Through self-examination and clinical examination by your doctor, cancers are being detected earlier than ever before.
Air Contrast Barium Enema (ACBE)
During this test, the patient is first given an enema containing barium. Then X-rays are taken, with the barium highlighting the inside of the colon. Sometimes air can be carefully inserted into the colon, making small lesions easier to see. This is called a double contrast barium enema. Only a double contrast barium enema is sensitive enough to be used for screening.
Colonoscopy or Sigmoidoscopy
During a sigmoidoscopy, your physician uses a miniature scope inserted into the lower part of the bowel to examine the inside of last part of the colon for growths or abnormalities. Small growths, called polyps, can be removed quickly and without major surgery. Since polyps can become cancerous over time, removing them is the most important step in preventing the development of colon cancer. Removed polyps are tested to see if they are benign or malignant (cancerous).
A colonoscopy is essentially the same procedure, except the physician uses a longer tube to exam the entire colon.
Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Your Primary Care Physician will recommend and order the appropriate screening for you. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans are used to provide anatomic information regarding the presence and extent of tumors.
Digital Rectal Exam
Your Primary Care Physician will recommend and order the appropriate screening for you. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans are used to provide anatomic information regarding the presence and extent of tumors.
Fecal Occult Blood Test
The fecal occult blood test is a valuable diagnostic tool for detecting colorectal cancer. The test picks up small amounts of blood in the stool. If positive, it indicates that something in the digestive tract may need further investigation. You can have this test done in your physician's office.
Cancer Genetic Counseling and the Family Connection
A percentage of certain cancers - including colorectal, breast, ovarian, and melanoma - have a hereditary component that can be passed from one generation to the next. If you have a family history of cancer on either your mother's or father's side and/or a personal history of cancer, you should look for the following risk factors:
- Two or more family members on the same side of your family have had the same cancer
- A family member was diagnosed with cancer at an unusually young age (e.g. breast cancer <45 years; colon cancer <50 years)
- There appears to be a clustering of related cancers (i.e. breast/ovarian, or colon/uterine) in the family
- One of your family members carries a known genetic mutation (e.g. BRCA1, BRCA2, MSH2, MLH1)
A genetic consultation will include:
- A detailed review of your family and medical history
- A risk assessment of the chance that the cancer in the family is hereditary
- A discussion of the risks, benefits, and limitations of genetic testing
- An individualized schedule of screening examinations and discussion about cancer prevention
Interventional Radiology
Interventional radiology can help provide and maintain venous access for administration of chemotherapy. For tumors with a large blood supply and which are prone to bleeding, pre-operative embolization is available. This procedure entails placing a catheter into the arteries that supply a tumor and injecting small particles to block blood flow through those arteries. By eliminating or decreasing such blood flow, this reduces the likelihood of significant bleeding during surgery
Mammography, Digital
Mammography along with physical breast examination is the screening of choice to detect early breast cancer.
Needle Biopsies
Needle Biopsies are performed either with stereotactic or ultrasound guidance.
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA)
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by cells of the prostate gland. The PSA test measures the level of PSA in the blood.
Positron emission tomography (PET)
Positron emission tomography (PET) scans are available through a mobile unit and, by earlier detection of cancer spread, can help direct appropriate treatment. This type of scan utilizes the higher metabolic rate of cancer cells compared to normal structures in order to distinguish between benign and malignant areas found on CT or MRI. The PET and CT images can be fused on a computer display for optimal accuracy.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to create an image of a part of the body. Your physician may also order a test called an endorectal ultrasound. A probe is inserted into the rectum to determine how large the tumor is, and whether it has spread. Tumors can require further testing through surgical biopsy.
Surgical Biopsy
Surgeons remove a sample of tissue from a tumor and send it to the pathologists for examination. Sometimes, if the lump is small enough, the surgeon can remove it completely during this procedure. Longmont United Hospital patients who need a surgical biopsy can be seen as outpatients in the Day Surgery Center.