For a person with colon cancer, early diagnosis and treatment can be life-saving. Often, individuals will not experience any symptoms of colon cancer until it has become advanced. For this reason, the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommends that all individuals ages 50-75 undergo routine screenings. (Signs & Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer).
Diagnosing Colon Cancer.
If a doctor suspects a person has colon cancer, he or she will perform an examination. The examination will usually involve a rectal exam. This is where a doctor inserts a gloved finger through the anus into the rectum to feel if there is a tumor in the lower part of the rectum. .
One or more of the following tests may be arranged to diagnose colon cancer:.
Colonoscopy - This is a test in which a long, thin, flexible telescope (a colonoscope) is passed through the anus into the rectum and colon. This enables the whole of the colon and rectum to be viewed in detail.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy - This is a telescope that is inserted only into the rectum and sigmoid colon. Sigmoid colon is the part of the intestine that is closest to the anus and rectum. .
CT colonoscopy - This test uses X-rays to build up a series of images of the colon and rectum. A computer then organizes these images to create detailed pictures that may show polyps or anything else unusual on the surface of the colon or rectum. .
Barium Enema - This X-ray test obtains pictures of the colon and rectum. Barium liquid is placed in the colon and rectum and an outline shows up clearly on X-ray pictures. .
A biopsy is done to confirm any diagnosis. A biopsy is when a small sample of tissue is removed from a part of the body. The sample is examined under a microscope to look at abnormal cells. It can take up to two weeks for the result of a biopsy. (Treating Bowel Cancer).
Potential Complications of Colon Cancer.
There are potential complications that can arise from colon cancer, which may include the following: .