Examinations

[lifegems]

I think I read on this forum somewhere that a yearly colonoscopy was a good idea ? Does this include endoscopy as well ? I have PA.. my tummy has been sore on and off for about a year or so. Did have both a few years ago and was all ok but had some bleeding and Recc a colonoscopy so wondered if I should have the endoscopy too ? Would rather not tbh but thought I’d ask for opinions. Thanks

[fbirder]

Colonoscopy not really relevant. A gastroscopy is a good idea. Maybe not every year, but on diagnosis and then every 5 years would be my recommendation.

If you have Pernicious Anaemia then you have Autoimmune Metaplastic Gastric Atrophy. That causes high levels of the hormone gastrin, which can lead to the development of Neuroendocrine Tumours (NETs). While these are pretty innocuous they can turn into proper gastric cancer.

So an initial look-see to find if NETs are present is a good idea. If there aren't any then they're unlikely to develop soon. Even if you do have NETs, as I do, then treatment tends to be regular gastroscopies (although mine are so boring the monitoring has been changed from every year to every two years). I expect to have mine when I die, still sitting there minding their own business.

[lifegems in reply to fbirder]

Thanks fbirder.. appreciate the info