Diagnosis of colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer should be suspected in any one who has unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding. An initial work-up in a person suspected of colorectal cancer should include a digital rectal examination with fecal occult blood testing, colonoscopy and biopsy of any detected abnormalities.
Staging work-up for colorectal cancer
Once a person is diagnosed with colorectal cancer he may have to undergo a staging work-up to determine the extent of the disease. Extent of staging work-up will depend on the stage of the diagnosed colorectal cancer. Basic staging work-up would include, a chest X-ray, CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis, complete blood count, basic chemistry with liver and renal function tests, urinalysis and measurement of carcinoembroyonic antigen (CEA).
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