Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis: 6 Advanced Tests For Early Detection

Colorectal cancer refers to the abnormal growth of cells in the colon or rectum. It can cause symptoms like changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, and abdominal pain. Colorectal cancer diagnosis involves tests such as colonoscopy and imaging scans. Early detection and treatment can improve outcomes. Stay informed about causes, symptoms, Colorectal cancer diagnosis, and more.

 

6 Tests for Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis

Accurate Colorectal cancer diagnosis is crucial for timely treatment and improved outcomes. It helps determine the stage, guide treatment decisions, and monitor progress. Early detection can save lives.

 

Here is a list of common diagnostic tests for Colorectal cancer diagnosis:

1. Colonoscopy
2. Flexible sigmoidoscopy
3. CT colonography
4. Biopsy
5. Blood tests (e.g., carcinoembryonic antigen)
6. Stool tests (fecal occult blood test, DNA test)

 

 

1. Colonoscopy

• Detects Colorectal cancer at early stages with Colorectal cancer diagnosis
• Allows removal of precancerous polyps during the procedure
• Provides a comprehensive examination of the entire colon

Colonoscopy	Details
Also Known As	Colorectal Endoscopy
Purpose	Diagnosis and Screening
Sample	Colon Examination
Preparation	Bowel Cleansing
Procedure	Colon Camera Insertion
Test Timing	30-60 Minutes
Test Price (INR)	8,000-15,000
Result Value	Presence/Absence of Abnormalities
Normal Value	Absence of Polyps, Lesions, or Tumors
Accuracy	High
Interpretation	Further Evaluation May be Required Based on the Findings

Colonoscopy, also known as Colorectal endoscopy, is a high-accuracy Colorectal cancer diagnostic test procedure that detects abnormalities in the colon, aiding in precise treatment decisions for Colorectal cancer.

 

2. Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

• Identifies abnormalities in the rectum and lower colon
• Enables targeted removal of polyps during the Colorectal cancer diagnosis procedure
• Minimally invasive and requires no sedation

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy	Details
Also Known As	Sigmoidoscopy
Purpose	Diagnostic Examination
Sample	Sigmoid Scope
Preparation	Bowel Cleansing
Procedure	Sigmoid Colon Camera Insertion
Test Timing	10-20 Minutes
Test Price (INR)	3,000-8,000
Result Value	Presence/Absence of Abnormalities
Normal Value	Absence of Abnormalities
Accuracy	High
Interpretation	Further Evaluation May be Required Based on the Findings

Flexible sigmoidoscopy, also known as sigmoidoscopy, is a high-accuracy Colorectal cancer diagnostic test procedure that detects abnormalities in the sigmoid colon, aiding in further evaluation if necessary for better treatment decisions.

 

3. CT Colonography

• Non-invasive and highly accurate Colorectal cancer diagnostic test for detecting colon abnormalities
• Provides detailed 3D images of the colon without the need for an invasive procedure
• Enables early detection and removal of polyps, reducing the risk of colon cancer

CT Colonography	Details
Also Known As	Virtual Colonoscopy
Purpose	Screening and Diagnosis
Sample	N/A
Preparation	Bowel Cleansing
Procedure	CT Scan of Abdomen & Pelvis
Test Timing	10-30 Minutes
Test Price (INR)	5,000 - 10,000
Result Value	Presence/Absence of Abnormalities
Normal Value	Absence of Polyps or Lesions
Accuracy	High
Interpretation	Further Evaluation May be Required Based on the Findings

CT colonography, also known as virtual colonoscopy, is a high-accuracy Colorectal cancer diagnosis procedure using CT scan. It detects abnormalities in the colon, aiding in further evaluation when necessary.

 

4. Biopsy

• Extracts tissue samples for microscopic examination and analysis in Colorectal cancer diagnostic test
• Determines the presence of cancer cells and their characteristics
• Guides personalized treatment plans based on the precise cancer type and stage

Biopsy	Details
Also Known As	Tissue Sampling
Purpose	Diagnostic Examination
Sample	Tissue Samples
Preparation	N/A
Procedure	Extraction of Tissue Samples
Test Timing	A few days
Test Price (INR)	2,000-5,000
Result Value	Presence/Absence of Abnormalities
Normal Value	Absence of Abnormalities
Accuracy	High
Interpretation	Further Evaluation May be Required Based on the Findings

Biopsy, also known as tissue sampling, is a high-accuracy Colorectal cancer diagnosis procedure that extracts tissue samples for analysis, providing valuable information for further evaluation if needed.

 

5. Blood Tests (Carcinoembryonic Antigen)

• This Colorectal cancer diagnostic test, Measures levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in the blood
• Monitors treatment response and recurrence risk in Colorectal cancer
• Assists in early detection and aids in assessing the effectiveness of therapy

Blood Tests	Details
Also Known As	CEA Blood Test
Purpose	Cancer Marker Evaluation
Sample	Blood
Preparation	N/A
Procedure	Blood Sample Collection, Analysis
Test Timing	2-4 hours
Test Price (INR)	500-1,000
Result Value	CEA Levels
Normal Value	Low Levels of CEA
Accuracy	Moderate to High
Interpretation	Further Evaluation May be Required Based on the Findings

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) blood test is a moderate to high accuracy Colorectal cancer diagnosis procedure that evaluates cancer markers through blood sample analysis, aiding in further evaluation if necessary.

 

6. Stool Tests (Fecal Occult Blood Test, DNA Test)

• Fecal occult blood test detects hidden blood in the stool, a potential sign of cancer
• DNA test identifies specific genetic changes associated with Colorectal cancer
• Provides convenient and early detection options for increased chances of successful treatment

Stool Tests	Details
Also Known As	FOBT, DNA Test
Purpose	Screening for Colon Cancer
Sample	Occult DNA Sampling
Preparation	Collecting Stool Sample
Procedure	Laboratory Analysis
Test Timing	2-4 hours
Test Price (INR)	500-2,000
Result Value	Presence/Absence of Blood or DNA Abnormalities
Normal Value	Absence of Blood or DNA Abnormalities
Accuracy	Moderate to High
Interpretation	Further Evaluation May be Required Based on the Findings

Stool tests, such as FOBT and DNA tests, are effective Colorectal cancer diagnosis methods. They analyze stool samples for blood or DNA abnormalities, aiding in further evaluation if needed.

 

Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis Tests Overview

Test Name	Colonoscopy	CT Colonography	Biopsy
Also Known As	Colorectal Endoscopy	Virtual Colonoscopy	Tissue Sampling
Purpose	Diagnosis and Screening	Screening and Diagnosis	Diagnostic Examination
Sample	Colon Examination	N/A	Tissue Samples
Preparation	Bowel Cleansing	Bowel Cleansing	N/A
Procedure	Colon Camera Insertion	CT Scan of Abdomen & Pelvis	Extraction of Tissue Samples
Test Timing	30-60 Minutes	10-30 Minutes	A fee days
Test Price (INR)	8,000-15,000	5,000-10,000	2,000-5,000
Result Value	Presence/Absence of Abnormalities	Presence/Absence of Abnormalities	Presence/Absence of Abnormalities
Normal Value	Absence of Polyps, Lesions, or Tumors	Absence of Polyps or Lesions	Absence of Abnormalities
Accuracy	High	High	High
Interpretation	Further Evaluation May be Required	Further Evaluation May be Required	Further Evaluation May be Required

*Test Price, range, and timing may vary as per location, lab type, and procedure.

Colonoscopy, CT colonography, and biopsy are important Colorectal cancer diagnostic test. They provide accurate results in detecting abnormalities, guiding further evaluation and treatment decisions effectively.

 

Colorectal Cancer Differential Diagnosis

Similar Diseases	Differentiating Factors
Colorectal Polyps, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)	Presence of malignant cells, specific tumor markers.
Hemorrhoids, Anal Fissures, Diverticulitis	Persistent symptoms, changes in bowel habits, age, risk factors.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)	Presence of tumors, positive diagnostic tests.
Crohn's Disease	Localization of lesions, presence of tumors.
Ulcerative Colitis	Localization of lesions, presence of tumors.

The differential diagnosis helps to distinguish Colorectal Cancer from similar diseases based on specific factors such as the presence of malignant cells, persistent symptoms, changes in bowel habits, diagnostic tests, localization of lesions, and presence of tumors.

 

Best Doctor for Colorectal Cancer

Specialist	Description
Surgical Oncologist	Specializes in cancer surgery
Medical Oncologist	Expert in cancer drug treatment
Radiation Oncologist	Provides radiation therapy for cancer
Gastroenterologist	Specializes in gastrointestinal diseases
Colorectal Surgeon	Performs surgery for Colorectal conditions

The best doctor for Colorectal cancer is a highly skilled Surgical Oncologist specializing in Colorectal cancer surgery.

 

7 Interesting Facts of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis

Here are 7 Interesting Facts about Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis.

1. Early detection through routine screenings like colonoscopy improves treatment outcomes.
2. The risk of Colorectal cancer increases with age, particularly in those over 50.
3. A family history of the disease or certain genetic conditions can elevate the risk.
4. In the early stages, Colorectal cancer may not exhibit noticeable symptoms.
5. Unhealthy habits like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and a sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk.
6. Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, heightens the risk.
7. Treatment options for Colorectal cancer diagnosis have advanced, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy.

 

Conclusion

Early Colorectal cancer diagnosis is crucial. Screenings like colonoscopy help detect it. Family history, age, and lifestyle are risk factors. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy. Stay proactive for better outcomes.

 

Reference

• Colorectal cancer - Wikipedia [1].
• The diagnostics of Colorectal cancer - PMC [2].
• Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests | CDC [3].