Testing done for colorectal cancer has an essential role to play in ensuring we stay in the best of our health. This testing puts your doctor in a position to be able to diagnose and arrange the right treatment for curbing colorectal cancer.
With a proper explanation of what colon cancer testing is, you’ll be able to put your mind in a state of peace. This will in turn make you confident that your decision to go for testing was one of the best measures you could take for your health.
You should always talk to your doctor before beginning colon cancer screening, and there are several different types of procedures you can undergo. Your doctor can recommend a schedule that best suits your lifestyle and your risk factors. Early detection is important, as earlier detection means better treatment options. Learn more about colon cancer screening from Mayo Clinic. This free website features helpful information and expert advice on health care management. You may also be interested in reading our Colon Cancer Screening Guide.
What Happens at the Testing Area?
The type of test screening method used for colorectal cancer influences what will happen at the screening center. Your doctor will tell you exactly which testing methods are ideal for you depending on the symptoms you have.
Here are the various forms of testing available:
Colonoscopy
This method involves screening with invasive technology. In this testing, a fibrous thin tube is entered inside and it has a tiny camera attached that takes shots and gives a clear picture of the inside. The usage of this technique is to search for the presence of polyps or tumors.
Double-Contrast Barium Enema
In this testing, X-ray beams are used. X-rays are used in this method to search a patient’s colon area for guilties that show pre-cancerous growth, or tumors.
Stool DNA Screening
As the name suggests, in this screening, the patient’s stool is assessed. In this methodology, a person’s stool is tested for the presence of any cancerous DNA and blood.
The FOBT Method
Known as the Fecal Occult Blood Testing, this testing is known for using a non-invasive approach to detecting the presence of blood in your stools.
Computed Tomography
Also called CT as an abbreviation, and sometimes referred to as a virtual colonoscopy. This testing methodology is still being studied in some research centers.
In order to achieve the ideal results from this type of screening, an experienced radiologist should be present who would give a clear-cut representation and explanation.
If there’s a patient that cannot go through colonoscopy, then the second-best alternative available for them is CT colonography.
Sigmoidoscopy
In this technique, a flexible and lightweight tube that is very thin, and is used to insert into the rectum and lower colon.
The reason to do this testing is to look for any abnormalities. While this technique is being used to detect abnormalities, the polyps i.e the abnormalities can be removed by the doctor.
However, the part of the colon that lies above cannot be inspected by the doctor using this technique. In the section above, what’s present is the ascending and transverse colon.
Double Contrast Barium Enema
Also called DCBE as an abbreviation, this screening is ideal for patients. Who cannot go through a colonoscopy.By doing so, the colon and rectum stand out in the x-ray beams.
Among the different types of colon cancer screening, FOBT was the most common form of the procedure in the 1980s. In 2000, the colonoscopy has become the standard screening method. However, despite the fact that the sensitivity and specificity of the Sept9 test are comparable to the other screening types, they may be superior to gFOBT and non-inferior to FIT. Epi proColon, the newer form of the test, appears to have lower sensitivity than Cologuard and higher specificity for cancer than Cologuard.
