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Specific investigations for left-sided cancer

Authoring team

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.

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