There are two types of Colonoscopy:

1. Diagnostic -performed based on acute symptoms
2. Preventive (Screening)- performed for screening purposes, patients with no acute symptoms.

Diagnostic Colonoscopy
If you have experienced one or several of the symptoms/diagnosis listed below, you should consult one of our doctors:

Blood mixed in your stool
Bleeding with bowel movements
Anemia
Change in bowel habits
Diarrhea
Abdominal Pain
Bloating
Constipation
Diarrhea
Discharge
Crohn’s Disease
Diverticulosis

Preventive (Screening) Colonoscopy
Patients are placed in one of two categories, high risk and low risk.

Low Risk – These patients typically have no symptoms or history of colon disease, cancer, or polyps (personal or family). Colonoscopy is performed beginning at 50 years of age.

High Risk – These patients usually have one or more of the characteristics listed below. In this case, colonoscopy is performed more frequently or at a younger age based on the indication or diagnosis.

• Close family member (parent,sibling, or child) diagnosed with colorectal cancer
• Family History of close family member with adenomatous colon polyps
• Family History of hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer
• Personal History of colon polyps
• Personal History of colorectal cancer
• Personal History of IBS, Crohn’s Colitis, or Ulcerative Colitis