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Colorectal Cancer
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Tools used for early detection:
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A fecal occult blood test, or FOBT, is a test used
to check for hidden blood in the stool. Sometimes cancers or polyps
can bleed, and FOBT can detect small amounts of bleeding. Newer,
genetically-based stool tests are proving to be more accurate than
older tests.
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A sigmoidoscopy is an examination of the rectum
and lower colon -- or sigmoid colon -- using a lighted instrument
called a sigmoidoscope.
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A colonoscopy is an examination of the rectum and
entire colon using a lighted instrument called a colonoscope. This
is considered the gold-standard exam for colorectal cancer.
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A virtual colonoscopy, which requires the same
preparation as a standard colonoscopy, is done with an external
scanning machine as opposed to a device inserted into the colon,
although the colon does need to be inflated with gas for proper
scanning.
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A digital rectal exam, or DRE, is an exam in which
the doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to
feel for abnormal areas.
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