A colonoscopy is the gold standard screening test for colorectal cancer. It helps detect colorectal cancer earlier, when it’s much easier to treat.
Aurora Health Care specialists offer colonoscopies in multiple convenient locations. With colorectal cancer screening centers in Milwaukee, Sheboygan, Green Bay and throughout eastern Wisconsin, we make it easy to get the care you need.
What is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a screening test that looks for early signs of colon and rectal cancers, also called colorectal cancers. Your doctor uses a flexible tube with a camera (colonoscope) to examine your entire large intestine (colon) and rectum for small growths (polyps) or other changes.
Colonoscopies are the most effective tool for detecting colorectal cancer early. They detect up to 90% of tumors or polyps.
Is colon screening the same as a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is one type of colon screening. Depending on your risk factors, your doctor may recommend other colon screenings such as:
- Stool tests to check for blood in a stool sample. You collect a stool sample at home and submit it to your doctor or a laboratory for analysis.
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy to examine your rectum and the lower third of your colon using an endoscope. You don’t need sedation and the procedure only takes about 10 minutes.
Find out more about colon cancer screening guidelines.
How to schedule a colonoscopy
Your first step to scheduling a colonoscopy is discussing a referral for this screening with your primary care provider. You’ll review risk factors such as family history of colon or rectal cancer and determine if it’s the right time to get a colonoscopy.
If you have a primary care provider, schedule an appointment in LiveWell. And if you need a new provider, we’ll help you find a doctor.
Are you at risk for colon cancer?
Screening vs. diagnostic colonoscopies
A traditional colonoscopy uses a thin, flexible tube inserted into the rectum. Your doctor examines your rectum and colon for polyps. If the doctor finds any irregular growths, they can remove the polyps immediately.
Colonoscopies may also be categorized as:
Screening colonoscopy
These preventive tests check for signs of cancer in people who have no cancer symptoms.
Diagnostic colonoscopy
You have a diagnostic colonoscopy if you’re experiencing symptoms that could point to a gastrointestinal disease. Colonoscopies may also be considered diagnostic if they occur more frequently than once every 10 years.
The exam is the same for both types of colonoscopy. A diagnostic colonoscopy may take a little longer, depending on what your doctor needs to examine. Learn more about what to expect during a colonoscopy.
What diseases can be detected by a colonoscopy?
Doctors often recommend a colonoscopy to screen for colorectal cancer. But a colonoscopy may also help detect gastrointestinal (GI) conditions such as:
- Diverticulitis (bulges that develop in the colon) or diverticulosis (bulges that become infected)
- Inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
- Ischemic colitis (inflamed colon that results from decreased blood flow to the colon)
- Large bowel obstructions (colon blockage that prevents gas or stool from passing and may cause the colon to rupture)
Reasons for an urgent colonoscopy
Many people only have a colonoscopy to screen for cancer. But your doctor may recommend a more urgent colonoscopy if you have symptoms that could point to a gastrointestinal problem, such as:
- Abdominal pain
- Changes in your bowel habits, such as constipation, diarrhea or incontinence
- Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool
- Unexplained weakness or fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
What do colonoscopy results mean?
Your colonoscopy results can be:
- Negative: This means the test didn’t show any irregularities. You won’t need another colonoscopy for several years unless you have a high risk of colorectal cancer.
- Positive: The colonoscopy showed polyps or other irregular tissue.
What happens if a colonoscopy is positive?
If your colonoscopy is positive, your doctor will remove a sample of the irregular tissue. The tissue gets checked in a laboratory to see if it’s noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant).
Sometimes, your doctor can remove polyps during the colonoscopy. Or you may need another surgery to remove the irregular tissue. Depending on the colonoscopy results, you may need more frequent colorectal screenings.
What does a colonoscopy cost?
Most insurance companies, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover screening colonoscopies with minimal or no out-of-pocket costs. You may have a copay or other out-of-pocket expenses for a diagnostic colonoscopy.
Get a colonoscopy cost estimate
Our team can help you understand your expenses and financial options if you don’t have insurance or have other cost concerns. We’ll provide a cost estimate based on your insurance plan and medical history. Please call 800-326-2250 for a colonoscopy cost estimate. Learn more about health care costs.