Anton Bilchik MD and other doctors rely on the colonoscopy procedure to diagnose colon cancer, and sometimes remove, cancerous polyp. Dr. Bilchik uses a lighted instrument, called a colonoscope, to perform a colonoscopy. This tool is equipped with a camera that allows him to see the inner lining of your large intestine, which includes your rectum and colon. He uses the colonoscope to look for ulcers, polyps, tumors, and areas of inflammation or bleeding. Anton Bilchik may use special attachments to remove tissue samples and abnormal growths for further testing in a medical laboratory.
You will need to clean out your colon before you have this test, by drinking a specially prepared colon prep product. Start preparing for your colonoscopy a day or two before the procedure. Colon prep products may cause loose, frequent stools – plan to stay home near a bathroom while preparing for a colonoscopy. These products are often salty, so be sure to stock up on fruit juices or soft drinks before beginning the prep.
While preparing for and undergoing a colonoscopy mat be uncomfortable and unpleasant, this test is an important tool for Dr. Bilchik and other cancer doctors. Many medical groups, including the American Cancer Society, the American College of Gastroenterologists, and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommend regular colonoscopy screening for people over the age of 50 who have a normal risk for colorectal cancer. Contact Anton Bilchik for more information about colonoscopies and other procedures that help diagnose cancer.