Diagnosis, investigations and tests

Bowel cancer is diagnosed following various tests. Your medical team may request some of the following tests and investigations:

 

Examination of your back passage  – This will be carried out by a doctor.

 

Biopsy – A biopsy is a minor surgical procedure where a small part of your tissue is removed so that it can be examined under a microscope.

 

CT Scan  - Computerised tomography (CT) scans take pictures of your body to find out where the cancer is and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. Before having a CT scan, you’ll be given an injection containing a special dye, which helps improve the quality of the image. Read more about CT scans.

 

MRI Scan  - Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses magnestism and radio waves to create a cross sectional picture of the body. You will have an MRI scan to see if your cancer has spread. Learn more about MRI scans.

 

PET Scan  - A positron emission tomography (PET) scan produces a detailed three dimensional image inside of the body. Find out more about PET scans.

 

Ultrasound  – An ultrasound scan is a procedure that uses high frequency sound waves to create a picture of the inside of your body. During the scan a small thin ultrasound probe is put in to your back passage. Find out more about ultrasound scans.

 

The results of any tests will be discussed by the colorectal multi-disciplinary team (MDT) which consists of colorectal surgeons, oncologists, clinical nurse specialists (CNS), radiologists, pathologists and gastroenterologists. These meetings allow the team to advise you on the best course of action and plan for your treatment. The team will also take into consideration other factors, such as your age, general health, the type and size of the tumour and whether it has begun to spread.