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Colonoscopy - Results
About this test
- Test Overview
-
Health Tools
- Why It Is Done
- How To Prepare
- How It Is Done
- How It Feels
- Risks
- Results
- What Affects the Test
- What To Think About
- References
- Credits
Colonoscopy is a test that allows your
doctor to look at the inner lining of your
large intestine 
(rectum and colon). If a sample of tissue (biopsy) was collected during the colonoscopy, it will
be sent to a lab for tests.
- Samples of colon tissue are usually sent to a pathology lab, where they are looked at under a microscope for diseases.
- Other samples of colon tissue may be sent to a microbiology lab to see whether an infection is present.
Your doctor may be able to tell you the results immediately after the procedure. Other test results are ready in 2 to 4 days. Test results for certain infections may be ready in several weeks.
| Normal: | The lining of the colon looks smooth and pink, with a lot of normal folds. No growths, pouches, bleeding, or inflammation are present. |
|---|---|
| Abnormal: | Some common abnormal findings of colonoscopy include hemorrhoids (the most common cause of blood in the stool), polyps, tumors, one or more sores (ulcers), pouches in the wall of the colon (diverticulosis), or inflammation. A red, swollen lining of the colon (colitis) may be caused by infection or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). |
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: April 29, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Arvydas D. Vanagunas, MD - Gastroenterology | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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