Diagnosis of Colon Cancer

The diagnosis of colon cancer is the first step to treating colon cancer. Medical studies have indicated that colon cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the United States every year. This disease primarily affects older patients; however, it may show up in children and young adults as well.

Why Early Diagnosis Is Key

Early diagnosis of colon cancer has been shown to increase the odds of surviving the disease. Life expectancy for colon cancer patients increases the sooner treatment for the disease begins. Today, doctors have a number of methods of detecting colorectal cancer which include colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy. It is recommended that annual screenings begin once an individual reaches the age of 50, and after that, a colonoscopy should be conducted at least once every 10 years.

Preparation for Medical Testing

Patients should prepare for undergoing a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy by using colon cleanser products prior to the procedure. The use of colon cleansing products will allow for easier detection of the cancer because the bowel must be free of feces in order for the colon and rectum to be successfully examined during the colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. Regular colon cleansing can help to prevent the onset of cancer if there is no diagnosis of colon cancer during the tests. This is because colon cleansing helps to keep the bowel free of harmful bacteria that may contribute to illness.

Colonoscopy as a Diagnosis Tool

A colonoscopy is done by inserting a long flexible tube into the anus that has a camera attached to the end. The output video from the camera is then evaluated to determine if the symptoms of colon cancer are present such as abnormal growths in the walls of the colon. If growths, as known as polyps, are detected the doctor will remove some of them to send them to the laboratory for testing for signs of cancer. The doctor may also remove a bit of tissue from the colon wall to send for testing as well, in a process known as a biopsy.

Sigmoidoscopy as a Diagnosis Tool

Sigmoidoscopy is a second process in which a scope is inserted into the patient in order to detect polyps, tumors or adenomas that may possibly be located in the bowels. This procedure is commonly used in patients that may possibly have a diagnosis of colon cancer but present no clear symptoms of the disease. The difference between these types of procedures is the type of scope that is used and also the portions of the bowels that are examined.

Symptoms of Colon Cancer

It is also important to report any abnormal symptoms to a doctor. It may not be known fully if the symptoms are associated directly with colon cancer, but these symptoms may be used as evidence in the diagnosis of colon cancer when combined with the results of the medical testing. Some possible symptoms of colon cancer include changes in bowel movements, rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss and fatigue. The doctor will take notes as to the severity and date of onset of the symptoms which may help to determine how long the cancer has been developing and the proper course of treatment.