Screening Tools for Colon Cancer

Screening Tools for Colon Cancer

Colorectal cancer refers to the situation whereby normal colonic mucosa progresses to advanced carcinoma with most incidences found in adults 50 years of age or older. In trying to reduce the number of deaths caused by the disease, research has come up with various tools to aid in early detection of tumors through screening that takes place at various intervals with a maximum of ten-year difference Fraser-Hill, 2008.

Developments of the screening tools have been broadened to examine the complete structure of the colon and increase the chances of survival for the risk exposed population. Screening is important in that early detection of the problem leads to immediate diagnosis and treatment hence increasing chances of survival. In the following discussion, we review the varied advantages and disadvantages of the different screening tools.

Screening tools for Colorectal Cancer

The available tools for colon screening include: fecal occult blood test (FOBT) that checks for hidden blood in fecal material for presence of rectum lining. Secondly there is sigmoidoscopy whereby a sigmoid scope is used to examine the rectum and lower colon. Colonoscopy is also another method whereby a colonoscope is used to examine the entire colon and the rectum and detect what was missed by sigmoidoscopy Jennifer J. Telford MD, 2010.

Another too used for colorectal cancer detection is virtual colonoscopy whereby specialized x-ray equipment is used to produce pictures of the rectum and colon and a computer assembles these pictures and show any abnormalities though its effectiveness has not been established. Finally the double contrast barium enema (DCBE) whereby the patient is given enema with barium solution and air is introduced into the colon where a series of x-rays taken.

FOBT

The first screening tool (FOBT) is advantageous in that the test samples can be collected at home, the process does not cause perforation of the colon as the process is not invasive, it's cost effective and no forehand cleaning of the colon is required Services, 2011.

The disadvantages include the tests failing to detect some tumors; the chances of having false positive results are high, for efficiency additional procedures such as colonoscopy may be necessary and in certain occasions changes in diet are required.

Sigmoidoscopy

Screening using sigmoidoscopy usually results in minimal discomfort as it's quick, biopsy is possible in some cases and cleansing of the colon is not detailed while on the other hand it's disadvantageous in that only the lower colon and the rectum is viewed, minimal risk of perforating the lining of the colon and other procedures maybe required if problems are detected Services, 2011()

Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy allows for the viewing of the whole colon and rectum plus performance of biopsies is also possible while the risks of perforation are present, the patient in most cases is sedated, colon cleansing is necessary and not all tumors may be detected. Virtual colonoscopy just like colonoscopy allows for the viewing of the rectum and entire colon and there is no risk of tearing the colon since there is no insertion of instruments Services, 2011.

The test may however not detect all tumors, require thorough cleansing of the colon and other procedures maybe required for efficiency. DCBE requires no sedation, the rectum and entire colon is viewed and complications are rare while the disadvantages are similar to fecal occult blood test.