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Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Related Diseases & Conditions

Medical tests and procedures are used to diagnose and treat a wide variety of conditions. Our doctors have compiled a list of ailments related to the topic of Flexible Sigmoidoscopy that may be used to diagnose or monitor the status of the diseases and conditions listed below.

  • Abdominal Pain Abdominal pain is pain in the belly and can be acute or chronic. Causes include inflammation, distention of an organ, and loss of...learn more »
    In This Article
    Abdominal Pain Article
    • What is abdominal pain?
    • What causes abdominal pain?
    • How is the cause of abdominal pain diagnosed?
    • Characteristics of the abdominal pain
    • Physical examination
    • Exams and tests
    • Special problem in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) of diagnosing the cause of abdominal pain
    • Why can diagnosis of the cause of abdominal pain be difficult?
    • How can I help my doctor to determine the cause of my abdominal pain?
    • Abdominal Pain At A Glance
  • Rectal Bleeding (Blood in Stool, Hematochezia) Rectal bleeding (hematochezia) refers to the passage of bright red blood from the anus. Rectal bleeding may be moderate to severe...learn more »
    In This Article
    Rectal Bleeding (Blood in Stool, Hematochezia) Article
    • What does rectal bleeding (blood in stool) mean?
    • What are the causes of blood in the stool (rectal bleeding)?
    • What diseases and conditions can cause blood in the stool (rectal bleeding)?
    • Anal fissure
    • Hemorrhoids
    • Diverticulosis
    • Colon cancer and polyps
    • Polypectomy
    • Angiodysplasias
    • Colitis and proctitis
    • Meckel's diverticulum
    • Rare causes of rectal bleeding
    • How is the cause and site of rectal bleeding determined?
    • History and physical examination
    • Anoscopy
    • Flexible sigmoidoscopy
    • Colonoscopy
    • Radionuclide scans
    • Visceral angiogram
    • Video capsule and small intestine enteroscopy
    • MRI and CT tomographic angiography
    • Nasogastric tube aspiration
    • Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
    • Blood tests
    • How is rectal bleeding treated?
    • Rectal Bleeding (Blood in Stool) At A Glance
  • Hemorrhoids Hemorrhoid is an enlarged vein in the walls of the anus and sometimes around the rectum, usually caused by untreated...learn more »
    In This Article
    Hemorrhoids Article
    • What are hemorrhoids?
    • What causes hemorrhoids?
    • What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?
    • How are hemorrhoids diagnosed?
    • How are hemorrhoids treated?
    • General measures
    • Over-the-counter medications for hemorrhoids
    • Nonoperative procedures for internal hemorrhoids
    • Surgical procedures
    • Hemorrhoids At A Glance
  • Diverticulitis (Diverticulosis) Diverticulitis is a condition in which diverticuli in the colon rupture. The rupture results in infection in the tissues that...learn more »
    In This Article
    Diverticulitis (Diverticulosis) Article
    • What is diverticulitis?
    • What is diverticulosis?
    • How do diverticula form?
    • What are the symptoms of diverticulitis?
    • How is the diagnosis of diverticulitis made?
    • What is the treatment for diverticulitis?
    • Medical treatment of diverticulitis
    • Surgery for diverticulitis
    • What can be done to prevent diverticulitis?
    • Diverticulitis At A Glance
  • Diarrhea Diarrhea is a change is the frequency and looseness of bowel movements. Cramping, abdominal pain, and the sensation of rectal...learn more »
    In This Article
    Diarrhea Article
    • Diarrhea facts
    • What is diarrhea?
    • How is diarrhea defined?
    • Why does diarrhea develop?
    • What are common causes of acute diarrhea?
    • What are common causes of chronic diarrhea?
    • What are the complications of diarrhea?
    • When should the doctor be called for diarrhea?
    • What tests are useful in the evaluation of diarrhea?
    • How can dehydration be prevented and treated?
    • What is the treatment for diarrhea?
    • When should antibiotics be used for diarrhea?
  • Constipation Constipation is defined medically as fewer than three stools per week and severe constipation as less than one stool per week....learn more »
    In This Article
    Constipation Article
    • Constipation facts
    • What is constipation?
    • What causes constipation?
    • Medications that cause constipation
    • Other causes of constipation
    • How is constipation evaluated (diagnosed)?
    • What treatments are available for constipation?
    • What is the approach to the evaluation and treatment of constipation?
    • When should I seek medical care for chronic constipation?
    • What's new in the treatment of constipation?
  • Anal Itching Anal itching is the irritation of the skin at the exit of the rectum, known as the anus, accompanied by the desire to scratch. ...learn more »
    In This Article
    Anal Itching Article
    • What is anal itching?
