Rectal Cancer Diagnosis
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Diagnosing Rectal Cancer
If you are experiencing any rectal cancer symptoms, consult your doctor as soon as possible. He or she may want to conduct diagnostic tests to determine the cause of your symptoms. Your doctor may start with a blood test to check for high levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), which is common in people with colorectal cancer.
If you are 50 years of age or older, you are encouraged to get regular colonoscopies. During this minimally invasive procedure, the doctor examines the rectal area as well as the colon by inserting a tube into the anus. If the doctor sees a suspicious area, he or she will likely take a biopsy during this time.
Aside from blood tests and colonoscopy examinations, your doctor may use the following screening and diagnostic tools to check for rectal cancer: sigmoidoscopy, endoscopic ultrasound, CT scan, and a pelvic MRI (to stage rectal cancer, if detected).
Next Topic: Rectal Cancer Staging
