Recent headlines have virtual colonoscopy as a new and easiest way to check colon cancer. But not so fast, let's say researchers.
Colonoscopy does a better job of detecting colon cancer than virtual colonoscopy, a new study shows. The news reaffirms the reputation of colonoscopy as the main tool for tracing colon cancer. Still, no method is perfect.
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in U.S., says CDC. It is more diagnosed in people with 50 years or older, and risk increases with age.
Anticipated detection can save lives, then screening is crucial. But the thought of a colonoscopy leaves many uncomfortable people and few people actually traced.
During a colonoscopy, a long, thin and flexible tube with a scope is guided through the colon. Doctors then look for cancer or growth, called polyps, which can become cancer.
Virtual colonoscopy is a younger and less invasive technique. It uses CT exams to create colon-generated images. The scope used in traditional colonoscopy is not necessary. However, the tube has to be inserted into the rectum to fill the colon with air.
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A third method hunting for x-ray cancer removed after the patient receives a barium enema and the colon is full of air.
What test is best? To find out, more than 600 people have tried all three methods. All participants had a high risk of colon problems. They want blood in their feces, a family history of colon cancer, or iron deficiency anemia. The study appears in the online edition of Lancet. It is also scheduled to appear in the print edition of January 1 of the magazine.
The researchers, who included the gastroenterologist Don Rickey, MD, Duke University Medical Center, assured that the tests were performed by experienced physicians. This can make a difference, since some cancer signs can be especially tiny or hidden.
Colonoscopy was the winner of the hands. Detected more cancer signals than the other two methods.
For example, for larger polyps, barium enema X-rays captured just under half of them. The virtual colonoscopy detected almost 60%. The colonoscopy surpassed both, signaling virtually all (98%) of this size of the lesions.
When it came to find smaller polyps, X-rays of barium enema and virtual colonoscopy lost ground. The X-rays of barium enema took a little more than a third. The virtual colonoscopy detected about half.colonoscopy did much better. He picked up 99% of small polyps. A study in April showed similar results. Researchers found that virtual colonoscopy detected only about 55% of larger polyps of polyps and 39% of lower growths. In contrast, conventional colonoscopy detected almost 100%. This study appeared in the Journal of American Medical Association.
Researchers do not discard the other methods. The study included only high-risk participants so that the results may not apply to other people, the researchers say. They also note that virtual colonoscopy, a newer technology, "almost certainly" continue to improve.
Unfortunately, no method is infallible. It is possible that any of these methods of screening loses cancer.
