Diagnosis
Your WellStar physician may want to conduct a variety of tests to determine whether you have colorectal cancer. The tests may include:
- Fecal occult blood test (FOBT)
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy
- Colonoscopy
- Polypectomy - removal of a polyp, which may help in diagnosis of cancer.
- Double contrast barium enema (DCBE)
- Digital rectal exam
- Virtual colonoscopy - the use of CT or MRI scans of the colon.
- Biopsy
Colorectal Cancer Stages
When colorectal cancer is diagnosed, your WellStar physician will categorize it by the current stage. Each stage describes the progression of the disease and whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. You should talk to your WellStar physician to understand each stage, and what it means for your treatment plan.