Preventing colorectal cancer is possible with regular check-ups and attention

Feeling bloated, having constant cramps or noticing changes in your stools may seem like a one-off thing, but it isn’t always. These signs, when frequent, indicate that the body needs attention and proper evaluation.

The ideal specialist to conduct this investigation is Gastroenterologist in São Paulosuch as Dr. Charliana Uchôa. She can recommend colonoscopycolonoscopy is a safe and highly effective test to identify changes and diseases in the digestive tract.

A colonoscopy in São Paulo is increasingly accessible and allows early diagnosis, essential for the prevention of serious conditions such as colorectal cancer. Don’t ignore persistent intestinal symptoms.

Schedule your colonoscopy with MEF’s Gastroenterologist, Dr. Charliana Uchôa.

When the test is indicated and why it should be carried out

A colonoscopy is essential for investigating persistent digestive symptoms and also as a preventive examination from the age of 45. It is a minimally invasive procedureprocedure to directly observe the inside of the large intestine. large intestine.

In addition colon examination may be necessary in cases of family history of colorectal cancer or diseases of the digestive tract. It is an indispensable test for both prevention and early diagnosis of intestinal changes.

Signs that indicate the need for colon examination

Symptoms such as rectal bleeding, chronic diarrhea, unexplained weight loss and abdominal pain can indicate serious changes. A colonoscopy helps to identify exact causes with precision.

Learn about the main warning signs that justify the test:

• Occult blood in the stool.
• Constant pain in the lower abdomen.
• Frequent changes in bowel habits.

Relationship between colonoscopy and colorectal cancer

This is the most suitable test for screening and preventing colorectal cancerbecause it allows polyps to be identified before they become malignant. The earlier the diagnosis, the greater the chances of a cure.

Benefits of the test in the prevention and early detection of the disease:

• Early detection of suspicious lesions.
• Immediate removal of polyps during examination.
• Continuous monitoring for those at increased risk.

Schedule your colonoscopy with a MEF Gastroenterologist in SP and take care of your intestinal health.

Diseases diagnosed with colonoscopy in São Paulo

Various conditions can be detected through colonoscopy in São PauloIt can also be used to detect silent or late-onset diseases. The test is useful both for diagnosis and for monitoring patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.

Among the changes observed are inflammations in the gastrointestinal tract, both of the large intestine and small intestine, including lesions in the terminal ileum, such as enanthema (redness), loss of vascular pattern, erosions, ulcers, stenosis and fistulous orifices, which may be suggestive of Crohn’s disease or Ulcerative Colitis.

A Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis are the Inflammatory Bowel Diseases most common. They profoundly affect quality of life and require accurate diagnosis and ongoing monitoring.

Characteristics that help differentiate and recognize these conditions:

• A Crohn’s Disease can affect the entire digestive tractfrom the mouth to the anus.
  
• A Ulcerative Colitis is restricted to the large intestineespecially the rectum and colon.
  
• A Crohn’s Crohn’s Disease presents inflammation in interspersed areas (speckled pattern) e can affect all layers of the intestinal wall (transmural involvement).

Other inflammations in the gastrointestinal tract detected

The test is also useful for detecting causes of inflammation in the gastrointestinal tractsuch as infections, non-infectious colitis colitis (such as those caused by medication, ischemic colitis), intestinal diverticula and lesions suspicious for neoplasia.

During the examination, it is possible to identify different types of inflammatory changes that help the doctor define the cause of the symptoms and the appropriate course of action for each case. Among the most frequent findings are

• Infectious or ischemic colitiswhich require targeted treatment.
  
• Ulcers and diffuse inflammationassociated with acute or chronic diseases.
  
• Lesions suggestive of autoimmune diseasessuch as lymphocytic or collagenous colitis.

When no suspicious lesions are observed, the test also helps to rule out the possibility of neoplastic diseases, making the diagnosis more certain.

Schedule your exam at MEF and get reliable diagnoses.

Colonoscopy vs. other tests: why is it more accurate?

Although there are various imaging tests to investigate the digestive system, this one stands out for offering a direct and detailed view of the large intestine and terminal terminal.

This advantage makes this test the main diagnostic choice for conditions such as Inflammatory bowel diseasessuspected colorectal cancerbleeding and lesions in the lower gastrointestinal tract. low.

It is also irreplaceable when biopsies need to be taken or polyps removed, These procedures can be carried out at the same time as the examination and in complete safety.

Limitations of traditional imaging tests

Ultrasounds and CT scans are useful for assessing abdominal structures, but do not analyze the inside of the intestine.

These methods cannot detect smallor premalignant lesions such as a colonoscopynor can they perform biopsies to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions, as is the case with this test in particular. in particular.

Main limitations of these imaging methods:

• Ultrasound can be impaired by intestinal gas.
• CT scans do not allow for biopsy or removal of polyps.
• Blood tests detect inflammation, but don’t show the cause.

Unique benefits of the test for diagnosis and treatment

A colonoscopy is the only test that combines a detailed visual assessment of the intestine with the possibility of immediate intervention. This makes the procedure much more efficient and speeds up the start of treatment.

During the procedure, the doctor can remove polyps found along the large intestinewhich is essential for the prevention of colorectal cancer. This type of removal is done at the same time, without the need for hospitalization or surgery.

In addition, biopsies can be taken from suspicious areas, making it easier to accurately diagnose inflammation, dysplasia (precancerous lesions) and other initial injuries. All of this with safety and rapid recovery for the patient.

