Colon Cancer Test Procedures

Colon cancer occurs when a cancerous growth appears on the surface of one's colon or rectum. According to the National Cancer Institute, colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the nation. There are many procedures that one can undergo in order to be tested for colon cancer.

Colonoscopy

• A colonoscopy is performed by a gastroenterologist. For this procedure, the entire colon will be examined and checked for polyps and any other abnormalities. Polyps are small growths that may potentially become cancerous. Before the colonoscopy, the patient is given pain medication and a sedative. The physician performs the procedure by inserting a thin and flexible tube into the anus. The tube has a light at the end as well as a small camera. The tube is then moved throughout the rectum and the colon areas for examination. If any polyps are found, they can be removed that same day. A biopsy can be done to determine if they are cancerous or not.

Sigmoidoscopy

• A sigmoidoscopy is similar to a colonoscopy. This procedure is less expensive than a colonoscopy. Another difference is that a sigmoidoscopy examines only the lower portion of the colon. Patients may experience more discomfort with a sigmoidoscopy than a colonoscopy, since sedation is rarely used. Another important drawback is that the camera used, a sigmoidoscope, is unable to detect any polyps beyond its reach.

Fecal Occult Blood Testing

• Another procedure that is done to test for colon cancer is fecal occult blood testing. For this test, the physician will send the patient home with a kit to collect stool samples from home. After the samples are collected, they must be returned to the physician. The physician will then test the stools for any presence of blood. Blood in the stools can be an indicator of colon cancer and other medical conditions. If blood is found, then the patient would undergo a colonoscopy to check for polyps and any other cancerous growths.

Double-Contrast Barium Enema

• A double-contrast barium enema (DCBE) is performed by a radiologist. During this procedure, the radiologist will pump the barium enema into the patient's colon using a thin tube that is inserted into the patient's rectum. The barium will coat the inside of the patient's colon so that it is visible on an X-ray. Air is then pumped into the rectum to separate the colon walls so that any polyps can be seen. The only limitation with a DCBE is that if there are any polyps, they cannot be removed at that time. A colonoscopy would have to be done at a later date. As a result, this is a rarely used procedure for screening colon cancer.