Screening and Diagnosis

• Fecal Occult Blood Test
  A microscopic examination of feces is checked for blood.

• Digital Rectal Exam
  A physical examination of the inside of the rectum to feel for lumps or any unusual masses.

• Barium Enema
  A series of X-rays of the lower gastrointestinal tract taken after barium is put into the rectum to coat the gastrointestinal tract.

• Sigmoidoscopy
  An examination of the rectum and lower colon with a lighted fiber-optic tube inserted through the anus. In addition to looking for polyps, abnormal areas or cancer, the sigmoidoscope can often take samples of suspicious areas for biopsy.

• Colonoscopy
  An examination of the rectum and entire colon with a flexible lighted fiber-optic tube inserted through the anus. The colonoscope's is long enough to examine the entire colon. Like a sigmoidoscope, a colonoscope can take samples of suspicious areas for biopsy In addition to looking for polyps, abnormal areas or cancer.

• Virtual Colonoscopy
  Virtual colonoscopy (or colonography) uses computed tomography to assemble a series of X-rays into a highly-detailed image of the inside of the colon. Any polyps and other unusual masses can be seen on the CT images.

• Genetic Counseling
  Thompson's genetics clinic identifies individuals who are likely to have a hereditary predisposition to colon and/or uterine cancer. Individuals who are identified as at risk are offered additional counseling on the genetics of hereditary cancer, genetic testing options and risk reduction. Indications for a colon/uterine cancer genetics evaluation include:
  • Individuals who have had colon or uterine cancer prior to age 50.
  • Individuals who have had two separate colon cancers or both colon and uterine cancer at any age.
  • Individuals who have two close relatives with colon and/or uterine cancer at any age.
  • Individuals who have been diagnosed with polyposis ( > 10 polyps found in the colon) or close relatives of an individual diagnosed with polyposis.