Examining rectum, rectal tissue and blood are done as part of colon cancer diagnosis. These are the tests and procedures usually used:
History and physical test: Doctor may ask about the patient’s routine and habits, past illness and treatments taken at that time. Doctor will also carry out a general check up on health of body. It also includes checking signs of illness, such as lumps on any part of body, pain and other usual matters.
Digital rectal exam: This is a method of examining rectum by doctor or nurse. They will insert a finger that is covered by glows and well lubricated into rectum to check any lumps or other usual structures inside.
Fecal occult blood test: This test is performed to check any blood components in stool (solid waste from body). Stool samples are taken on special cards and are examined under microscope in a laboratory.
Barium enema: Barium is a silver-white metallic compound that will be passed through gastro intestinal (GI) track in a solution. This will form a coat on inner lining of track. Then a series of X-ray of GI track are taken and is also known as lower GI series.
Biopsy: Tissue samples or cells are taken from live body for detailed analysis, microscopically or biochemically, and the process or sampling is known as biopsy.
Colonoscopy: In this test, a colonoscope (thin tube with light and camera on one end) is inserted into the rectum and colon. This procedure will give a picture of any polyps/overgrowth and abnormal areas inside. If present, biopsy of such structures is taken for further analysis.
Sigmoidoscopy: Using a sigmoidoscope (a thin tube with light), the colon and rectal portions of GI track are checked for cancerous growth, polyps or any other abnormal structures. If present, biopsy are of such structures are taken for study.
Virtual colonoscopy: This test is done to examine colon by a series of X-rays known as computed tomography. This is also known as CT colonography or colonography. The series of X-ray images will be arranged with the help of a computer to create a detailed image of colon and this helps in identifying polyps and cancer.
Prognosis or Chance of recovery
This depends on many factors the stage of cancer, whether the condition has advanced to create a hole or block in colon, the level of carcino-embryonic antigen in blood and the person’s general health. |
