In most cases, you will not need a colonoscopy to diagnose, stage, or treat your hemorrhoids. However, in some cases you may need this type of screening test to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms. During a colonoscopy, the doctor uses a long, flexible tube with a camera on the end to look at your colon and check for issues with your lower gastrointestinal tract. This allows them to see cancerous growths, polyps, and other problems.
If you experience rectal bleeding due to hemorrhoids or other causes, seeing a colonoscopy doctor in Los Angeles can help you confirm your diagnosis and get the treatment you need to help you recover as quickly as possible. Usually, a colonoscopy simply rules out more serious problems, and your doctor will then offer the appropriate hemorrhoid treatment.
Why Might My Doctor Want To Do A Colonoscopy?
In most cases, your doctor will not want to do a colonoscopy to diagnose your hemorrhoids. It is not usually necessary. However, you may need this type of screening test if your symptoms include rectal bleeding that is heavy or continues despite treatment of your hemorrhoids.
LA colonoscopy doctors take complaints of rectal bleeding seriously, because it can be a symptom of colon cancer, polyps, or other more serious health conditions than hemorrhoids. If your doctor can see you have hemorrhoids, they will likely assume the hemorrhoids are causing the bleeding and that you don’t have cancer. This may not be the case, however, if you have a family history of colon cancer or other serious conditions. They may also recommend a colonoscopy if you are over the age of 50 and have never had this type of preventative screening.
If your doctor orders a colonoscopy, it is a good idea to listen to their recommendation. They are likely taking all necessary precautions, but this could be vital to getting the health care you need. Your rectal bleeding could be an internal hemorrhoid, but it also might be a much more serious condition that requires immediate action. Any persistent bleeding from the rectum requires screening by a colonoscopy doctor in Los Angeles.
How Are Hemorrhoids Typically Diagnosed?
Hemorrhoids can be external, internal, or both. External hemorrhoids cause the typical itching and burning, and can often be diagnosed by a doctor by sight alone. Internal hemorrhoids may cause few symptoms aside from bleeding unless they become thrombosed or protrude out the anus.
When a patient comes into the office with rectal bleeding, hemorrhoids are often the first thought. If there are no obvious external hemorrhoids, the doctor will check for internal hemorrhoids. This most often calls for a digital examination. This means the doctor feels inside your rectum for inflamed areas with a gloved and lubricated finger. They also have a small tool known as an anoscope to help them get a look at the area.
In some cases, the doctor may order a sigmoidoscopy. This is similar to a colonoscopy in that it uses a small tube with a camera attached to the end. However, it only looks at the anus and rectum.
Why See a Colonoscopy Doctor in Beverly Hills?
It is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your colorectal health. When you come see us as your colonoscopy doctor in LA, we listen to your symptoms and perform an in-office exam to rule out more serious issues and diagnose your hemorrhoids. You can feel confident we will only order a colonoscopy if it is necessary, although we may recommend one if it is time for your regular screening.
If you do need a colonoscopy for either preventative screening or to rule out other issues, we may be able to offer hemorrhoid treatment such as ligation or stapling at the same time. This means you only need to prepare for a procedure and be sedated once. Ask us about this option if you need a colonoscopy as well as hemorrhoid treatment.
