Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Can a colon cancer screening test detect polyps? what is the procedure for taking the test


can a colon cancer screening test detect polyps? what is the procedure for taking the test?
i do not want to take a colonoscopy at this time. what can the colon screening test achieve?
Cancer - 3 Answers
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1 :
It depends on the test. A colonoscopy can detect polyps and remove them at the same time. It's an outpatient procedure that's done under a sort of general anesthesia so you're basically asleep and don't know what's going on.
2 :
I'm not sure if you mean checking the stool for occult blood or a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy will detect polyps because that's just what it is. A scope that the doctor looks through. You will be given laxatives the night before the procedure with only clear liquids to eat the day before the procedure. The procedure itself isn't bad at all because the doctor will give you medicine through an IV which is called conscious sedation. The prep for the procedure is worse than the actual procedure! If you're being checked for occult blood, you collect your stool and swab it on a card and give it back to your doctor..I know it sounds gross, but that's how it's done. It will show any microscopic blood in your stool cause by possible bleeding polyps.
3 :
All of Autumlief’s information is correct. However, you should know colonoscopy is the only test that can detect and remove polyps. It is the gold standard for colon cancer screening. By removing polyps before they become cancerous you can prevent the disease all together. By removing cancer that is confined to a polyp you prevent the disease from spreading. It is also the only way to know if you have a healthy colon. I know the test does not sound pleasant (I can’t think of a medical exam that is.), but it is not painful. Do not accept any other test as a clean bill of health when it comes to colon cancer.






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