Signs You Need a Colonoscopy

Dr. Moshe Rubin performs colonoscopies at his New York, NY, practice for patients concerned about colon cancer. Colonoscopies can detect and treat colon cancer by removing cancerous polyps. Read about colonoscopies and book an appointment with us for the health of your colon.

Colon cancer

Colon cancer is so dangerous because it can exist in the body a long time before a patient ever has obvious symptoms. Polyps in the colon start as small benign growths but over time they can mutate and become cancerous. Scheduling colonoscopies is important because a colonoscopy can find and remove precancerous polyps in the colon before a patient ever has symptoms.

Colonoscopies

A colonoscopy procedure involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera into the rectum to look into the rectum and colon. As a patient, you are asleep during this procedure and shouldn't feel any discomfort. During a colonoscopy, any polyps can also be removed by your New York, NY, gastroenterologist in the same procedure.

Signs you need a colonoscopy

It's important to schedule a colonoscopy by the age of 50 because of the way colon cancer can exist without symptoms. If you are at an elevated risk for colon cancer due to family history your doctor may recommend having one earlier. Regardless of your age. You may be concerned about the health of your colon if you experience the following symptoms:

• Constipation or diarrhea that doesn't go away
• Persistent gas
• Stomach pain
• Black or bloody stool
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Feeling your bowels are constantly full 

Any of these symptoms could be a sign of trouble in your colon. Schedule a colonoscopy at our New York, NY, practice for your doctor to examine your colon and remove dangerous polyps. Your gastroenterologist, Dr. Rubin, specializes in colonoscopies and other screening tests for colon cancer. To book an appointment, call (212) 772-1012.