Colon cancer is undoubtedly the oldest, most common, and potentially fatal type of cancer in all of humanity. Improving clinical outcomes and survival requires early detection and screening. Although many patients are successful, routine colonoscopy procedures are disruptive and painful. However, thanks to advances in health imaging technology, a revolutionary replacement called virtual colonoscopy is now possible. This innovative method offers a very accurate and non-invasive colon screening method, which is why it is increasingly chosen by people who are looking for a more convenient and relaxing option.

Virtual Colonoscopy

Computed Tomography Colonography (CTC), also known as "virtual colonoscopy" , was introduced in 1994 to spiral CT colonoscopy as a non-invasive method of imaging the colon. A virtual colonoscopy is a process used to examine growths in the colon, such as small polyps. Colon cancer can develop from polyps in the inner wall of the colon. According to the American Cancer Society, many men and women should begin screening for colon cancer around age 50. You can request screening in advance if you have a higher risk of colon cancer due to other factors or if you have a family history and information about the disease. A virtual colonoscopy every year is one screening option.

Colonoscopy procedure

Both men and women can develop colon cancer. A colonoscopy aims to detect colon cancer at an early stage when treatment options are easier. CT colonoscopy screening is a method of detecting colon cancer. A microscopic camera and a long, flexible, lighted scope are inserted into the colon and rectum. In this way, the doctor can immediately examine the colon and remove the polyps. Virtual colonoscopy detects colon polyps that could be removed by routine colonoscopy before they develop into cancer.

Advantages of virtual colonoscopy over traditional colonoscopy

• It is less invasive and uncomfortable. In most cases, no anesthetic or pain medication is needed.

• Less time is spent.

• Less damage to the colon.

• It can be used for certain people who do not have a routine colonoscopy. It can sometimes be used for patients who have trouble breathing, bloating, or bleeding.

• It can reveal areas of the colon that cannot be seen with a regular colonoscopy. This may be true if part of the bowel is blocked or narrowed.

Virtual Colonoscopy Procedure

In a hospital or clinical facility, a virtual colonoscopy is performed by a specially trained X-ray technician. No anesthesia is required.

The patient lies on a table during the treatment and the technician inserts a thin tube into the rectum through the anus. The tube fills the colon with air to improve visibility. A technician places a table in a tunnel device to take X-rays. During the process, the technician may ask you to hold your breath several times to stabilize the images. To get different pictures of your colon, the technician may ask you to lie on your stomach or side. The whole process takes 10-15 minutes.

Conclusion

Because the virtual colonoscopy procedure is a nonintrusive  and incredibly accurate replacement for conventional colonoscopy treatments, the detection of colon cancer has greatly increased. This new method provides a comprehensive image of the colon using advanced medical scanning technology. This allows us to perform thorough checks with a trusted medical facility such as ViaScans and identify potential problems at an early stage.