Can colonoscopy missed colon cancer?
My wife had a colonoscopy a few months back, but she's still experiencing some troubling symptoms. We're getting worried, is it possible for a colonoscopy to miss colon cancer?
My wife had a colonoscopy a few months back, but she's still experiencing some troubling symptoms. We're getting worried, is it possible for a colonoscopy to miss colon cancer?
A colonoscopy is the best test but yes, occasionally small polyps can be missed if the bowel prep wasn't done properly. Since the test costs a lot, make sure you strictly follow the liquid diet prep beforehand so they get a clear view and you don't have to spend money on repeating it.
Look, no medical test is 100% perfect. Statistically, there is a very small miss rate, usually under 5%, often due to poor bowel preparation. If you still have red flags like blood in stool, don't just rely on one clear colonoscopy report; get a consult with another gastroenterologist.
Sometimes, if the colon is not fully clean or if a polyp is hidden behind a fold, it can be missed. Keeping our digestion clean naturally helps, but medically, we must trust the doctors. If you still feel discomfort after a clear test, listen to your body and seek a second opinion.
I totally get it, it is so stressful to think that even after going through such a tough procedure, something might have been missed. While it is rare, small flat lesions can sometimes slip past. If your symptoms are continuing, definitely talk to your doctor about further evaluation.
My uncle had a similar worry because his symptoms didn't stop after a clean scan. The doctor told us that sometimes flat polyps are hard to see. If you're still feeling bad, it’s totally okay to go back and ask your doctor if any other test is needed.
Haan na, human error can happen anywhere, even during a colonoscopy if the doctor is in a rush or preparation was thoda bad. If you are still facing constant pain or weight loss, don't sit quietly. Go to a good hospital and get a second doctor's opinion.
There are actually documented cases where small or flat adenomas are missed during colonoscopy. The quality of the scan depends heavily on the 'adenoma detection rate' of the doctor and how well the bowel was cleared. Keep tracking your daily digestive symptoms and show the log to a doctor if things don't improve.
Get the Zerunio health brief
Evidence-based health, reviewed by clinicians. Free, weekly.
Enter your phone number – we’ll text you a one-time code.