Diagnosis

Colon and Rectal Cancer Diagnosis

Considering the elevated incidence and progressive increase in the frequency of colon and rectal cancer in Western society, it is prudent to put oneself in the hands of a service that specializes in the digestive system at the first sign of any digestive alarm, in order to individually evaluate each situation. Additionally, a prevention-based digestive review is recommended as of age 50 regardless of the symptoms that may or may not be present.

Different diagnostic methods have been used for years to rule out colon diseases: blood tests, test for blood hidden in faeces, radiological tests (Opaque enema, CAT, or Scanner), magnetic resonance, etc.

Tests for blood hidden in faeces are currently used in early detection of colorectal cancer campaigns aimed at the population between the ages of 50 and 70 that do not present any rectal or colonic symptoms, family history of colon and rectal cancer, or personal history of polyps, colon and rectal cancer, or intestinal inflammatory disease, but this test is less efficient in detecting the existence of pre-cancerous polyps as compared to the Colonoscopy.

Of all diagnostic methods, the most sensitive and specific test for determining any colon disease is the complete colonoscopy, because as well as providing a complete, thorough , and direct view of the intestine, it can be supplemented the studies with diagnostic (biopsies) and therapeutic techniques (extraction of polyps, coagulation of lesions, the placement of prosthetics, dilation of areas with reduced calibre, etc.) at the same time, with general sensitivity and specificity approximating 100%.

Its high levels of efficiency and tolerance (especially when performed under sedation) has meant that the colonoscopy has progressively replaced other radiological diagnostic techniques, saving these exclusively for cases in which supplementary study is required or for cases where there is any contraindications for performing a colonoscopy.

Other more recent techniques (genetic studies and faecal DNA, virtual colonography, etc.) still present elevated economic costs and a margin of false diagnostic values. What is more, they are not therapeutically based, leading them to not being indicated too often, as the patient normally has to recur to a later conventional colonoscopy in order to complete the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

We also currently have available an innovative technique called the endoscopic colon Capsule, which allows for a diagnostic study of the rectum and colon in selected cases where a conventional colonoscopy cannot be performed, and also for use in colon cancer screening studies.