The American Cancer Society added CT Colonography to the list of recommended colon cancer screening and prevention tests in March 2008. According to those guidelines, men and women at average risk for developing colorectal cancer should start screening for colorectal cancer at age 50 or earlier depending on medical and family history. The ACS now considers this as a “preferred” test that “finds polyps and cancer” and recommends it be performed every five years.
CT Colonography is a non-invasive, highly accurate test that allows doctors to look at the large bowel (colon) to detect polyps and cancers in the early stages. It is a screening technique that uses a CT scanner and computer graphic software to produce images of the colon through which the radiologist can “navigate.”
Colorectal Cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death in the United States. Each year, about 150,000 Americans are diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and more than 50,000 die from it. In many cases, colorectal cancer can be prevented.
Colorectal cancer almost always starts with a small growth called a polyp. If the polyp is found early, doctors can remove it and stop colorectal cancer before it starts. If it’s found and treated early (while it’s small and before it has spread), the 5-year survival rate is about 90%. But because many people are not getting tested, only about 4 out of 10 are diagnosed at this early stage when treatment is most likely to be successful.
The image on the right shows polyps detected by CT Colonography.
Who should have a colorectal screening?
The American Cancer Society recommends patients seek colorectal cancer screening as early as age 50 and every 3-5 years thereafter. Patients with a strong family history of colorectal cancer or polyps should be screened more often.
Some symptoms of colorectal cancer include:
In conventional Colonoscopy, a long thin scope is inserted into the colon. This procedure typically uses sedation for the patient’s comfort. A tiny camera in the scope transmits images of the colon to a monitor for the doctor to review. The total procedure time is 30-60 minutes.
Type of Examination | CT Colonography Screening | Conventional Colonoscopy |
Method used to examine colon | CT Imaging | Scope |
Organs screened in the procedure | Colon and organs in abdomen & pelvis | Colon |
Sedation used | No | Yes |
Oral preparations used to clear colon | Yes | Yes |
Timeframe for actual procedure | 15-20 minutes | 30-60 minutes |
Physician referral required | No | Yes |
Biopsy possible for abnormalities | No | Yes |
Recovery timeframe | Immediately after procedure | After recovering from sedation |
CT Colonography does not require a colon scope or sedation. CT Colonography also takes less time than a conventional Colonoscopy. Another advantage of CT Colonography is that other organs can also be screened for abnormalities.
Sometimes conventional Colonoscopy may result in an incomplete exam due to bowel obstructions.
There is a slightly greater chance of having a complete exam with a CT Colonography. Unlike the conventional exam, the radiologist cannot take tissue samples or remove polyps during a CT Colonography. A conventional Colonoscopy may be needed to investigate abnormalities discovered on the exam.
This procedure requires oral preparations to clear stool from your colon. An oral contrast medium is also taken the day prior to your scan. After the scan, you can immediately return to your normal routine.
The procedure will begin by having air introduced into the colon through a small enema tip. This allows distension of the colon to enable the CT scanner to take detailed 3D images. The procedure requires you to lie comfortably on the scanning table first on your back and then on your stomach.
When air is introduced into the colon some patients may experience temporary abdominal cramping or “gas pains.”
Plan to spend about 1 hour at our center for the CT Colonography. The scanning time for the study is approximately 15-20 minutes.
After your exam, a board-certified radiologist will review your CT images. As with other procedures offered at Radiology Regional, confidential reports will be generated and mailed to you within 3 business days. In the event of a positive test, the report will be sent to your referring physician at your request.
Radiology Regional has been providing high-quality diagnostic services in Southwest Florida for 50 years. The Center is owned and operated by an innovative and devoted group of board-certified radiologists educated at distinguished institutions such as Duke, Harvard and Mount Sinai.
The skills required to interpret CT studies are different from those required for conventional Colonoscopy. CT Colonography requires a radiologist trained in reconstructing and interpreting the images from the CT scanner.
To schedule your CT Colonography, call 239-936-4068 or 941-255-7945