Testing and Treatment

Early detection means survival If diagnosed and treated in its early stages, colorectal cancer is highly curable. Screening for patients with no medical or family risk factors should begin at age 50 and be performed regularly.

Screening methods available at Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital include:

• FECAL OCCULT BLOOD TEST: stool sample is placed on a special card and is examined for blood that cannot be seen by the eye.
• DIGITAL RECTAL EXAMINATION: physician checks the rectum for lumps or abnormal areas and tests stool for blood.
• BARIUM ENEMA: liquid containing barium is put into the rectum to show the image of the lower gastrointestinal tract on an x-ray.
• SIGMOIDOSCOPY/COLONOSCOPY: a thin, lighted instrument is used to view the inside of the lower colon and rectum for polyps, tumors, or abnormal areas. Polyps and abnormal tissues can be removed during the procedure and tested for signs of cancer. Sedation is offered so the patient has as little discomfort as possible.
• BIOPSY: cells and tissues may be removed for examination under a microscope.

The American Cancer Society recommends that patients over 50 have a fecal occult blood test yearly and a sigmoidoscopy every five years. A colonoscopy should be performed if any abnormalities are seen, or if the patient is experiencing symptoms. Patients with known medical risk factors should be screened more extensively and more often.

Treatment for colon cancer may include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. All of these treatments are available at the Charach Cancer Treatment Center at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Institute at Huron Valley- Sinai Hospital.

If you would like to speak to one of our Endoscopy department staff, call 248-937-3475