If cancer is found, other lab tests may also be done on the biopsy samples to help better classify the cancer and possibly find specific treatment options. Lab tests of biopsy samplesīiopsy samples (from colonoscopy or surgery) are sent to the lab where they are looked at closely. See Testing Biopsy and Cytology Specimens for Cancer to learn more about the types of biopsies, how the tissue is used in the lab to diagnose cancer, and what the results may show. Less often, part of the colon may need to be surgically removed to make the diagnosis. In a biopsy, the doctor removes a small piece of tissue with a special instrument passed through the scope. Usually if a suspected colorectal cancer is found by any screening or diagnostic test, it is biopsied during a colonoscopy. For instance, the doctor can see how close the tumor is to the sphincter muscles that control the passing of stool. The tumor can be seen, measured, and its exact location can be determined. The doctor can look closely at the inside lining of the rectum through the scope. For this test, the doctor looks inside the rectum with a proctoscope, a thin, rigid, lighted tube with a small video camera on the end. This test may be done if rectal cancer is suspected. To learn more about colonoscopy, how it’s done, and what to expect if you have one, see Colonoscopy. Special instruments can be passed through the colonoscope to biopsy or remove any suspicious-looking areas such as polyps, if needed.Ĭolonoscopy may be done in a hospital outpatient department, in a clinic, or in a doctor’s office. It is inserted through the anus and into the rectum and the colon. ![]() Diagnostic colonoscopyĪ diagnostic colonoscopy is just like a screening colonoscopy, but it's done because a person is having symptoms, or because something abnormal was found on another type of screening test.įor this test, the doctor looks at the entire length of the colon and rectum with a colonoscope, a thin, flexible, lighted tube with a small video camera on the end. They may help show how well treatment is working or provide an early warning that a cancer has returned. Tumor marker tests are used most often along with other tests to monitor patients who have already been diagnosed with colorectal cancer. This is because tumor marker levels can sometimes be normal in someone who has cancer and can be abnormal for reasons other than cancer. The most common tumor marker for colorectal cancer is carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA).īlood tests for this tumor marker can sometimes suggest someone might have colorectal cancer, but they can’t be used alone to screen for or diagnose cancer. Tumor markers: Colorectal cancer cells sometimes make substances called tumor markers that can be found in the blood. Liver enzymes: You may also have a blood test to check your liver function, because colorectal cancer can spread to the liver. Some people with colorectal cancer become anemic because the tumor has been bleeding for a long time. It can show if you have anemia (too few red blood cells). These tests also can be used to help monitor your disease if you’ve been diagnosed with cancer.Ĭomplete blood count (CBC): This test measures the different types of cells in your blood. Your doctor might also order certain blood tests to help determine if you have colorectal cancer. (A stool blood test should not be the next test done if you’ve already had an abnormal screening test, in which case you should have a diagnostic colonoscopy, which is described below.) Blood tests For more on how these tests are done, see Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests. These types of tests – a fecal occult blood test (FOBT) or fecal immunochemical test (FIT) – are done at home, and require you to collect 1 to 3 samples of stool from a bowel movement. If you are seeing the doctor because of anemia or symptoms you are having (other than obvious bleeding from your rectum or blood in your stools), a stool test might be recommended to check for blood that isn’t visible to the naked eye (occult blood), which might be a sign of cancer. During this test, the doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into your rectum to feel for any abnormal areas. You may also have a digital rectal exam (DRE). You will also be asked if you’re having any symptoms and, if so, when they started and how long you’ve had them.Īs part of a physical exam, your doctor will feel your abdomen for masses or enlarged organs, and also examine the rest of your body. Your doctor will ask about your medical history to learn about possible risk factors, including your family history. If you have symptoms that might be from colorectal cancer, or if a screening test shows something abnormal, your doctor will recommend one or more of the exams and tests below to find the cause.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |