Colon cancer diagnosis

Diagnosis of colon cancer includes clinical, X-ray, endoscopic, and laboratory examination. In addition, information can be obtained by palpating the abdomen and finger examination of the rectum. Laboratory diagnostics involves studying general and biochemical analysis of blood and feces for latent blood and determining cancer-embryonic antigens. Computed tomography of the abdomen is performed to visualize the tumor and get clear images of internal tissues. Thanks to them, the doctor can notice the spread of cancer to the nearest lymph nodes, lungs, or liver. Ultrasound of the abdomen searches for neoplasms in the liver, gallbladder, or pancreas. When the ultrasound sensor is inserted into the rectum, the doctor sees how deeply the cancer has grown into its wall. Colonoscopy is the "gold standard" of diagnosis, accurately indicating the tumor's location. A specialist inserts a thin, flexible instrument (colonoscope with a small lamp and camera at its end) into the anus for intestinal wall inspection. Endoscopic colon examination allows the doctor to get more accurate information (to see the neoplasm with his own eyes, to assess the condition of the colon mucosa, to detect a tumor size, presence or absence of bleeding, etc. ), and also to take a piece of the tumor for biopsy.