Diagnostic Tests for Colorectal cancer

Diagnostic Test list for Colorectal cancer: The list of diagnostic tests mentioned in various sources as used in the diagnosis of Colorectal cancer includes:

• Fecal occult blood test (FOBT)
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy
• Colonoscopy
• Polypectomy - removal of a polyp, which may help in diagnosis of cancer.
• Double contrast barium enema (DCBE)
• Digital rectal exam
• Virtual colonoscopy - the use of CT or MRI scans of the colon.
• Biopsy
• Pathology tests

Tests and diagnosis discussion for Colorectal cancer: Screening tests and recommendations for how often you should have each test include:

• Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) - checks for hidden blood in the stool. Sometimes cancers or polyps can bleed and this test is used to pick up small amounts of bleeding. Have this test every year.

• Flexible sigmoidoscopy - an exam where a health care provider looks at the rectum and the lower part of the colon using a sigmoidoscope, a tube with a light on the end. Have this test every 5 years.

• Colonoscopy - an exam when a health care provider looks at the rectum and the entire colon using a colonoscope, an instrument with a light on the end. If polyps are found, they can be removed. Have this test every 5 to 10 years.

• Double contrast barium enema (DCBE) - a series of x-rays of the colon and rectum. You are first given an enema with barium in it, which outlines the colon and rectum on the x-rays. Have this test every 5 to 10 years (only if not having a colonoscopy every 10 years).

• Digital rectal exam - a health care provider inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to feel for any problem areas. Have this test every 5 to 10 years at the time of other screening tests (flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, or DCBE).

A number of screening tests are used to find colon and rectal (colorectal) cancer. If a person is over the age of 50 years, has a family medical history of colorectal cancer, or has any other risk factors for colorectal cancer, a doctor may suggest one or more of these tests.

Sometimes tumors in the colon or rectum can bleed. The fecal occult blood test checks for small amounts of blood in the stool.

The doctor sometimes uses a thin, lighted tube called a sigmoidoscope to examine the rectum and lower colon. Or, to examine the entire colon and rectum, a lighted instrument called a colonoscope is used. If abnormal areas are seen, tissue can be removed and examined under a microscope.

A barium enema is a series of x-rays of the colon and rectum. The patient is given an enema with a solution that contains barium, which outlines the colon and rectum on the x-rays.

A digital rectal exam is an exam in which the doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to feel for abnormal areas.²

The doctor may suggest one or more of the tests listed below. These tests are used to detect polyps, cancer, or other abnormalities, even when a person does not have symptoms. Your health care provider can explain more about each test.

• A fecal occult blood test (FOBT) is a test used to check for hidden blood in the stool. Sometimes cancers or polyps can bleed, and FOBT is used to detect small amounts of bleeding.

• A sigmoidoscopy is an examination of the rectum and lower colon (sigmoid colon) using a lighted instrument called a sigmoidoscope.

• A colonoscopy is an examination of the rectum and entire colon using a lighted instrument called a colonoscope.

• A double contrast barium enema (DCBE) is a series of x-rays of the colon and rectum. The patient is given an enema with a solution that contains barium, which outlines the colon and rectum on the x-rays.

• A digital rectal exam (DRE) is an exam in which the doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to feel for abnormal areas.

To help find the cause of symptoms, the doctor evaluates a person's medical history. The doctor also performs a physical exam and may order one or more diagnostic tests.

• X-rays of the large intestine, such as the DCBE, can reveal polyps or other changes.

• A sigmoidoscopy lets the doctor see inside the rectum and the lower colon and remove polyps or other abnormal tissue for examination under a microscope.

• A colonoscopy lets the doctor see inside the rectum and the entire colon and remove polyps or other abnormal tissue for examination under a microscope.

• A polypectomy is the removal of a polyp during a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy.

• A biopsy is the removal of a tissue sample for examination under a microscope by a pathologist to make a diagnosis.

Diagnosis of Colorectal cancer: medical news summaries: The following medical news items are relevant to diagnosis of Colorectal cancer:

• 60% of at risk Americans over 50 haven’t been screened for colorectal cancer.
• Australia’s cancer death rate is low but incidence of new cancers is relatively high
• Cancer deaths take over deaths caused by heart disease
• Colorectal cancer risk reduced in women through calcium consumption
• Fecal DNA test more effective than standard test for detecting colorectal cancer
• Good patient-doctor communication and awareness of colon cancer ensures greater participation in colon cancer screening programs
• Increasing awareness of cancer symptoms by doctors and patients may improve diagnosis
• New bowel cancer screening anticipates greater participation
• Patients need to be more aware of the effectiveness of various colorectal cancer screening options
• Symptoms of ovarian cancer should not be ignored

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