The Details of Colon Cancer Screening For You
The internal lining of rectum and colon, that includes the large intestine, is examined by a gastroenterologist. This endoscopic procedure involves an insertion of a colonoscope into the rectum — a long, flexible, illuminated tube with a small camera. The gastroenterologist guides the colonoscopy through the colon in search of polyps, bleeding signs, inflammation and other defects.
A colonoscopy may be performed during a polypectomy if the gastroenterologist see there is presence of small growth or polyps within the colon or rectum. The polyps are then tested for signs of cancer in a laboratory.
A patient could have an outpatient colonoscopy. The procedure takes 15 to 60 minutes, but usually patients stay on-site for 2 to 3 hours, to determine the preparation and healing time. Often patients are sedated to help relax and tolerate discomfort during the procedure. During or after the procedure, person may require pressure, bloating or cramping but rarely experience pain. In addition to colonoscopy, colorectal cancer diagnostics include:
Sigmoidoscopy: The gastro-entomologist uses a light tube with a small camera attached on the end of the tube to examine polyps or other abnormalities of a rectum and lower portion of the colon. The biopsy can also be performed by the gastroenterologist to collect tissue or cell samples. This colorectal cancer screen is an external surgery which typically does not require pain or sedative anesthesia.
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS): A pancreas, the liver, gallbladder and a bile duct are examined carefully in the digestive system and nearby organs with this procedure. This high-resolution technology of imaginingallows to identify tumors and lymph nodes in the abdomen and chest that may have spread cancer. The tissue samples analyzed to determine whether the cells of cancer are present are obtained using a very small needle. Physicians sometimes use the EUS to develop rectal cancer and establish a treatment plan.
Colon Cancer Diagnosis
Your doctor can recommend one or more tests and procedures, including if you show signs and symptoms that you may experience colon cancer.
Use a scope to check your colon's interior (colonoscopy): For the view of your whole colon and rectum, colonoscopy uses the use of a long flexible and slim tube attached to a video camera. If suspect areas are discovered, your doctor can take tissue samples (biopsies) through the tube for analysis and remove polyps.
Testing blood: If you have colon cancer, no blood test can tell you. However, your doctor can test your blood for information on your general health, such as tests of the liver and kidney function.
Your doctor may also check your blood for a colon cancer chemical (carcinoembryonic antigen, or CEA). Tracked over time, your doctor can understand the level of CEA in your blood and understand if your cancer responds. Come to Digestive Disease in OKC to talk to our gastroenterologist.
**Disclaimer: This blog content does not offer a doctor's advice and creates no relationship between any patient and care provider.
