How do i know perforated colon cause from cancer or diverticulitis?

Colonoscopy: If you've had a perforation the GI doctor can tell if there is cancer of diverticulitis on a colonoscopy. A ct may also be useful.

Perforation: Acute perforation can be caused by acute diverticulitis or colon cancer. Shen there is a perforation emergency surgery is required and the removal of the perforated segment of colon is reviewed by a pathologist which can help differentiate between colon cancer and diverticulitis.

Colon perforation: Colon perforates you become ill and require hospitalization. Cancer and diverticulitis are causes and surgery is often needed. If during colonoscopy, a perforation related to the scope occurs, you might not be ill as you had a bowel prep and the perforation is usually not related to underlying colon pathology. Observation and no food for 12 hours.