Rochester General Hospital
Colorectal Cancer Detection
There are a variety of tests done to screen for or contain colorectal cancer.
Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
The physician inserts a gloved and lubricated finger into the rectum. He or she feels for abnormal areas. Rectal tumors might be discovered with this exam.
Fecal Occult Blood Test
This is known as the stool blood test. Small amounts of stool are placed onto special test cards, which are then treated with a few drops of a special solution.
This test can detect tiny amounts of blood that are invisible to the eye. A positive test means there is blood present. It does not identify where the blood is from.
Since there are many causes of fecal occult blood, further tests are needed. Occasionally a person with cancer will not have feral occult blood detected because the bleeding is intermittent.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
This procedure involves the use of a flexible narrow tube with a tiny built-in camera. The scope is inserted into the rectum to view the inner wall of the lower portion of the colon. If growths are found, they can be removed if small enough or biopsies can be taken.
Barium Enema
A liquid called barium is placed in the rectum through a tube, similar to an enema. Then, x-rays are taken. The barium coats the inside wall of the colon, which allows tumors to be visualized on the x-rays.
Colonoscopy, Standard
This procedure is similar to the flexible sigmoidoscopy except the scope is longer, which allows the entire length of the colon to be examined. Again, if growths are found, they can be removed if small enough or biopsies can be taken.
Colonoscopy, Virtual
This type of colonoscopy is less invasive than colonoscopy and is performed in a radiology center. It involves the same type of colon cleansing as a colonoscopy. A small flexable catheter is inserted in the rectum and air is gently pumped in to infalte the colon. You are placed inside a CT (computerized tomography)scanner and detailed "pictures" are taken. These pictures are similar to those seen during a standard colonoscopy. If a polyp is found or a biopsy is required, a standard colonoscopy will be needed to do so.
