What is a Virtual Colonoscopy?
Virtual Colonoscopy (VC), or CT colonography, is a state-of-the-art diagnostic tool that utilizes a CT (Computerized Tomography) scan for routine colorectal screening to discover polyps and cancer at their most treatable stages.
Candidates for VC include average-risk individuals, such as healthy people 50 and older, who want to receive screening for polyps and cancer without enduring some of the downtime and discomfort associated with traditional colonoscopy. The advantages of a VC include:
- The procedure requires no sedation, so you can drive yourself to and from your appointment, if needed.
- You won't lose a whole day to the grogginess and nausea sometimes caused by sedatives.
- The imaging material used for VC is carbon dioxide, which is easier to metabolize so cramps are minimal or absent.
- Normal bowel preparation is still required.
- Ultra-fast CT scanning is a safe and effective way to check for polyps and cancer.
Preventive screenings are an important way to help safeguard your health. We invite you to contact us with your questions or to schedule a screening appointment.
Additional information for this page (patient info on colorectal cancer)
Colorectal Cancer - How to Minimize Your Risk
One person in 20 will develop colorectal cancer, making it the second-leading cause of cancer mortality. Some people have a genetic predisposition for the disease, while others may become prone due to other factors, such as related health issues and age.
It is not yet known to what extent, but lifestyle is a risk contributor (for example, high-fat diet).
The good news is that proper colorectal screening can detect benign polyps before they can turn into cancer, in order to prevent cancer, as well as to identify early-stage cancers, greatly increasing the chances of curative treatment. And with Lake Medical Imaging's state-of-the-art Virtual Colonoscopy, polyps and early cancers can be detected more quickly and easily than ever.
Should you get screened? Read these Colorectal Cancer facts:
- Most men and women over 50 develop polyps within the colon, also known as large intestine. Though not all will turn into cancer, most colorectal cancers begin as polyps. Early detection is key to discovering these polyps so they can be removed, decreasing cancer risk.
- People with certain predispositions should get checked early. While most of us can wait until age 50 for routine colorectal screenings, those with an elevated risk should receive early and regular screenings, including:
- Those with a family history of colorectal cancer
- People who have suffered from colorectal or from certain other cancers
- Those who have had a history of benign or cancerous polyps or ulcers in the large intestine
- Individuals suffering from inflammatory bowel disease
- Those age 50 and older, as a routine part of their preventive healthcare
- Certain symptoms suggest it's time for a colorectal screening. If you should have a significant change in your bowel habits, it's time to get screened to eliminate the possibility of cancer or pre-cancer. Symptoms may include:
- Unexplained constipation, diarrhea, cramping, gas or bloating
- Red or dark blood in the stool
- Regular nausea or vomiting
- Unexplained weight loss
- Chronic weakness and/or fatigue
- Most early and pre-cancers cause no symptoms. While symptoms of disease can be frightening, more frightening is the fact that colorectal cancers and pre-cancers often produce no symptoms at all, so proper screening, even though you feel fine, is the best way to detect problems at their earliest and most treatable stages.
- Colorectal cancer can be prevented. Early detection of polyps is essential in preventing colorectal cancer. Regular screenings are an effective way to avoid this life-threatening disease.
If you're 50 or over, have experienced a change in your bowel habits, have a history that increases your risk, or simply want to take an active step toward early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer, we invite you to contact us for a screening appointment.
It is one of the best steps you can take to safeguard your health.