    • What causes anal itching?
    • How is anal itching treated?
    • Local anesthetics
    • Vasoconstrictors
    • Protectants
    • Astringents
    • Antiseptics
    • Keratolytics
    • Analgesics
    • Corticosteroids
    • What if anal itching persists?
  • Colon Cancer Colon cancer is a malignancy that arises from the inner lining of the colon. Most, if not all, of these cancers develop from...learn more »
    In This Article
    Colon Cancer Article
    • Colon cancer facts
    • What is cancer?
    • What is cancer of the colon and rectum?
    • What are the causes of colon cancer?
    • What are the symptoms of colon cancer?
    • What tests can be done to detect colon cancer?
    • How can colon cancer be prevented?
    • What are the treatments and survival for colon cancer?
    • What is the follow-up care for colon cancer?
    • What does the future hold for patients with colorectal cancer?
  • Anal Fissure An anal fissure is a small tear or cut in the skin lining of the anus. Pain and/or rectal bleeding during bowel movements are...learn more »
    In This Article
    Anal Fissure Article
    • What are anal fissures?
    • What causes anal fissures?
    • What are the symptoms of anal fissures?
    • How are anal fissures diagnosed and evaluated?
    • How are anal fissures treated?
    • Anal Fissures At A Glance
  • Clostridium Difficile Colitis (Antibiotic-Associated Colitis, C. difficile colitis) Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) is a bacterium, and is one of the most common causes of infection of the colon. C. difficile...learn more »
    In This Article
    Clostridium Difficile Colitis (Antibiotic-Associated Colitis, C. difficile colitis) Article
    • What is Clostridium difficile (C. difficile?)
    • What Clostridium difficile colitis?
    • How does Clostridium difficile cause colitis?
    • What are the symptoms of Clostridium difficile colitis?
    • Which antibiotics cause Clostridium difficile colitis?
    • How is Clostridium difficile colitis diagnosed?
    • How is Clostridium difficile colitis treated?
    • Why are there relapses of Clostridium difficile colitis?
    • How are relapses of Clostridium difficile colitis treated?
    • What is new in Clostridium difficile?
  • Ulcerative Colitis Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammation of the colon. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding....learn more »
    In This Article
    Ulcerative Colitis Article
    • What is ulcerative colitis?
    • What causes ulcerative colitis?
    • What are the symptoms of ulcerative colitis?
    • How is the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis made?
    • What are the complications of ulcerative colitis?
    • What are the treatments for ulcerative colitis?
    • What are ulcerative colitis medications?
    • 5-ASA Compounds
    • Systemic corticosteroids (including side effects)
    • What are immunomodulator medications?
    • Summary of medication treatment
    • Surgery for ulcerative colitis
    • Treatment by disease severity and location (based on ACG Practice Guidelines)
    • Are there any special dietary requirements for persons with ulcerative colitis?
    • What research is being done regarding ulcerative colitis?
    • Ulcerative Colitis At A Glance
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) is a common gastrointestinal disorder involving abnormal gut contractions (motility) characterized...learn more »
    In This Article
    Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Article
    • What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
    • What causes irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
    • What are symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
    • What are the complications of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
    • How is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) diagnosed?
    • How is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) treated?
    • Constipation
    • Diarrhea
    • Abdominal pain
    • Psychotropic drugs
    • Psychological treatments
    • IBS Diet
    • Is there a relationship between IBS and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth?
    • What is a reasonable approach to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
    • What is in the future for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
    • irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) At A Glance
  • Anal Cancer Anal cancer, cancer located at the end of the large intestine, has symptoms that include anal or rectal bleeding, anal pain or...learn more »
    In This Article
    Anal Cancer Article
    • What is anal cancer?
    • What are the risk factors for anal cancer?
    • What are the signs and symptoms of anal cancer?
    • How is anal cancer diagnosed?
    • What affects the prognosis?
    • How is the staging of anal cancer determined?
    • What is recurrent anal cancer?
    • What is the treatment for anal cancer?
    • How does staging affect the treatment of anal cancer?
    • What are the treatment options for recurrent anal cancer?
    • Where can I find more information about anal cancer?
  • Colon Polyps A colon polyp is a benign tumor of the large intestine. Benign polyps do not invade nearby tissue or spread to other parts of the...learn more »
    In This Article
    Colon Polyps Article
    • What is a colon polyp?
    • What types of polyps become cancerous?
    • Are there other factors that determine a polyp's chance of becoming cancerous?
    • What other types of polyps are there in addition to adenomas?
    • What are the guidelines for screening individuals for polyps in order to prevent colon cancer?
