Investigations
The following investigations may be performed for suspected rectal carcinoma:
- digital rectal examination - 90% detectable by finger
- sigmoidoscopy and biopsy
- barium enema, which is indicated if:
- the growth is not visible on sigmoidoscopy
- a second tumour is suspected
- there is a history of ulcerative colitis
- there is a history of familial polyposis
- rectal ultrasound - delineates anatomy of a low rectal carcinoma
- chest radiology
- liver scan
- CT scan
- blood sampling:
- haemoglobin, white cell count, ESR
- liver function tests
- urea and electrolytes
Reference
- Colorectal cancer (management in people aged 18 and over). NICE Guidance (2020, last updated December 2021)
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