According to Emedtv.com, a colonoscopy is a test that enables the direct visualization of the lining of the colon and rectum. A flexible lighted fiberoptic tube is usually inserted into the colon. A colonoscopy is used to help diagnose abnormalities of the colon such as colon cancer, polyps, ulceration and inflammation. Some patients may not be able to tolerate colon cleansing and sedatives used during colonoscopy. Such patients may undergo alternative procedures used to assess for colon abnormalities.
Fecal Occult Blood Test
According to the National Institutes of Health, fecal occult blood test is an alternative test used to diagnose colon cancer and other abnormalities of the colon. Colon polyps and smaller cancers cause small amounts of bleeding, and a fecal occult blood test can help detect blood in the stool. Prior to undergoing fecal occult blood test, patients are requested to avoid eating red meat, beets, raw broccoli or other red foods. Patients are also requested to avoid taking aspirin and other nonsteroidal inflammatory drugs. For patients with positive fecal occult blood test, a colonoscopy is required so as to detect the colon polyps and tumors.
Abdominal X-Ray
According to the National Institutes of Health, an abdominal x-ray is a non-invasive test that can be used to detect colon abnormalities. The test is performed at the radiology department. Patients lie on their back on the x-ray, table and an x-ray machine is positioned over the abdominal area. Patients are required to hold their breath as x-ray pictures of the abdomen are taken. An abdominal x-ray test does not allow the direct viewing of the colon and may miss to detect hidden tumors and polyps. Patients are also exposed to radiation during abdominal x-ray.
Abdominal Computed Tomography Scan
The National Institutes of Health states that, an abdominal computed tomography scan, or CT scan, may be performed in patients who cannot have a colonoscopy. Patients are given a special dye known as contrast that highlights specific areas inside the colon. The patients then lie on an examination table above a scanner. The scanner contain laser detectors that rotate around patients. A computer records all the results of the scan. Abnormalities of the colon are able to be detected on the computer. The abdominal CT scan may fail to detect hidden cancerous tumors and polyps. Patients are also exposed to radiation.
