Colonoscopy is a test that allows your doctor to look at the
inner lining of your Reference large intestine Opens New Window
Reference Opens New Window (rectum and colon). He or she uses a
thin, flexible tube called a colonoscope to look at the colon. A
colonoscopy helps find Reference ulcers Opens New Window,
Reference colon polyps Opens New Window, tumors, and areas of
inflammation or bleeding. During a colonoscopy, tissue samples
can be collected (Reference biopsy Opens New Window) and
abnormal growths can be taken out. Colonoscopy can also be used
as a screening test to check for cancer or precancerous growths
in the colon or rectum (polyps). The colonoscope is a thin,
flexible tube that ranges from 48 in. (122 cm) to 72 in. (183
cm) long. A small video camera is attached to the colonoscope so
that your doctor can take pictures or video of the large
intestine (colon). The colonoscope can be used to look at the
whole colon and the lower part of the small intestine. A test
called Reference sigmoidoscopy Ope