For a precise and complete assessment of your intestines, book your colonoscopy at MEF now.

How to prepare for the exam

O colonoscopy preparation is essential to ensure visibility of the intestine and the accuracy of the findings. It involves careful eating and the use of specific laxatives, indicated by the doctor.

The examination itself is a minimally invasive procedureThe procedure is performed with light sedation, without pain or discomfort. In many cases, the patient can return to light activities on the same day.

Stages of preparation for the exam and essential precautions

Preparation is the most challenging stage of the exam, requiring discipline to ensure the procedure is effective. Specific dietary precautions, the use of laxatives and the suspension of medication are essential.

For effective preparation, pay attention to the following essential precautions:

• Low-residue diet for up to 3 days before the exam.
• Intake of laxatives the day before, as prescribed by a doctor.
• Suspension of specific medications, such as anticoagulants, diabetes medications and slimming pens, under medical supervision.

Strictly following these guidelines is crucial to ensure the proper cleaning of the colon, which makes it easier to detect possible alterations during the examination.

A minimally invasive procedure

A colonoscopy uses a thin, flexible device, allowing a complete assessment of the colon without cutting or hospitalization. The light sedation, monitored by an anesthesiologist, makes the examination peaceful and practically painless.

The test is quick, safe and virtually painless, lasting an average of 20 to 40 minutes, and allows the patient to be discharged on the same day, providing a speedy recovery.

Book your colonoscopy today at MEF with a specialist in Digestive Endoscopy and Gastroenterology.

Trust and excellence in colonoscopy at MEF

O Institute of Medicine in Focus is a benchmark in digestive health in São Paulo. With a modern structure, a strategic location and a highly qualified team, the clinic offers advanced technology, humanized care and total safety for the colon examination.

At MEF, you can take your exam with the Dr. Charliana Uchôa specialist in Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy. With a solid academic background and extensive clinical experience for more than 10 years.

It stands out for its comprehensive approach, considering each patient as a unique unique being and respecting the details of each case.

Their work goes beyond the examination itself, seeking to understand the eating habits, emotional factors and lifestyle that directly influence the health of the gastrointestinal tract.

Main areas of activity Dr. Charliana :

• Diseases of the brain-intestine axissuch as irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal dysbiosis (SIBO, IMO, ISO, SIFO), stress-related dysfunctions and pace of life, as well as changes related to hormonal causes (climacteric and hormone replacement therapies).
• Liver diseases and changes in the liver associated with lifestyle habits or other metabolic conditions.
• Inflammatory Bowel Diseasessuch as Crohn’s Disease e Ulcerative Colitis.
• Precise endoscopic evaluationwith endoscopy and colonoscopy with a personalized approach, correlating clinical symptoms and clinical symptoms and the findings findings tests.
• General gastroenterologywith a focus on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of of digestion, dysabsorptive syndromes and alterations in the small intestine and large intestine.

Book your appointment

Take care of your intestine: schedule your examination with Dr. Charliana Uchôa and have a complete follow-up.

Book via MEF WhatsApp by clicking here.

🏥 Address of Instituto Medicina em FocoRua Frei Caneca 1380, Consolação, São Paulo, CEP 01307-000.

🕗 Opening hoursMonday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

📞 Phone: (11)9.5675.6848

Content updated in 2025.

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FAQ – Frequently asked questions about ColonoscopyColonoscopy: an essential test for bowel health

1. From what age and how often should I consider having a preventive colonoscopy?

From the age of 45, the examination should be carried out every 5-10 years or as advised by your gastroenterologist.

2. What symptoms, such as bleeding in the stool or persistent abdominal pain, indicate that I need to schedule a colonoscopy?

Blood in the stool, constant abdominal pain and a change in bowel habits are signs to seek a colon examination.

3. If I have a family history of bowel cancer, should I have a colonoscopy earlier than recommended?

Yes. With a family history, it is recommended to start the test at the age of 40 or 10 years before the diagnosis of the relative first degree.

4. What can the test detect that other imaging tests, such as ultrasound, cannot?

It directly visualizes the inside of the large intestine e end of the small intestine (terminal ileum), can detect and biopsy polyps, inflammation and lesions in the early (precancerous or cancerous).

5. What are the stages of preparation for colonoscopy and why is it considered the most difficult part of the examination?

The preparation includes a light diet and laxatives to cleanse the intestines, which can cause discomfort and be more difficult than the test itself.

6. Is this a painful exam and, if not, what type of sedation is used to ensure the patient’s comfort?

It is not painful. Mild or moderate intravenous sedation ensures comfort throughout the procedure. The patient won’t feel any pain!

7. Why is the test so important for the prevention and early detection of colorectal cancer?

The test allows polyps to be identified and removed before they develop into cancer, and is vital for prevention and diagnosis. and diagnosis.

8. What happens if a polyp is found during the examination and it can be removed in the same procedure?

Yes, polyps that are found are usually removed in the the same procedure, avoiding further intervention or evolution of the lesion.

9. What are the possible risks or side effects after the procedure and when should I worry?

Rare, but may include gas, cramps or light bleeding. Seek medical advice if there is severe pain, excessive bleeding or fever after the examination.

10. How long should the special diet be maintained after the examination and when can I return to my normal routine?

The light diet lasts up to 24 hours after the test. The normal routine can be resumed the following day, according to medical advice.