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How To Rule Out Cancer Of Colon?

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Posted on Wed, 30 Jul 2014
Question: I am a 61 year old male, with a history of gastrointestinal problems, mostly spastic colitis and abdominal adhesions from peritonitis which came about as a result of a ruptured appendix when I was 17 years old. My doctor tried to perform a colonoscopy on me but the adhesions made it almost impossible to examine my intestines closely. He was only able to examine a third of my (large?) intestine and found nothing unusual but the examination was incomplete and I want to have it done properly for my own peace of mind. After three attempts, he told me he could not complete the procedure and said the results were inconclusive. I have been experiencing upset stomachs lately and my stool is now very dark brown, but not black. I am concerned because and fearful of colon cancer, which is a distinct possibility. I neither smoke nor do I drink for obvious reasons but I am plagued by worries because of the possibility of colorectal cancer, but since the colonoscopies were never completed, I am at a loss for a solution to this problem. What are my alternatives? Colon cancer does not run in my family, but in the absence of conclusive findings, naturally I am worried. What would you suggest?
doctor
Answered by Dr. dr. Jawahar Ticku (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Colonic cancer

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX

Finding that colonoscopy could not be performed due to adhesions, it may not be possible to manipulate again as this will be harmful.

To rule out cancer of colon you should get CT whole abdomen done with contrast to detect any lesion. secondly you should look for occult blood in the stools.

Last but not the least get CEA assay done. if all the three are negative colonic malignancy is 99 percent ruled out.

After this you should relax and have adequate fibers in your diet to prevent the occurrence of cancer.

Truly,
dr. J. ticku
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Answered by
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Dr. dr. Jawahar Ticku

Oncologist

Practicing since :1979

Answered : 489 Questions

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How To Rule Out Cancer Of Colon?

Brief Answer: Colonic cancer Detailed Answer: Dear XXXX Finding that colonoscopy could not be performed due to adhesions, it may not be possible to manipulate again as this will be harmful. To rule out cancer of colon you should get CT whole abdomen done with contrast to detect any lesion. secondly you should look for occult blood in the stools. Last but not the least get CEA assay done. if all the three are negative colonic malignancy is 99 percent ruled out. After this you should relax and have adequate fibers in your diet to prevent the occurrence of cancer. Truly, dr. J. ticku