Colorectal Cancer Diagnostics

After a complete physical exam and evaluation of family and medical history, your physician may order further tests if symptoms of colorectal cancer are present.

Diagnostic procedures may include the following:

• Digital rectal examination (DRE)
•  
  Fecal occult blood test
• Sigmoidoscopy
• Colonoscopy
• Barium enema
• Biopsy
• CEA assay

Biopsy

During a colonoscopy procedure, a small piece of tissue (biopsy) is removed from the colon using a colonoscope. The tissue is then sent to the lab for analysis to see if cancer cells are present.

CEA Assay

This test measures a protien called carcinoembryonic antigen. This protein is sometimes higher in people with colorectal cancer.