Colorectal cancer other imaging findings
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To view the other imaging findings of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), click here
To view the other imaging findings of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), click here
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Saarah T. Alkhairy, M.D.
Overview
Other imaging tests that can be used for colorectal cancer are endoscopy, PET scan, barium study, and angiography.
Other Imaging Findings
Virtual colonoscopy
- It is also known as CT colonography.
- CT colonography replaces X-ray films in the double contrast barium enema with a special computed tomography scan and requires special workstation software in order for the radiologist to interpret.
- This technique is approaching colonoscopy in sensitivity for polyps.
- However, any polyps found must still be removed by standard colonoscopy.[1]
PET scan
- Cancer cells in the body grow rapidly, so they absorb the radioactive sugar fluorodeoxyglucose or FDG used in positron emission tomography (PET).
- The location and extent of the tumor mass can be determined using a PET scan.
- Also, metastatic lesions and their locations can be assessed using a PET scan.
- PET scans are evolving as a very useful modality for staging and assessment of colorectal cancers.
- PET-CT scan has the advantage tissue based resolution and is useful in detecting whole body metastasis.
Barium Study
- First, an overnight preparation is taken to cleanse the colon.
- An enema containing barium sulfate is administered, then air is insufflated into the colon, distending it.
- The result is a thin layer of barium over the inner lining of the colon which is visible on X-ray films.
- A cancer or a precancerous polyp can be detected this way.
- This technique can miss the (less common) flat polyp. Barium study can be used to delineate the lesion preoperatively.
References
- ↑ Morrin MM, LaMont JT (2003). "Screening virtual colonoscopy--ready for prime time?". N Engl J Med. 349 (23): 2261–4. doi:10.1056/NEJMe038181. PMID 14657435.