What Colonoscopy Results Show You About Your Health
Amy Barczy
| 2 min read
Amy Barczy is a former brand journalist who authored content at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Prior to her time at Blue Cross from 2019-2024, she was a statewide news reporter for MLive.com. She has a decade of storytelling experience in local news media markets including Lansing, Grand Rapids, Holland, Ann Arbor and Port Huron.
Colonoscopies are an effective tool to help prevent colon cancer and are recommended for everyone beginning at age 45. Yet there are many other possible findings doctors may share with you. If you’re not familiar with the terminology, it can sometimes be confusing or concerning.
Here are some of the terms health care providers may use when discussing your colonoscopy results with you – and what they mean for your health.
Normal findings
If nothing out of the ordinary is found during the procedure, it’s advised you won’t need another colonoscopy for 10 years, up until age 75.
Hemorrhoids
These clumps of veins near the surface of the rectum can cause pain, itching or bleeding during a flare-up, but they pose no immediate danger to your health. Symptoms can be managed through topical treatments and swelling can usually be prevented through a high-fiber diet, drinking water and exercise.
Diverticular disease
This is where a weakness in the muscular wall in the colon bulges out. Half of adults have them, and most cause no issues. They can cause bleeding or become infected, in which case immediate care is needed. In the most serious of cases, a tear or hole in the colon may occur and would likely need to be repaired with surgery.
Colonic polyps
Polyps are small growths from the lining of the colon. There are two kinds.
- Benign: A benign polyp does not become cancerous, and typically requires no treatment. They include hyperplastic and inflammatory polyps.
- Neoplastic: These include colon cancer (adenocarcinoma) and precancerous (adenomas) polyps. The more precancerous polyps you have, and the bigger they are, the higher the risk for colon cancer. At times small polyps can be removed during a colonoscopy, but larger ones may require additional surgery.
Inflammation/ulceration
The colon lining may be inflamed, irritated or have ulcers. This may be due to medications like ibuprofen or aspirin, or inflammatory bowel disease.
Bleeding
Colonoscopies may show blood in the colon. This may be coming from a tumor, an ulcer or a collection of blood vessels. If the source of bleeding is not found on colonoscopy, your doctor may recommend additional tests.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network cover colorectal screenings for most members beginning at age 45 to align with the recommendation of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. For more information, click here.
Photo credit: PeopleImages
