Question 1

how do you test for colon and rectal cancer?

Accepted Answer

Colonoscopy: With biopsy is the definitive test. Other less sensitive and specific test include tumor markers and stool cytology

Question 2

is a colonoscopy the only test for colon cancer? can a fit test replace the colonoscopy?  is it painful to have a colonoscopy awake?

Accepted Answer

Colonoscopy: A tissue diagnosis is necessary to determine the presence of cancer of the colon, and colonoscopy is the most convenient way to do it;otherwise an open operation would be needed. A mild anesthesia is used as colonoscopy would be quite uncomfortable without it.

Question 3

how do they test for colon cancer? not screening but diagnosing.

Accepted Answer

Biopsy: A biopsy specimen from usually a colonoscopy is usually examined by pathlogists to diagnose colon cancer.

Question 4

will a colon biopsy confirm a positive test for ulcerative colitis?

Accepted Answer

Maybe: Like many other pathologists, i remain deeply skeptical about the "blood test" for ulcerative colitis, and if you have not yet had endoscopy with biopsy, i would urge you to do this if it is offered to you. If you do have ulcerative colitis, you will get frequent checks to be sure the disease is not progressing to malignancy. Good luck.

Question 5

blood test for constipation from colon cancer?

Accepted Answer

No good test: There is no good blood test for either constipation or colon cancer.  In late colon cancer CEA levels are usually elevated, but there are other causes of elevated cea.

Question 6

what is the new screening test for colon cancer that uses the camera you swallow?

Accepted Answer

Is not: There is a capsule camera you swallow to examine the small intestine not for screening. The standard for colin screening is still colonoscopy. Ct colography is being evaluated as an alternative.

Question 7

are there genetic tests available to screen for colon cancer risk?

Accepted Answer

Yes: If you have a strong family history of colon cancer in several 1st degree relatives, you may be a candidate for genetic testing, however if the test is negative it just means you do not have a genetic predisposition to colon cancer. 80% of colon cancers occur in individuals with no family history and hence would have a negative genetic test.

Question 8

how do you screen for colon cancer?

Accepted Answer

Colonoscopy: Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for colorectal ca screening.  Flexible sigmoidoscopy plus a barium enema are a less expensive alternative.  Recently, special cat scans have been used as a less invasive screening alternative, however, if an abnormality is seen, colonoscopy is then necessary.

Question 9

do colonoscopies screen for colon cancer?

Accepted Answer

Yes.: There is only one test that has been shown to improve  survival and that is checking the stool for blood.  One should have a colonoscopy at age 50.  So it does allow the physician to view the colonic mucosa and see if any abnormality is detected.

Question 10

how can i get referred to a gastrointestinal doctor to screen for colon health due to chronic untreated abdomenal pain and digestive issues?

Accepted Answer

: You've posted on the free, public HealthTap forum. General medical/dental questions and answers only. No prescriptions, referrals, notes, virtual consultations or individualized treatment recommendations. Please try the paid portion of this website:
( https://www.healthtap.com/member/sign-up ) for a virtual consultation or better yet, see a local physician. All the best....

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How to test for an obstruction in the colon

A member asked:

How do you test for colon and rectal cancer?

A member asked:

Is a colonoscopy the only test for colon cancer? can a fit test replace the colonoscopy? is it painful to have a colonoscopy awake?

A member asked:

How do they test for colon cancer? not screening but diagnosing.

A member asked:

Will a colon biopsy confirm a positive test for ulcerative colitis?

A member asked:

Blood test for constipation from colon cancer?

A member asked:

What is the new screening test for colon cancer that uses the camera you swallow?

A member asked:

Are there genetic tests available to screen for colon cancer risk?

A member asked:

How do you screen for colon cancer?

A member asked:

Do colonoscopies screen for colon cancer?

A member asked:

How can i get referred to a gastrointestinal doctor to screen for colon health due to chronic untreated abdomenal pain and digestive issues?

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