How is Colon Cancer Diagnosed?

Steps in a Colon Cancer Diagnosis

For some, a colon cancer diagnosis comes after months of trying to pinpoint the cause of various symptoms. Others receive a surprise diagnosis after a routine colonoscopy. Although there are many ways to arrive at a colon cancer diagnosis, they all have one thing in common: laboratory analysis of a tissue sample that confirms the presence of cancer.

Most people who develop colon cancer never show any signs of the disease. This is because early stage tumors seldom cause any symptoms. Someone who receives a late stage colon cancer diagnosis is more likely to have experienced one or more symptoms associated with colon cancer, like stomach cramping or unexplained weight loss.

There are five tests to choose from when performing routine colon cancer screening: stool testing, barium enema, virtual colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy. Each has benefits and drawbacks, so it's best to ask your doctor which is most appropriate for you.

When colon cancer is suspected, a colonoscopy is a good option because it allows your doctor to inspect the entire length of your colon with a little camera. A colonoscope (the instrument used in a colonoscopy) can also be used to biopsy any parts of the colon your doctor thinks may be cancerous.

Colon Biopsy

A biopsy is the removal and examination of tissue, cells, or fluid from the body. With respect to obtaining a colon cancer diagnosis, a biopsy is the removal and examination of tissue from the colon. No colon cancer diagnosis is final until the tissue sample from your colon is analyzed in a laboratory and found to contain cancer cells.

If laboratory analysis confirms the presence of cancer, the next step in the process is to determine the colon cancer stage.