Frequently Asked Questions
❖ How can I make an appointment for a colonoscopy or gastroscopy?
❖ What is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer encompasses two main categories: colon cancer and rectal cancer. It arises due to genetic mutations in the glandular cells of the colon’s mucous membrane, leading to uncontrolled proliferation of these cells and the formation of tumor growth, which is colorectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer is the most common cancer in Hong Kong and is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the region.
Currently, the medical community believes that the majority of colorectal cancers evolve from polyps within the colon over a period of five to ten years.
Therefore, if colonic polyps can be detected and removed before they become invasive cancers, it can effectively prevent colorectal cancer and improve its prognosis.
In fact, many countries have already begun large-scale colorectal cancer screening for the general public. Medical data has confirmed that undergoing colorectal cancer screening at ages 45-50 can significantly reduce the incidence and mortality rates of the disease.
Common symptoms of colorectal cancer include:
- Changes in bowel habits, including constipation or diarrhea.
- Blood in the stool.
- Persistent abdominal pain.
- Loss of appetite and weight loss.
- Mucus in the stool or a change in stool consistency.
❖ What is Gastric Cancer?
Gastric cancer is caused by genetic mutations in the glandular cells of the stomach’s mucous membrane, leading to uncontrolled proliferation of these cells and the formation of tumor growth, which is gastric cancer. Gastric cancer is the sixth most common cancer in Hong Kong, with a higher prevalence among male patients.
Common risk factors for gastric cancer include Helicobacter pylori infection, smoking, alcohol consumption, family history, and regular consumption of high-salt or processed foods, etc.
In the majority of cases, early-stage gastric cancer may not exhibit obvious symptoms.
Patients may only experience mild stomach pain, bloating, or acid reflux as vague symptoms.
However, as the tumor grows and worsens over time, the symptoms become more pronounced.
Patients might develop loss of appetite, weight loss, and other signs. At this stage, signs of tumor spread may have appeared, indicating an advanced condition, and the prognosis for the patient is poor.
Gastric cancer cells can spread through lymphatic channels to nearby lymph nodes and also through the bloodstream to distant organs. Common sites of distant organ metastasis include the liver, lungs, and abdominal cavity.
❖ What is Oesophageal Cancer?
Oesophageal cancer is caused by genetic mutations in cells within the oesophageal mucous membrane, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation and the formation of tumor growth. Oesophageal cancer is a common form of cancer in Hong Kong, with a higher prevalence among male patients. Common risk factors for oesophageal cancer include smoking, alcohol consumption, family history, prolonged and severe gastroesophageal reflux, etc.
Early symptoms of oesophageal cancer are not always evident, but as the tumor reaches a certain size, it can obstruct the passage of the oesophagus, leading to symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, regurgitation, and vomiting. As the tumor grows, the oesophagus becomes increasingly obstructed, causing the patient’s swallowing difficulties to worsen, progressing from solid foods to liquids, and eventually making eating impossible. This leads to rapid weight loss and severe malnutrition in patients.
❖ How long does the entire colonoscopy process take?
During a colonoscopy procedure, the doctor will insert an endoscope through the patient’s anus into the intestinal tract. The endoscope will travel from the rectum to the sigmoid colon, descending colon, transverse colon, ascending colon, and finally, reach the cecum. The endoscope will then advance about 10-15 centimeters into the patient’s terminal ileum. The doctor will carefully examine the inner lining of the patient’s colon, paying particular attention to the presence of any lesions or polyps. If polyps are found, the doctor will remove them and send them for histopathological analysis.
The entire colonoscopy procedure typically takes about 30 minutes. After the examination is completed, a nurse will arrange for you to rest in a recovery area for 30 minutes to 1 hour. If you do not experience any discomfort or dizziness after the rest period, you will be allowed to leave our medical centre.
❖ How long does the entire gastroscopy process take?
During a gastroscopy procedure, the doctor will insert an endoscope through the patient’s mouth into the upper gastrointestinal tract. The examination will cover the area from the vocal cords, oesophagus, stomach, to the duodenum. The doctor will thoroughly inspect the inner lining of the patient’s upper digestive tract, paying particular attention to signs of inflammation, ulcers, and even tumors. If any abnormalities are detected, the doctor may take a biopsy sample from the affected area for histopathological analysis.
The entire gastroscopy procedure typically takes 5-10 minutes. After the examination is completed, a nurse will arrange for you to rest in a recovery area for 30 minutes to 1 hour. If you do not experience any discomfort or dizziness after the rest period, you will be allowed to leave our medical centre.
❖ After completing a colonoscopy or gastroscopy examination, how long do I need to wait for the examination report?
The doctor responsible for your examination will provide you with a brief summary after the completion of the colonoscopy or gastroscopy, explaining whether there are any apparent issues in your colon or upper digestive tract. Additionally, the nurse will prepare the original report for the colonoscopy or gastroscopy, which will be handed to you after your rest period.
If the doctor identifies polyps in the colon or upper digestive tract that need to be removed, or if tissue biopsies are taken from the digestive tract, the pathology report is generally ready within seven working days. Our medical staff will screen the relevant reports first and then schedule a follow-up appointment with you. During this appointment, the doctor will provide a detailed explanation of the report’s contents.
❖ Under what circumstances do I need to undergo a gastroscopy examination?
If you experience symptoms such as upper abdominal pain, acid reflux, heartburn, upper abdominal bloating, difficulty swallowing, or a sensation of obstruction (such as fish bone lodged in the throat), we recommend that you undergo a gastroscopy examination.
❖ What are the risks of a gastroscopy examination?
A gastroscopy examination is a very safe procedure, and the majority of patients experience a smooth examination process. Since the doctor will take a small tissue sample from your stomach for testing for Helicobacter pylori during the gastroscopy, you may experience mild stomach discomfort afterward. This is normal, and the discomfort generally subsides within one to two days.
Rare risks include:
- Throat discomfort
- Perforation of the digestive tract wall (1 in 10,000)
- Aspiration pneumonia
- Internal bleeding (<1 in 3,000)
- Death (1 in 50,000)
❖ What preparations are required before a colonoscopy examination?
Before the examination, you must ensure that your colon is thoroughly cleansed to facilitate a successful procedure. You need to avoid high-fiber foods for 3 days and abstain from solid foods on the day before the examination. The next step involves emptying your bowels. The doctor will prescribe laxatives or perform an enema for this purpose.
