Your colonoscopy or endoscopy report, explained
The short answer
An endoscopy report lists what the specialist saw, any samples taken, and a recommendation. Common findings such as small polyps that were removed, gastritis, or diverticular disease are usually not dangerous, but each has a next step, and biopsy results follow a week or two later. On Mezo a doctor goes through your report with you by video.
See endoscopy pricesMedically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
On a colonoscopy report
- Polyps: growths on the bowel lining. Most were removed during the test; the laboratory says what type they were, which sets when you are checked again
- Diverticular disease (diverticulosis): small pouches in the bowel wall, common with age, usually managed with fibre and fluids
- Haemorrhoids: swollen veins at the anus, often the cause of bright red bleeding
- Colitis: inflammation of the bowel lining, from infection, inflammatory bowel disease or other causes, clarified by the biopsies
- Incomplete examination: the camera could not reach the end, often because the bowel was not clean. The report says what to do next
On a gastroscopy report
- Gastritis: inflammation of the stomach lining, often from H. pylori or painkillers
- H. pylori: the infection behind most ulcers, treated with a two-week course of medicines
- Ulcer: a sore in the stomach or duodenum; it is checked again later to confirm it has healed
- Oesophagitis: inflammation of the gullet from reflux, graded by severity
- Hiatus hernia: part of the stomach sitting above the diaphragm, common and often linked to reflux
- Barrett's oesophagus: a change in the gullet lining from long-standing reflux that needs regular checks
Biopsy results
If samples were taken, the laboratory result usually follows in one to two weeks. Your doctor's review covers it when it arrives. A biopsy is routine and does not by itself mean anything serious was seen.
What it costs on Mezo
One all-in price, paid online. Sedation, any biopsy and a doctor's review of the report are included.
Common questions
The report says 'polypectomy done'. Was it cancer?
Not necessarily: most polyps are not cancer. Removing them is how cancer is prevented. The laboratory result says what type it was and when you should be checked again.
My report says 'normal study'. Do I need another one?
After a normal screening colonoscopy at average risk, the next is often not due for ten years. If you still have symptoms, tell your doctor: a normal scope narrows down the cause rather than ending the search.
Who explains my report on Mezo?
A doctor goes through it with you by video, included in the price, and agrees the next step with you.
The procedures
Related health guides
More patient guides
Sources and further reading
The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Colonoscopy. NHS. Patient information.
- Gastroscopy. NHS. Patient information.
- Diverticular disease and diverticulitis. NHS. Patient information.
- Gastritis. NHS. Patient information.
Links last checked 13 October 2026.
Medical disclaimer:This guide is general information and does not replace advice from your own doctor. Where your centre's instructions differ from this guide, follow theirs.