Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis

The doctor will typically ask about symptoms, risk factors and family history of cancer. A physical examination, including a digital rectal examination, may also be conducted.

This is the most common and effective method for diagnosing colon and rectal cancers. During a colonoscopy, a flexible tube with a camera on the end (colonoscope) is inserted into the rectum and guided through the colon. If abnormal areas or polyps are found, they may be biopsied for further examination.

If abnormal tissue is found during a colonoscopy or imaging tests, a biopsy may be performed to collect a sample of tissue for examination under a microscope by a pathologist. This helps confirm the presence of cancer and provides information about the cancer's type and aggressiveness.

Imaging tests such as computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or positron emission tomography (PET) scans may be performed to determine the extent of the cancer and whether it has spread to other parts of the body (staging).

Blood tests, including carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and other tumor markers, may be used to monitor response to treatment and detect cancer recurrence.

In some cases, genetic testing may be recommended to identify hereditary factors that increase the risk of colorectal cancer, particularly in individuals with a family history of the disease or those diagnosed at a young age.

The stage of a cancer refers to how much it has grown and whether the tumor has spread from its original location. There are five stages of cancer, stage 0 - stage 4. Stage 4 cancer is the most wide-spread or aggressive stage.

As part of the diagnosis process, several tests help evaluate the cancer stage. Once you know the stage of your cancer, you and your doctor can use this information to decide on the best treatment option for you.