Colon Polyps and Cancer
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How Do You Make the Diagnosis?
The
first thing that is done by the physician is to take a careful medical
history and do a digital rectal exam. Colonoscopy is almost always
recommended as this is the only way to see the entire colon, remove
polyps and do biopsies. Colonoscopy uses a lighted, flexible tube and is
done under light sedation. Virtual colonoscopy uses an advanced form of
x-ray. It is fairly good at detecting polyps and tumors, but of course,
these can not be removed or biopsied. An older exam called a barium
enema is helpful at times, but not often done anymore.
- medical history
- digital rectal exam
- colonoscopy
