University Hospitals Ireland Cancer Center now University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center Offers Advanced Diagnostic Procedures for Colorectal Cancer

The medical staff at UH Seidman Cancer Center understands that the testing and diagnostic process can be stressful for patients. Our multidisciplinary team of physicians, surgeons and oncologists works in unison to make the process as calm and relaxing as possible.

At UH Seidman Cancer Center, we strive to provide individuals with all the vital health care information they need. We partner with our patients to foster a thorough understanding of the colorectal cancer process, offering the full spectrum of diagnostic and therapeutic options. Our expert team of health care professionals is ready and willing to answer any questions throughout the course of the colorectal cancer diagnosis.

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is the most comprehensive way to screen for colon cancer and polyps. Many polyps, in fact, can be removed during the colonoscopy to prevent the development of colon cancer. After removal, a UH pathologist checks the tissue for cancer cells using a microscope.

A colonoscopy is typically a very safe procedure. Prior to the test, the patient takes medication to cleanse his or her colon. Although most patients are sedated to ensure that they are comfortable, they are not always completely asleep. There is a very small risk of bleeding, perforation of the colon or a reaction to the medication. However, the benefits of the procedure far outweigh these risks.

Gastroenterologists or colon and rectal surgeons typically perform colonoscopies.

Barium Enema and Virtual Colonoscopy

UH Seidman Cancer Center physicians may use X-ray imaging technology to evaluate the colon and/or rectum. During a barium enema, a liquid mixture containing barium is inserted into the rectum and colon through the anus. Barium is a silver-white metallic compound that helps to show the image of the lower gastrointestinal tract on an X-ray. For some barium enemas, air may also be delivered into the colon to expand it, allowing for clearer images. During a virtual colonoscopy, images of the large intestine are taken using computed tomography (CT) or, sometimes, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Then, the images are assembled on a computer to create an animated, three-dimensional view of the inside of the large intestine. These diagnostic methods may be recommended if a traditional colonoscopy is not feasible. A UH Seidman Cancer Center physician will immediately investigate and/or treat any abnormal findings.

Evaluation of a Newly Diagnosed Cancer

If a biopsy shows that cancer is present, the patient’s UH Seidman Cancer Center doctor needs to know the extent or stage of the disease to plan the best possible treatment. The stage is based on whether the tumor has invaded nearby tissues and/or has spread to other parts of the body.

UH physicians may order some of the following tests:

  • Blood tests: The doctor checks for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and other substances in the blood. Some patients who have colorectal cancer or other conditions have a high carcinoembryonic antigen level.
  • Colonoscopy: If a full colonoscopy was not performed for diagnosis, the physician will check for abnormal areas along the entire length of the colon and rectum with a colonoscope. In rare cases a barium enema or a virtual colonoscopy may be required.
  • Endorectal ultrasound: If the doctor discovers a rectal cancer, an ultrasound probe may be gently inserted into the rectum for further investigation. This probe sends out sound waves that are inaudible to humans and bounces them off the patient’s rectum and nearby tissues. A computer uses the echoes to create a picture, which may show how deep a rectal tumor has grown or whether the cancer has spread to lymph nodes or other nearby tissues.
  • Chest X-ray: X-rays of the patient’s chest may reveal whether the cancer has spread to his or her lungs.
  • Computed tomography scan: Prior to the scan, the patient may be given an injection of dye. An X-ray machine linked to a computer takes a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the patient’s body. A computed tomography scan may show whether cancer has spread to the liver, lungs or other organs.
  • • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Prior to a MRI scan, a physician may give his or her patient a dye injection. A magnetic imaging machine linked to a computer takes detailed pictures of areas inside the patient’s body. MRI scans are now more commonly used to assess the local stage of rectal cancer and to help determine the most effective surgical strategy or requirements for treatment before surgery.

Sometimes staging is not complete until after surgery to remove the tumor is finished.