is it necessary to do the colonscopy?
Cancer - 4 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
yes, colon cancer cannot be diagnosed by barium enema, that tells the doctors nothing specific. The colonoscopy is needed to do a biopsy to see if it is really colon cancer and whether you will need surgury
2 :
If there is any concern at all that a colonoscopy should be done, then definitely do it. Polyps can develop far up in the colon and cannot be discovered through a sigmoidoscopy alone. If you are having symptoms (i.e. rectal bleeding, irregular or changing bowel movements, etc) please ask your doctor for a full colonoscopy. Let me put it to you this way, if my mother had had a full colonoscopy versus a sigmoidoscopy they would have found her cancer in time to save her life. Take your health seriously...always.
3 :
cdsfhc2002 is correct. The barium enema only shows there is something there to be concerned with. It does not tell the specifics of the problem. You need all the info you can get, so get the colonoscopy.
4 :
barium enemas show things like polyps, diverticulitis, "apple core" lesions ( which indicate cancer). Polyps can be harmless, however at times they can also indicate something more serious. In my experience(personally) a colonoscopy is better for polyps b/c they can take a sample of the tissue to see if there are any cancerous cells. My opinion professionally( x-ray tech) barium enemas are awful. I've performed them numerous times. A colonoscopy ( i've had one) are painless. The Dr. will sedate you and you won't feel a thing. the worst part is the prep and the i.v insertion.
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