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 one of the following tools to check for rectal cancer:
Endorectal ultrasound: During this procedure, a probe is inserted through the anus. This probe emits sound waves which bounce off of tissues and create a picture which is picked up by a computer.
CT scan: This imaging test creates three-dimensional, highly detailed pictures of the inside of the body. In many cases, a CT scan can reveal more than an X-ray which aids in the diagnosing and staging of rectal cancer.
MRI: This abbreviated term refers to magnetic resonance imaging, an imaging technique used to create detailed, cross-sectional pictures of the inside of the body. Using radiofrequency waves, powerful magnets, and a computer, MRI systems are able to distinguish between normal and diseased tissue including that surrounding the rectal area.
Next Topic: Rectal Cancer Staging
