Tests for Colon Problems

Colon cancer is cancer of the large intestine, which is located in the digestive system. Colon cancer usually begins as small polyps in the colon, which over time develop into cancerous cells. Since polyps don't cause many symptoms, tests are needed to diagnose colon cancer, as well as several other maladies of the lower gastrointestinal tract.

Colonoscopy

• During this procedure a colonoscope, which is a thin tube with a camera at the end, is inserted into the colon. The physician performing the exam looks for polyps or other abnormalities.

Sigmoidoscopy

• Sigmoidoscopy is similar to the colonoscopy, but the examination is limited to only part of the colon, making it a less-effective test.

Barium Enema

• Another test is the double-contrast barium enema (DCBE), which is a type of X-ray test. The colon is coated with a solution containing barium, which allows the physician to see the condition of the colon better.

Fecal Occult Blood test

• Doctors perform a fecal occult blood test to check for blood in the patient's stool, which may indicate bleeding in the colon. This bleeding may be caused by colon cancer or by bleeding from other organs like the stomach.

Biopsy

• If a large polyp or tumor is found, a biopsy may be performed. This involves the removal of some of the tissue of the colon to be examined in more detail for evidence of cancer. The tumor can be cancerous or benign, or may be the result of inflammation.

Other Colon Problems

• If colon cancer is not found, other conditions are caused by the inflammation of the colon, including diverticular disease and ulcerative colitis. Another common colon problem is Crohn's Disease, which is a condition where part of the colon is too narrow.