Among the types of cancer that kill the most in the world, colorectal cancer ranks second. The reason is that detecting the disease without proper examinations is difficult. When the disease is diagnosed in the early stages, the recovery rate is around 90%. It is possible to detect tumors through the symptoms of the disease and medical tests. The professional will be able to diagnose the disease and propose treatment immediately so that you can recover and survive.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Checking the Symptoms
Step 1. Make a note if you have diarrhea or chronic constipation
One of the most common symptoms of colorectal cancer is frequent diarrhea or fecal incontinence. Another symptom is having difficulties or discomfort when trying to defecate.
Step 2. Look for blood in the stool
If you have bright red or dark blood in your stool, you may have a serious illness, such as colorectal cancer. Stools can also be thinner and longer than usual. It is also possible for it to acquire any other format.
Step 3. Take note of pain in the rectum or abdomen
You may experience gaseous cramps and bloating in your belly, even if you haven't had a meal recently.
Step 4. Pay attention to your appetite and fatigue levels
Other signs are lack of appetite, weight loss, tiredness and lethargy.
If you have several of these symptoms or one or another severe symptom, go to your doctor for tests as soon as possible
Method 2 of 3: Taking Exams
Step 1. Perform a fecal immunochemistry (TIF) test
The test consists of collecting and analyzing a sample of feces in the laboratory for traces of blood. Depending on the type of test, you will need to avoid certain foods for a few days. The doctor will guide you as to the details and necessary measures.
The sample will be sent to the laboratory and the result will be ready in a few days
Step 2. Take a digital rectal exam (ERD)
The doctor will examine your rectum and abdomen for lumps. If he notices anything out of the ordinary, more detailed tests such as sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy will be needed.
You might even find such tests a little uncomfortable, but the doctor will explain everything in advance to make you feel better. The (ERD) takes just a few minutes
Step 3. Perform a sigmoidoscopy
The procedure is done with a sigmoidoscope, a flexible tube with a camera that allows the practitioner to look inside the rectum and see the lining of the colon. As the instrument will be inserted into the anus, you need to have everything clean beforehand.
The test is usually done with the patient awake, but ask to be sedated (if preferred)
Step 4. Perform a colonoscopy
Colonoscopy involves inserting a colonoscope, a flexible tube equipped with a camera, so the provider can look inside the colon and intestines. The instrument also allows the collection of abnormal tissue samples for examination.
- Colonoscopy is usually done with the patient sedated so that he does not feel pain.
- Your doctor will ask you to clean your colon before the exam. Be prepared and everything will be fine.
Step 5. Do a virtual colonoscopy if you don't want to do the traditional procedure
Virtual colonoscopy consists of using X-ray and computed tomography equipment to generate images of the colon and rectum without invading the body. This is a good option if you do not want or cannot have a traditional colonoscopy.
- If you choose this modality, you will need to clean the colon in the same way so that everything goes well.
- If virtual colonoscopy detects abnormal lumps, the doctor will need to perform a traditional colonoscopy to remove them.
- Not every health insurance covers the costs of virtual colonoscopy. Check everything beforehand so you don't get surprised by an unexpected charge.
Step 6. If you cannot have a colonoscopy, perform a double-contrast barium enema
The procedure is to do an enema with a barium solution. The solution will make the colon and rectum stand out on the X-ray. Although not as detailed as colonoscopy, barium enema is a good option for those who cannot receive the instrument in the anus due to health problems.
Method 3 of 3: Diagnosing Colorectal Cancer
Step 1. Talk to your doctor about the test results
After submitting you to all the necessary tests, the doctor will analyze the results and let you know what conclusion he has reached. Even if you don't have cancer, you may have polyps or abnormal cells in your rectum. If that's the case, even if they're not cancerous, they need to be closely monitored because they can develop into cancer.
If diagnosed early enough, colorectal cancer can be fought off. The recovery rate is high. The sooner you identify him, the better
Step 2. If the result is positive, find the stage of the cancer
Colorectal cancer has four stages. The patient's chances of survival decrease as the disease progresses. The stages are:
- Stage 1, where the cancer is only in the lining of the rectum.
- Stage 2, when the disease has already reached the surface covering the rectum or nearby organs.
- Stage 3, when the cancer has reached the lymph nodes.
- Stage 4, in which the disease has already spread to other areas of the body, such as the liver.
- Treatment should be done according to the stage of colorectal cancer. In most cases, the patient is treated with chemotherapy and medication.
Step 3. If necessary, take follow-up exams
If the tests conclude that you do not have colorectal cancer, have follow-up tests as recommended by your doctor, especially if you are over 50 years old. Although perfectly treatable if diagnosed in the early stages, the disease can lead to death. Remember: insurance died of old age.