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A member asked:
Pcp says i need a colonoscopy due to history of compact/bloody stools. why didn't she order a stool test? don't they test for the same conditions?
7 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
Better test: Stool testing is not as thorough at getting to the root cause of issues as a colonoscopy would be. Stool tests often just look for blood or white blood cells as a sign of infection. Cultures of stool can be done to look for a bacterial issue.
Answered 8/13/2014
3.8k views
Not that simple: unfortunately. The stool tests for colon cancer are not widely available, and if it was negative would not rule out cancer with 100% certainty. Also other medical issues that result in blood in the stool would not be detected. Colonoscopy is not only diagnostic, it can be therapeutic as well. Ex. if a polyp is seen, can be removed and sent to pathology. Diverticulae, colitis, can B seen w/ C-scope
Answered 10/23/2017
3.8k views
Different tests: Stool tests would'nt give the information one can get from colonoscopy, which not only provides direct visualization of your entire colonic lining of your gut, but the chance to obtain tissues for biopsies from any suspicious tissue to rule out any serious condition. Even if you may have hemorrhoids or other apparent cause for bloody stools by exam, a thorough evaluation is warranted at your age.
Answered 5/23/2016
3.8k views
Related Questions
A member asked:
Occasional mucus&constipation. I was worried about colon cancer.Dr said she won't beable to order stool test because of age/history. Colonoscopy is risky but it's up to me if I want one. She did do rectal exam. She never felt any masses. How accurate?
2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
A member asked:
What percentage of positive FIT stool tests result in a non cancerous finding on colonoscopy? 35 y/o and very nervous?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
My brother detected with bulky pancreas and given medicine Panlipase. He was underging Colonoscopy test but still having loose stool.
A doctor has provided 1 answer
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