Colon cancer detection in Stuart

How do you get tested for colon cancer?

Colon cancer is the third most common type of cancer in both men and women in the United States. This, combined with the fact that its symptoms only show late during the disease, mean that having colon cancer detection in Stuart is of utmost importance.

The following tests are not only used for colon cancer detection, but also to discover polyps or other abnormalities. They can be performed even when a person does not have symptoms associated with colon cancer.

• A fecal occult blood test (FOBT)
• A fecal immunochemical test (FIT)
• A stool DNA
• A colonoscopy
• A sigmoidoscopy
• A virtual or CT colonoscopy
• A double contrast barium enema (DCBE)

 

All these tests have various forms of operation, which can be roughly classified as visual and stool-based. Visual tests take images of the colon via a camera or X-rays, while stool-based tests only examine stool samples. They can be considered as “invasive” and “non-invasive” respectively.

Non-invasive tests (FOBT, FIT and stool DNA) don’t need a procedure to look at the colon. You only need to take one or more stool samples (according to what the doctor specifies) in the comfort of your home, send them to the lab and wait for the results.

Invasive tests insert different devices in the anus to better observe the colon: a flexible tube with a camera in colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy, a barium injection for better X-rays in DCBE and a hose that pumps air for CT colonoscopy.

If your test for colon cancer detection in Stuart results positive, there are many forms of treatment available:

• Colon resection
• Laparoscopic surgery
• Colectomy
• Colostomy
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Targeted therapy
• Immunotherapy

Each treatment is different, with its own pros and cons. When you’re faced with colon cancer, your doctor will consider factors such as age, type and stage of cancer, side effects, overall health condition, medications you take and your preferences.

Now that you know the different methods for colon cancer detection in Stuart, the next step is to consult a colorectal doctor who can guide you in the decision of which test to take. The answer will depend on your age, family history, medications and clinical conditions.

At the Institute of Health & Wellness, we are proud to help patients suffering from colorectal and gastrointestinal conditions, as well as health problems that affect your wellbeing. Our colorectal specialist, Dr. Deborah DeMarta, MD, is a top-notch colorectal surgeon and functional medicine specialist.

Contact the Institute of Health & Wellness for more information on colon cancer detection in Stuart.

Phone: 772-539-9556
Address: 218 SW Atlanta Ave, Stuart, Florida 34994