Colorectal cancer ranks third in both common forms of cancer and leading causes of cancerous death in the United States. A disease that environmental and hereditary factors can cause, colorectal cancer begins when otherwise normal cells in the colon or rectum continue to grow uncontrollably. Originally manifesting as non-cancerous polyps, these benign growths can ultimately become much more deadly if left unchecked.

At The Mount Sinai Medical Center, we have an Endoscopy Suite complete with state-of-the-art equipment for colonoscopies and a colon-screening procedure that allows for the early detection and removal of dangerous polyps. Since these screenings can stop the disease before it progresses and even prevent it from developing in the first place, the American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends a screening for men and women who are 50 years and older. Earlier colonoscopies are suggested for those with a strong family history of colon cancer.

Diagnosis

A biopsy, in which a doctor removes a small tissue sample from the colon or rectum to test it for cancer, is the most common method used for diagnosis. Aside from biopsies, physicians may also conduct blood tests to confirm a diagnosis or indicate that the cancer has spread to another part of the body.

In addition to these procedures, doctors may also use a variety of imaging tests, including computerized tomography (CT or CAT) scans, ultrasounds, chest x-rays, or positron-emission tomography (PET) scans.