Detection of Colon Cancer

Colon is an important part of the human digestive system and the growth of malignant tissue in the colon is known as colon cancer. This type of cancer is very much dreaded and it can harm the digestive system a lot. The colon cancer is a type of malignant tumor which can be formed from the inner wall of the large intestine. The tumor breaks down the tissues and therefore spreads into the other parts of the body.

Symptoms of colon cancer:

The common symptoms of colon cancer are: constipation, abdominal pain, blood spots in the stool, diarrhea and any kind of unusual bowl movement. However, these are not the conclusive symptoms of this type of cancer as these can also be a symptom of common digestion related problem. In these cases, one must take the advice of any qualified health specialist and should tell the doctor about all the symptoms to facilitate faster as well as to have a proper diagnosis. Therefore, the doctor may prescribe the patient several examinations/tests for the accurate diagnose of colon cancer.

Tests to detect colon cancer:

Most of the colon tests need empty bowl, so one need to go through some preparation before opting for the tests. Special type of X-Ray and colonoscopy which uses a colon scope and fiber-optic camera are used to diagnose the colon cancer. The tests can be painful as they need insertion of the substances or instruments through the anus to the colon of the patient. The detection procedure of colon cancer is also known as Gastrointestinal procedures or GI procedures. This procedure includes:

Capsule Endoscopy- The capsule endoscopy is used to test the middle part of the gastrointestinal tract, specially the small intestine, which cannot be checked with a normal colonoscopy or endoscopy. In this procedure, the patient has to swallow a pill sized wireless camera. The pill goes through the small intestine of the patient, clicks pictures and therefore sends it to the recording device which is attached with the patient's body.

Colon Cancer Screening- The colon cancer screening or colorectal cancer screening is a type of screening test which is used to detect the disease like colon cancer. The common method of colon cancer screening is to test the fecal occult blood, which are tested on the stool samples and are of completely chemical based. It also tests three different specimens.

Upper Endoscopy- Upper endoscopy or upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is the process which uses a flexible or lighted tube to check the upper gastrointestinal tract. It includes the test of stomach, esophagus and duodenum. Upper endoscopy is very useful to detect abnormal growths, ulcers, bowel obstruction, precancerous conditions, hiatal hernias and inflammation.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy- Sigmoidoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy is another popular way to detect colon cancer. This procedure involves a screening with the sigmoidoscope to find out the cancerous growths in colon and rectum. But through the regular screening with the sigmoidoscope can help to detect the presence of the tumor before getting large.

Ronny Michal - About Author:
Gastroenterology Associates of Osceola Kissimmee Florida offers a range of GI procedures and services. GAO specializing in gastroenterology, colorectal cancer screening, treatment of gastrointestinal problems and disease.

Article Source:
http://www.articleside.com/health-articles/detection-of-colon-cancer.htm

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