Oncologist Explains Colorectal Cancer Screening

Introduction

People can often prevent colorectal cancer through regular screening. Screenings can discover polyps before they become cancerous. You should consult a doctor about when your screening should begin based on your age and family history of the disease, says the best rectal cancer surgeon in Kolkata. People who are at risk should start screening at age 45. The tests that are used to screen for colorectal cancer are mentioned in the following sections.

 

 

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is an examination that allows the doctor to look inside the whole rectum and colon. The doctor inserts a flexible, lighted tube named a colonoscope into the rectum and the entire colon to look for polyps or cancer. A doctor extracts polyps or other tissue for examination. The extraction of polyps can also prevent colorectal cancer.

Computed tomography (CT or CAT) colonography

CT colonography is also known as virtual colonoscopy. CT colonography can be an alternative for people who cannot have a standard colonoscopy due to the risks caused by anesthesia or if a person has a blockage in the colon that prevents a full examination, says the best rectal cancer doctor in Kolkata.

Sigmoidoscopy

A sigmoidoscopy involves a flexible, lighted tube inserted into the rectum and lower colon. It is done to check for polyps and cancer. Sometimes doctors extract polyps or other tissue during this procedure for later examination. 

Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and fecal immunochemical test (FIT)

A fecal occult blood test is done to detect blood in the stool, which can signify polyps or cancer. There are two types of tests: guaiac (FOBT) and immunochemical (FIT). 

Double-contrast barium enema (DCBE)

An enema containing barium is given for patients who cannot have a colonoscopy. A sequence of x-rays is taken of the colon and rectum. Most doctors recommend other screening tests as a barium enema is less likely to detect precancerous polyps than other tests.

Stool DNA tests

The stool DNA test is a new technique to screen for colon cancer. The stool DNA test looks for abnormal DNA linked with colon cancer or colon polyps. The examination also detects hidden blood in the stool, which can signify the presence of cancer, says the best rectal cancer surgeon in Kolkata.