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Investigations

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

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

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