What is a Colonoscopy? A Colonoscopy is an internal examination of the colon (large intestine) and rectum using an instrument called a colonoscope. Colorectal Cancer Cancer that forms in the tissues of the colon (the longest part of the large intestine) or rectum is called colorectal cancer.  Colorectal cancer often begins as a growth called a polyp inside the colon or rectum. Finding and removing polyps can prevent colorectal cancer. Learn more about colorectal cancer by watching a video from the National Cancer Institute.

Crohn’s Disease Crohn’s disease is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It usually affects the intestines, but may occur from anywhere from the mouth to the end of the rectum. People with Crohn’s disease have ongoing (chronic) inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract). Crohn’s disease may involve the mouth, small intestine, the large intestine, or the rectum. The inflammation causes the intestinal wall to become thick. For more information, visit the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Ulcertaive Colitis Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. People with this condition have problems with the immune system, but it is not clear whether immune problems cause this illness. Although stress and certain foods can trigger symptoms, they do not cause ulcertaive colitis. Colonoscopy with biopsy is generally used to diagnose ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis increases the risk of colon cancer. For more information, visit www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth.com