    • What kind of additional surveillance should be done once a polyp has been found?
    • What happens if a polyp that is removed contains cancer?
    • Is one's risk of having colon cancer increased by having had an adenoma?
    • What is one's risk of having a polyp or cancer if a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) has had an adenomatous polyp?
    • Are there ways to prevent colon polyps from developing?
    • What does the future hold for screening and surveillance of colon polyps?
    • Are there situations in which polyps carry a very high risk of becoming cancerous?
    • What about genetic counseling and testing?
    • Colon Polyps At A Glance
  • Microscopic Colitis (Lymphocytic Colitis and Collagenous Colitis) Microscopic colitis (lymphocytic colitis and collagenous colitis) is a disease of inflammation of the colon. Microscopic colitis...learn more »
    In This Article
    Microscopic Colitis (Lymphocytic Colitis and Collagenous Colitis) Article
    • What is colitis?
    • What diseases are not colitis?
    • What is microscopic colitis?
    • What causes microscopic colitis?
    • What are the symptoms of microscopic colitis?
    • How common is microscopic colitis and who is at risk?
    • When should I seek medical care for microscopic colitis?
    • How is microscopic colitis diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for microscopic colitis?
    • What is the prognosis of microscopic colitis?
    • Can microscopic colitis be prevented?
  • Hirschsprung's Disease Hirschsprung's disease (Hirschsprung), is a disease of the nerve cells of of the large intestine. The primary symptom of...learn more »
    In This Article
    Hirschsprung's Disease Article
    • What is Hirschsprung's disease?
    • Why does Hirschsprung's disease cause constipation?
    • What causes Hirschsprung's disease?
    • If I have more children, will they have Hirschsprung's disease too?
    • What are the symptoms of Hirschsprung's disease??
    • How does the doctor find out if Hirschsprung's disease is the problem?
    • What is the treatment for Hirschsprung's disease??
    • What will my child's life be like after surgery?
    • Hirschsprung's Disease At A Glance
  • The Digestive System Digestion is the complex process of turning food you eat into the energy you need to survive. The digestive process also involves...learn more »
    In This Article
    The Digestive System Article
    • Digestion Introduction
    • What is Digestion?
    • Foods Journey - Stop 1: The Mouth
    • Foods Journey - Stop 2: The Pharynx and Esophagus
    • Foods Journey - Stop 3: The Stomach and Small Intestine
    • Foods Journey - Stop 4: The Colon, Rectum and Anus
    • Accessory organs in digestion
  • Melanosis Coli Melanosis coli is a condition that is often associated with prolonged laxative use....learn more »
    In This Article
    Melanosis Coli Article
    • What is melanosis coli?
    • What are the symptoms of melanosis coli?
    • What causes melanosis coli?
    • How is melanosis coli diagnosed?
    • What is the prognosis (outcome) of melanosis coli?
  • Colon Cancer Prevention Colo-rectal cancer is both curable and preventable if it is detected early and completely removed before the cancerous cells...learn more »
    In This Article
    Colon Cancer Prevention Article
    • Introduction to colon cancer prevention
    • What measures to prevent colo-rectal cancer have proven effectiveness and long term safety?
    • What measures to prevent colo-rectal cancer probably are effective but may have long term adverse side effects?
    • What measures to prevent colo-rectal cancer probably are effective and safe?
    • What prevention measures have been found to be ineffective?
    • What about genetic testing for colon cancer?
    • Who should consider genetic counseling and testing?
    • Why is genetic counseling and testing important in hereditary colon cancer syndromes?
    • What can be done now to prevent colorectal cancer?
  • Disease Prevention in Women Disease prevention in women includes screening tests that are a basic part of prevention medicine. All screening tests are...learn more »
    In This Article
    Disease Prevention in Women Article
    • Disease prevention in women overview
    • Osteoporosis
    • Breast cancer
    • High blood pressure (hypertension)
    • Cancer of the cervix
    • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
    • Hypercholesterolemia (hyperlipidemia, dyslipidemia)
    • Type II diabetes mellitus
    • Cancer of colon and rectum / polyps of colon and rectum
    • Bladder cancer
    • Glaucoma
    • Melanoma and other skin cancers
  • Disease Prevention in Men Disease prevention in men includes routine screening tests that are part of basic prevention medicine. Take an active role in...learn more »
    In This Article
    Disease Prevention in Men Article
    • Disease prevention in men introduction
    • High blood pressure (hypertension)
    • Hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, dyslipidemia
    • Type II diabetes mellitus
    • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
    • Cancer of colon and rectum /polyps of colon and rectum
    • Prostate cancer
    • Glaucoma
    • Melanoma and other skin cancers
    • Bladder cancer