What Causes Persistent Diarrhea?
diarrhea is not a symptom of cancer
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It is understandable to be scared about any procedure but colonoscopy is typically very safe with no complications.
The main worry when having colonoscopy is the possibility of detection of cancer. Typically cancer does not cause diarrhea. It would cause constipation because the mass (the cancer) would be blocking and preventing the passage of stool.
The typical symptoms of colon cancer are constipation, blood in stool, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, weight loss
Colonscopy is done in persons with diarrhea to look for any evidence of inflammation (not infection related inflammtion) of the colon.
If for some reason that a suspicious area is seen, a biopsy would be done . This means that they would take a small sample of the area and it would sent to the lab.
There the techs would be able to determine the exact nature of any changes.
Summary: (1) typically cancer causes blockage and constipation not diarrhea
(2)if any abnormal changes seen, a biopsy would be done of the area
(3)it is a safe procedure
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions