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Cancer Testing |
How to test for colon cancer?
(May 10, 2010)
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Cancer is a condition where abnormal cells begin to grow out of control in one part or many parts of the body leading to a reduction in the capacity of the body to function normally. It also reduces the functioning of the organ that has the cancer tumor present on it. Cancer tends to spread across the body and once the tumor is large enough it reaches a stage where, treatment may be pointless. Colon cancer is a type of cancer that affects parts of the intestinal system. There is an abnormal growth known as a polyp which can affect the walls of the intestines. These growths are benign but if left untreated, they may turn cancerous. Cancer progression with colon cancer is well defined. The cancer begins and is restricted to the walls of the intestine. At this stage, it is easy to remove such a cancer and survival rates are extremely high for people who are diagnosed with cancer at this stage. Beyond this stage, the cancer become more aggressive and attacks the lymph nodes in the area. It is still possible to survive colon cancer if detected at this stage. However, once the cancer spreads beyond this stage and passes to various parts of the body, successful treatment may be unlikely.
There are many different ways to test for colon cancer. If the cancer is large enough, it can be detected by the doctor who inserts his or her finger to palpate the lining of the colon. Another test involves testing blood that may be present or hidden in the stool sample of a patient. A more invasive method is colonoscopy. This procedure involves the insertion of an endoscope through the anus to visually check the walls of the intestine for polyps or tumors. This procedure may be uncomfortable to a patient. It may also be used to scrape off a sample of the tumor or polyp for further testing in a laboratory. A barium enema may be used as a method of testing where an endoscope is inserted through the anus and the area is filled with a barium contrast. This contrast is then viewed through an x-ray machine which will give an image of the walls of the colon. Any abnormal bumps or depressions can then be tested. Blood tests could also be done during a routine checkup. The Carcinoembryonic Antigen level is elevated when a person is suffering from colon cancer. This is a marker to go in for further testing.
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Submitted by M T on May 10, 2010 at 03:59
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