Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a common procedure used to look inside the rectum and colon for polyps, cancer and any concerns. A colonoscope is inserted through the rectum into the colon to view the area. The scope can also be used to remove polyps or tissue samples to be checked for cancer. Doctors often recommend a colonoscopy because it lets them look at the whole colon and remove any polyps they might find at the same time.
Endoscopy
An endoscope - a long, flexible tube with a camera on the end - allows physicians to look inside the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract for any abnormalities.
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy allows doctors to look inside the rectum and the colon for polyps, abnormal areas or cancer. The doctor guides a long, flexible, lighted tube (sigmoidoscope) into the anus and the sigmoid colon. A small camera on the scope transmits images to a computer screen.
