Diagnosis of Colon Polyps

Diagnosis

Colonoscopy is the most sensitive test for colorectal polyps and colorectal cancer.


Screening tests are of importance in detecting polyps before they become cancerous.

• Faecal occult (hidden) blood test: This is primarily a screening test for colon cancer. It doesn't help in diagnosis of polyps that do not bleed.
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy: A slender, lighted tube is used to visualise the rectum and sigmoid. The sigmoid is approximately the last 2 feet (61 centimetres) of the colon and is where nearly half of all colon cancers are found. It doesn''t detect polyps elsewhere in the large

  intestine.

• Barium enema: This helps to evaluate the entire large intestine with an X-ray
• Colonoscopy: This testis similar to flexible sigmoidoscopy. It offers the advantage that the entire colon and rectum can be visualised. It is the most sensitive test for colorectal polyps and colorectal cancer.

• Computerized tomographic colonography (CTC) or virtual colonoscopy: This is a new technique that may make colon screening safer, more comfortable and less invasive. It may not be as accurate as regular colonoscopy. Sufficient data is not yet available.
• Stool DNA testing: This new technique is primarily designed to detect colon cancer. It is yet to be certified by the Food and Drug Administration.
• Genetic testing: A person with a family history of colon polyps is a candidate for genetic testing.

References:

1. Cecil Medicine, 23rd Ed.
2. The Merck Manual, 18^th Ed.
3. Mayo Clinic

Cite this Article ⇣⇡

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

• APA

  Dr. Nithin Jayan. (2016, March 10). Diagnosis of Colon Polyps. Medindia. Retrieved on May 01, 2024 from https://www.medindia.net/health/conditions/colon-polyps-diagnosis.htm.

• MLA

  Dr. Nithin Jayan. "Diagnosis of Colon Polyps". Medindia. May 01, 2024. <https://www.medindia.net/health/conditions/colon-polyps-diagnosis.htm>.

• Chicago

  Dr. Nithin Jayan. "Diagnosis of Colon Polyps". Medindia. https://www.medindia.net/health/conditions/colon-polyps-diagnosis.htm. (accessed May 01, 2024).

• Harvard

  Dr. Nithin Jayan. 2016. Diagnosis of Colon Polyps. Medindia, viewed May 01, 2024, https://www.medindia.net/health/conditions/colon-polyps-diagnosis.htm.