A colon biopsy is a diagnostic procedure that includes the removal and examination of a tissue sample from thecolon.
Getting sent for a colon biopsy does not mean that you have cancer.
A biopsy may also be done if an area of the colon appears abnormal.
Illustration by Lara Antal for Verywell Health
In some rare cases, however, infection or injury has been known to occur.
You will be prescribed a strong laxative so you can ensure the bowels are clear of any fecal matter.
An enema may also be provided to help remove residual matter.
There is little actual pain or discomfort during the cleaning-out stage, although minor cramping may occur.
A healthcare provider will escort you to a pre-procedure room and ask you to change into a gown.
Your vital signs will be checked and an intravenous (IV) line will be placed.
Throughout the Test
An anesthetist will give you a sedative medication.
You will be laid on your side on the examining table with your knees pulled toward your chest.
A colonoscopy is the standard method for performing a colon biopsy.
Most colon cancer starts as abenigngrowth called apolyp.
Any other tissue in the colon that looks suspicious will also be sampled.
The procedure takes between 20 minutes to one hour.
You will need someone to drive you home since you might feel groggy from the anesthesia.
Once home, you may experience some gas or mild cramping, but typically nothing serious.
If there is any abnormality, your healthcare provider will make recommendations about follow-up testing and/or treatment.
Sometimes a polyp is found to be completely normal and no further treatment is needed.
These evaluations will be used to determine the best course of treatment moving forward.
City of Hope.Colorectal cancer symptoms.
American Cancer Society.Colorectal cancer screening tests.
American Cancer Society.Tests to diagnose and stage colorectal cancer.
