Detailed information on the most common tests and procedures used to diagnosis digestive disorders
Your healthcare provider might believe you have colorectal cancer based on the results of a routine screening test. Or you might have symptoms that could be caused by colorectal cancer. You will need certain exams and tests to be sure.
A detailed look at different types of biopsies, and how and why they are done.
A sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic test to check the lower part of your colon or large intestine (the sigmoid colon). This part of your colon is close to your rectum and anus.
Colonoscopy is a procedure that lets your healthcare provider check the inside of your entire large intestine or colon.
A barium enema is an imaging test that uses X-rays to look at your lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Your lower GI tract includes the large intestine (colon) and rectum.
Being told you have colorectal cancer can be scary, and you may have many questions. But you have people on your healthcare team to help.
The stage of a cancer is how much and how far the cancer has spread in your body. Your healthcare provider uses it to decide how to treat the cancer.
Tests to help provide more information on your colorectal cancer may include lab tests, blood tests, CT scan, MRI, and others.