Specific investigations for left-sided cancer
Specific investigations for left-sided colonic carcinoma include:
- abdominal x-ray: proximal colon and caecum may be distended if there is obstruction
- barium enema: the carcinoma appears as a fixed filling defect, usually 2-6 cm long, with an annular "apple core" configuration
- sigmoidoscopy: may be able to see a low growth and/or obtain a biopsy. If no growth visible, may be able to see blood and mucous high up in the bowel with semi-liquid faeces, indicating a lesion higher up
- colonoscopy: to confirm barium enema or obtain a biopsy from a lesion high up in the colon. Uncomfortable and time-consuming, so avoid for routine diagnosis.
Create an account to add page annotations
Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.