How is Colon Cancer Diagnosed?
A biopsy of sample tissue taken from a tumour, lesion or other suspicious area may be removed for further examination to establish a diagnosis of colon cancer. Such investigations might include a barium enema, a sigmoidoscopy or a colonoscopy.
A barium enema involves infusing a chalky substance into the rectum, in order to outline the colon on an X-ray. With a sigmoidocopy, a short flexible tube is inserted for a colonoscopy, which allows the colon to be examined along its entire length Some tissue samples may also be removed for analysis during this procedure. Colon cancer is treated by surgical removal of the tumour, along with a portion of the colon above and below the cancer, to make sure that all of it is removed. The lymphatic tissue that drains the area is also removed and studied for any signs of possible spread.
