Question 1

what are available screening tests for colon cancer?

Accepted Answer

'scopes, X-rays, etc: A number of different screening tests are available for colon ca. They include colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, double-contrast barium enema, ct colonography (virtual colonoscopy), and fecal occult blood testing. The pro's and con's of each are described here: http://www.Cancer.Gov/cancertopics/factsheet/detection/colorectal-screening.

Question 2

what are the different screening tests for colon cancer?

Accepted Answer

Colonoscopy: Colonoscopy is the test of choice as it is diagnostic and therapeutic. Other diagnostic tests include ct colonography, stool test, barium studies.

Question 3

are occult blood tests for colon cancer reliable?

Accepted Answer

Not really: The sensitivity of occult blood test is very low -about 20-25% if it is done only once. If it is done in 3 separate occasions- the sensitivity of the test to check for GI bleeding will be higher up to 90%. However, the test's accuracy for colon cancer is not high as GI bleeding can be caused by so many things-hemorrhoids, avm, gastric ulcer etc. Colonsocopy needs to be done if occult blood is +.

Question 4

are occult blood tests for colon cancer effective?

Accepted Answer

Not optimal: Occult blood in stool (fobt) are helpful in detecting colon cancer and their use improves outcomes.  However, fobt by itself is not a treatment therefore it is not possible to comment on its effectiveness.  Colonoscopy is a much better screening test.

Question 5

what is a colon cancer detection test?

Accepted Answer

Colonoscopy: Colonoscopy is the best screening tool for colon cancer, it gives the option of diagnosing and sometimes treating( by removing the polyps).

Question 6

what is msi  test in colon cancer?

Accepted Answer

Screening tool: Msi test has a few uses in colorectal cancer screening and surveillance. While only 15 percent of colorectal cancers are msi positive, as many as 90 percent of patients with lynch syndrome (specific genetic etiology for colorectal cancer) have a positive msi test. The test may also be helpful in determining those patients with stage ii or iii cancer who may benefit from chemotherapy.

Question 7

do  anthem blue cross  cover my colon cancer test ?

Accepted Answer

Hopefully but:: There are many different types of policies that Anthem Blue Cross has and this depends on your individual policy. Call Anthem Blue Cross (the number should be on your insurance card) and ask the people there as we have no way of knowing the details of your individual policy or what your deductible is.

Question 8

my cea test was a 3. what should i do? i had colon cancer in 1997?

Accepted Answer

CEA of 3: is in normal range. IF you have been getting regular checkups yearly and colonoscopies, you don't need to do anything more. Just follow the recommendations for your follow ups and colonoscopies provided by your Oncologist/Colorectal surgeon/gastroenterologist.

Question 9

what do you suggest if my cea test was a 3. should i do something else . i had colon cancer in 1997?

Accepted Answer

Chill: Three is normal, my friend. Colon cancer would be unlikely to relapse after 15 years plus. Of course, you could develop another colon cancer so you need to keep your follow ups with your oncologist and get your colonoscopies religiously. Live healthy and if you smoke, quit (that will increase the CEA, by the way).

Question 10

what is a fecal occult test in detecting colon cancer?

Accepted Answer

Test for blood in BM: The fobt tests for blood in the stool.  Test is performed on spontaneously voided stool on three separate occasions.  Presence of blood in any of the samples is a "positive" test. Blood may indicate cancer, hemorrhoids, blood vessel abnormality, local irritation or a host of other non life threatening things.  However, blood in the stool is a finding that needs follow up with a more specific test.

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Doctor answers about:

Diagnostic tests for colon cancer

A member asked:

What are available screening tests for colon cancer?

A member asked:

What are the different screening tests for colon cancer?

A member asked:

Are occult blood tests for colon cancer reliable?

A member asked:

Are occult blood tests for colon cancer effective?

A member asked:

What is a colon cancer detection test?

A member asked:

What is msi test in colon cancer?

A member asked:

Do anthem blue cross cover my colon cancer test ?

A member asked:

My cea test was a 3. what should i do? i had colon cancer in 1997?

A member asked:

What do you suggest if my cea test was a 3. should i do something else . i had colon cancer in 1997?

A member asked:

What is a fecal occult test in detecting colon cancer?

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