Hi, Alli!
A colonoscopy checks for ulcers, inflammation, polyps, tumors, IBDs (ulcerative colitis or Crohn's). During a colonoscopy biopsies and removal of precancerous polyps can be done. It checks the entire colon. A flexible sigmoidoscopy checks the last two feet of your colon.
An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy screens for the same thing but checks out your esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. This can also be used to see if you have celiac disease, GERD, parasites.
Stool analysis is one way to check for malabsorption. It can also be used to check for parasites, blood, and bacteria that causes disease.
Specific blood tests can be used to see if you have celiac disease, inflammation or infection, anemia; a blood chemistry test screens for any metabolic disorders, liver or kidney dysfunction.
I hope this answered some of your questions. Like Linz said, a rectal exam doesn't check for much, but it can also be used to detect hidden blood.
Edited by spasmtastical (10/19/05 04:01 PM)
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