Gastroenterology related articles
Common Colon Cancer Symptoms
What is Colon Cancer?The colon, also called the large intestine, is the longest part of the intestine. "Colorectal cancer" refers to cancers affecting the colon and the last four inches of the large intestine, the rectum. Issues occur within the lining, and nearly all cancers in these areas begin as polyps. These polyps are initially small, benign (noncancerous), and present few, if any, complications.
Colonoscopy Facts
What is Colonoscopy?A colonoscopy allows a doctor to inspect the lining of the large intestine, or "colon", for abnormalities such as bleeding, tumors, inflammation, ulcers, and polyps. Though sigmoidoscopy is less invasive, it allows the physician to view only the last section of large intestine, while colonoscopy allows an examination of the entire colon.