Which procedure is used to visually examine the colon?

• A. Bronchoscopy
• B. Colonoscopy
• C. Bone scan
• D. Calcium test

Answer: (B)

To visually examine the colon, the procedure used is colonoscopy. It involves threading a flexible instrument with a camera through the rectum and advancing it through the entire colon, allowing direct images of the colon lining. This enables detection of polyps, ulcers, or tumors and often permits biopsies or removal of polyps during the same procedure. It’s the method doctors rely on for colorectal cancer screening and evaluation of bowel-related symptoms. The other options address different areas or purposes: bronchoscopy inspects the airways of the lungs; a bone scan uses a radioactive tracer to image bones; a calcium test measures calcium levels or calcification but does not visualize the colon.