnosing symptoms like rectal bleeding, chronic diarrhea, or unexplained weight loss. Colonoscopies can also be used to investigate the cause of abdominal pain, and changes in bowel habits, or to monitor inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
During a colonoscopy, the doctor can also perform biopsies, remove polyps, or treat bleeding using special instruments inserted through the colonoscope. In this article, we explore the unique instances when visits to the colonoscopy clinic can be urgent. But before that:
What Diseases Can Be Detected By A Colonoscopy?
Thanks to this procedure, the specialists at your colonoscopy clinic in Singapore are able to get to the depths of the colon. And these procedures do not only help in catching diseases of the colon and rectum. They also allow for timely interventions which can ultimately improve your treatment outcomes and quality of life. Here are five most common diseases that can be detected by a colonoscopy:
- Colorectal Cancer (CRC)
Colonoscopies play a significant role in the early detection of colorectal cancer. They allow for assessments of abnormal growths or polyps in the colon or rectum which are often precursors to cancer.
Removal of these polyps during the procedure can prevent cancer development, something which makes colonoscopies a powerful tool in CRC prevention and early intervention.
CRC is the third most common cancer worldwide. But, with early detection through colonoscopies, many patients enjoy very good survival rates.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
IBD, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, can wreak havoc on the digestive tract. Again here’s where a good colonoscopy clinic in Singapore comes in.
They can help you in diagnosing and monitoring IBD by examining the extent and severity of inflammation. This helps not just in treatment planning but also in assessing disease progression.
- Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis
Colonoscopies can effectively identify diverticula. These are small pouches in the colon wall which although often asymptomatic, can lead to severe complications.
Early detection through colonoscopies enables timely intervention. An accredited colonoscopy clinic in Singapore can help you prevent complications like perforation or abscess formation which can lead to serious complications.
- Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Colonoscopies serve as diagnostic lifelines for unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding. They help visualize the colon’s interior to pinpoint bleeding sources for example ulcers, arteriovenous malformations, or tumors.
Prompt identification through colonoscopies helps in devising tailored treatment strategies. Gastrointestinal bleeding can be a sign of various underlying conditions, something which makes accurate diagnosis essential for appropriate management.
- Colitis
Colitis is an inflammation of the colon lining. It can come from various issues, including infections, autoimmune conditions, or ischemia.
Colonoscopies offer a direct visual assessment of colonic mucosa. This means that they can help in diagnosing colitis and determining its underlying etiology. This facilitates tailored treatment approaches and ongoing monitoring to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.
Why Would A Colonoscopy Be Urgent?
In normal circumstances, visiting a colonoscopy clinic in Singapore becomes routine when you’re 45 years old. The only instances when you may need to begin colonoscopies early include when you have a significant history of colon cancer among other risk factors.
So, why would a colonoscopy be urgent, you may wonder?
A colonoscopy may be urgent if you have a positive FIT result, experience symptoms of colon cancer, have unexplained anemia or weight loss, notice unusual symptoms, or if you have had previous abnormal colonoscopy results. Keep reading for an understanding of what these things mean:
- Positive Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)
A positive FIT result can be a cause for concern as it indicates the presence of hidden blood in the stool. This hidden blood, also known as occult blood, can be a sign of various conditions.
For example, it could be indicative of polyps, colorectal cancer, or other gastrointestinal issues. While the FIT is quite effective for detecting these abnormalities, it is not diagnostic. Therefore, a positive result should be followed up with a colonoscopy to confirm the presence of any polyps or tumors and to determine the cause of the bleeding.
- Colon Cancer Symptoms
Symptoms of colon cancer can vary widely. And, they may include changes in bowel habits, which may include diarrhea or constipation that last for more than a few days.
Other symptoms may include rectal bleeding or blood in the stool, which can indicate the presence of a tumor or polyp in the colon. Unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or weakness may also be signs of colon cancer.
This is particularly true when they are accompanied by other symptoms like abdominal pain or bloating. It is important that you recognize these symptoms early and visit a good colonoscopy clinic in Singapore as soon as possible to ensure earlier detection and treatment of colon cancer.
- Unexplained Anemia and Weight Loss
Anemia, or a low red blood cell count, can be a sign of internal bleeding. This may be caused by a polyp or tumor in the colon.
And, as already explained, sudden, unexplained weight loss, especially when accompanied by other symptoms like fatigue or changes in bowel habits, can also be a warning sign of colon or rectal cancer. These symptoms must not be ignored, as they may indicate a serious underlying condition that requires prompt medical attention and evaluation through a colonoscopy.
- Unusual Symptoms
Unusual symptoms include severe abdominal pain, cramps, or bloating that are persistent or severe. These symptoms may indicate a problem in the colon that requires further evaluation.
Other unusual symptoms, such as a feeling of fullness or pressure in the abdomen, may also be signs of colon issues that should be investigated further. Any new or unusual symptoms that persist or worsen over time should be discussed with an accredited medical doctor. They can determine if further evaluation, such as visiting a colonoscopy clinic in Singapore, is necessary.
- Previous Abnormal Colonoscopy Results
If a previous colonoscopy has shown abnormal results, such as the presence of polyps or other abnormalities, a follow-up colonoscopy may be necessary to monitor any changes or address any concerns. The timing of this follow-up colonoscopy will depend on the specific findings of the previous procedure and the recommendations of your doctors.
In Closing
There are several symptoms that may warrant an urgent visit to your colonoscopy clinic in Singapore. So, it is essential that you listen to your body and seek medical attention if you notice any concerning signs or symptoms.
Early detection and treatment can significantly improve your prognosis and quality of life. If you’re looking to schedule an urgent colonoscopy in Singapore, we suggest that you get in touch with the Gastrohealth Center for Digestive and Liver Care for thorough assessment and tailored treatment if any. See details below:
Gastrohealth Clinic @ Gleneagles – Dr Bhavesh Doshi | Gastroscopy | Colonoscopy | Health Screening | EUS and ERCP Singapore
6A Napier Road,
Annexe Block #05-35C Gleneagles Hospital
Singapore 258500
820 Thomson Road,
#06-07 Mount Alvernia Medical Centre A Singapore 574623
+65 6355 5773
https://gastrohealth.com.sg/
