March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month
Did you know that approximately 150,000 people will be diagnosed with colon cancer this year and that approximately 50,000 people will die from the disease? Did you know that in most cases this can be prevented through early screening? According to the American Cancer Society, "if colon cancer is found and treated early, the five-year survival rate is 90%."
Screening for both men and women begins at age 50. One example of a simple screening procedure is a fecal occult blood test, where a stool sample is analyzed for the presence of blood. Another example is a colonoscopy, which is the standard screening procedure. During a colonoscopy, a flexible scope is fed through the large intestines to look for evidence of disease. A mild sedative is usually administered during the procedure to help lessen any discomfort that might be felt. If a polyp is detected, the size then determines the next step. A small polyp can be removed, and if a large polyp is found, it can be biopsied.
Another alternative is CT Colonography (Virtual Colonoscopy), which is provided at most American Radiology Services locations. During the procedure, a small tube is placed in the rectum to allow for administration of air, which distends the large intestine. Next, a CT of the abdomen is performed to look for any abnormalities in the colon. CT Colonography can be used as a screening tool in lieu of conventional colonoscopy and can also be performed when there is a failed or incomplete colonoscopy. No sedation is required for the examination, and it is mostly considered to be non-invasive.
New for 2010, CPT codes have been established for the procedure which may help to have the examination covered by insurance companies.
For more information on our CT Colonography procedure, call 443.436.4079 and ask to speak with Linda.
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