If your doctor has recommended colon cancer screening, you might be able
to choose from various colon cancer screening tests. If you're reluctant
to make a decision, remember that any discomfort or embarrassment from
colon cancer screening is temporary — and detecting problems early could
save your life. To help choose the colon cancer screening test that's
best for you, consider the following questions.
Preparing for colon cancer screening can be uncomfortable or
inconvenient, but it's necessary for the test to be effective. As part
of your decision, consider your willingness or ability to follow the
preparation instructions for specific colon cancer screening tests. This
may — to varying degrees — include avoiding solid food the day before
the exam, adjusting your medications, and using laxatives or enemas to
empty your colon.
In addition to test preparation, consider:
Find out how much each colon cancer screening test costs, as well as
which tests your insurance company covers. Consider whether you're
willing to pay out-of-pocket if necessary.
The more thorough the colon cancer screening test, the more likely it is
to detect any cancer or precancerous polyps. Conversely, a more
thorough test might also mean more inconvenient or uncomfortable
preparation, a slightly higher risk of serious complications, or both.
Think about your approach to screening tests and what's most important
to you. Will you feel best if you know you've chosen the most thorough
screening test possible? Will you worry or doubt the results if you
choose a less thorough test? How concerned are you about convenience,
preparation or the possibility of serious complications?
Make sure that you're comfortable with the colon cancer screening test
your doctor recommends. If your doctor specializes in a particular test
but you'd rather have another test, express your wishes. If necessary,
your doctor might offer a referral to someone trained in the test with
which you feel most comfortable.
Your risk of colon cancer might influence your choice of screening
tests. For example, your doctor might recommend colonoscopy as the
screening tool of choice, likely at frequent intervals, if you:
Here's an overview of the most common colon cancer screening tests.
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is an exam used to detect changes or abnormalities in the large intestine and rectum. A long, flexible tube (colonoscope) is inserted into the rectum. A tiny video camera at the tip of the tube allows the doctor to view the inside of the entire colon.
CT colonography, also known as virtual colonoscopy, is an exam used to detect changes or abnormalities in the large intestine and rectum. During this exam, an imaging technique known as computerized tomography (CT) is used to produce cross-sectional images of the abdominal organs. To help create clear images, a small tube (catheter) is placed inside your rectum to fill your colon with air or carbon dioxide.
A fecal occult blood test is a lab test used to check stool samples for hidden (occult) blood.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is an exam used to evaluate the lower part of the colon (sigmoid colon). A thin, flexible tube (sigmoidoscope) is inserted into the rectum. A tiny video camera at the tip of the tube allows the doctor to view the inside of the rectum and most of the sigmoid colon.
Choosing a colon cancer screening test isn't always an easy decision,
but it's a potentially lifesaving one. Consult your doctor about your
colon cancer screening options. Commit to a screening schedule based on
your personal risk factors. Remember, the earlier colon cancer is
detected, the easier it is to treat.
What preparation is involved?
How convenient is the test?
- How long the test will take
- How often you need to repeat the test
- Whether you'll need sedation
- The possible need for follow-up testing to investigate a false-positive finding or to remove tissue
What about cost and insurance issues?
What is your attitude toward screening tests?
What is your doctor's approach to screening tests?
What is your risk level?
- Have a personal history of colon cancer or precancerous polyps
- Have a parent, sibling or child who's had colon cancer
- Carry a gene for a hereditary colon cancer syndrome
- Have a history of inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease
What are the pros and cons of each test?
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is an exam used to detect changes or abnormalities in the large intestine and rectum. A long, flexible tube (colonoscope) is inserted into the rectum. A tiny video camera at the tip of the tube allows the doctor to view the inside of the entire colon.
- Pros. Colonoscopy is generally considered the gold standard for colon cancer screening. Polyps or other types of abnormal tissue can be removed through the scope during the exam. Tissue samples (biopsies) can be taken as well. The exam typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes.
- Cons. The exam might not detect all small polyps and cancers. You might need to adjust your usual medications before the exam. Typically, you can't eat solid food the day before the exam and you'll need to use laxatives or another product to empty your colon. Sedation is generally recommended. Rare complications may include bleeding from the site where a biopsy was taken or a polyp or other abnormal tissue was removed, or a tear in the colon or rectum wall. Cramping or bloating might occur after the exam. Since the sedative can take hours to wear off, you'll need to arrange for someone to drive you home.
CT colonography, also known as virtual colonoscopy, is an exam used to detect changes or abnormalities in the large intestine and rectum. During this exam, an imaging technique known as computerized tomography (CT) is used to produce cross-sectional images of the abdominal organs. To help create clear images, a small tube (catheter) is placed inside your rectum to fill your colon with air or carbon dioxide.
- Pros. Unlike traditional colonoscopy, CT colonography doesn't require sedation or the insertion of a scope into the colon. The exam typically takes about 10 minutes.
- Cons. The exam might not detect all small polyps and cancers. You might need to adjust your usual medications before the exam. Typically, you can't eat solid food the day before the exam. You might need to use laxatives or another product to empty your colon. Radiation exposure from repeated procedures might be a concern. Since tissue samples can't be taken during the exam, a follow-up colonoscopy might be needed if an abnormality is detected. Cramping or bloating might occur after the exam.
A fecal occult blood test is a lab test used to check stool samples for hidden (occult) blood.
- Pros. Stool sample collection can be done at home. There's no need to empty the colon ahead of time.
- Cons. The test fails to detect most polyps and some cancers. Certain foods and medications might need to be avoided for several days before the test. If blood is detected, additional tests might be needed to determine the source. False-negative and false-positive results are possible.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is an exam used to evaluate the lower part of the colon (sigmoid colon). A thin, flexible tube (sigmoidoscope) is inserted into the rectum. A tiny video camera at the tip of the tube allows the doctor to view the inside of the rectum and most of the sigmoid colon.
- Pros. Sedation isn't usually needed. Biopsies can be taken through the scope during the exam. The exam typically takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Cons. Typically one or more enemas are done before the procedure to empty the lower part of the colon. In some cases, you might not be able to eat solid food the day before the exam. The exam doesn't allow the doctor to see the entire colon, so any cancers or polyps farther into the colon can't be detected. Rare complications may include bleeding from the biopsy site or a tear in the lining of the colon. Cramping or bloating might occur after the exam. Additional tests might be necessary if an abnormality is detected.
No comments:
Post a Comment