Can ultrasound detect colon cancer?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Resident Doctor, Specialist I Trinh Le Hong Minh - Department of Diagnostic Imaging - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital

With the development of medicine, there are now many methods used to diagnose colon cancer, including colon ultrasound, which is a non-invasive, painless technique for early detection of colon cancer. , which helps the treatment to be more objective.

1. Things to know about colon cancer

1.1 What is colon cancer?

Colon cancer is a disease that forms in the lumen of the colon. Once the colonic lumen appears malignant tumors that invade the muscular layers of the colon wall without timely detection and treatment, the cancer cells will metastasize to other organs, causing danger to the colon. patient's life.
Colon cancer is the 4th leading cause of cancer death in the world after lung cancer, stomach cancer and liver cancer.

1.2 Causes of colon cancer

Up to now, the cause of colon cancer has not been determined. However, many studies suggest that there are risk factors for colon cancer such as: Older age, unscientific diet such as: Eating a lot of fat and red meat, low in fiber... obesity , smoking, peptic ulcer bleeding, colon polyps are not treated, there is a family history of colon cancer.

1.3 Common symptoms in colon cancer

In the early stages of colon cancer, there are often no obvious symptoms. Until the tumor grows, the patient will have some symptoms such as:
Prolonged digestive disorders: You often have symptoms of belching, feeling full, abdominal distension, abdominal pain before, nausea accompanied followed by symptoms of constipation and diarrhea. Change in bowel habits (abdominal pain after eating, loose stools, constipation) Blood in the stool: Fresh blood appears in the stool, blood may be mixed in the stool or dripped. Difficulty defecation : Difficulty defecating but very difficult accompanied by symptoms of cramping Body weakness, sudden weight loss : If you suddenly experience sudden unexplained weight loss accompanied by the above symptoms, it is very likely You may have colon cancer. For accurate results, you should go to the nearest medical facility for a timely examination.

2. Can ultrasound detect colon cancer?

2.1 What is colon ultrasound?

Colon ultrasound is one of the non-invasive examination methods. This method uses high-frequency ultrasound waves to capture images of the inside of the colon and nearby organs.
During the ultrasound, the doctor will use the ultrasound machine to transduce around the abdomen through a thin layer of gel. The transducer has the function of capturing images displayed on the screen of the ultrasound machine; thereby helping the doctor with the condition of the colon and making the appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

2.2 Who should perform colon ultrasound?

Frequent constipation or diarrhea Bloody stools Stomach cramps

2.3 Before preparing for colon ultrasound, what should be prepared?

Before conducting an ultrasound, the doctor usually asks the patient to carry out the necessary blood tests.
In addition, for the accurate diagnosis of the disease 3 to 4 days before the ultrasound, the patient should only eat light, easy to digest, low fiber foods, drink a lot of water but do not drink colored water, carbonated soft drinks. Especially before preparing for the ultrasound 2 hours, the patient should not eat or drink anything?

2.4 So can ultrasound detect colon cancer?

With the question "Can ultrasound detect colon cancer?" then the answer is yes. Ultrasound not only detects colon cancer, but it also helps doctors detect many other dangerous diseases such as liver cancer, stomach cancer...
Advantages of the method:
Cost savings: Cost-effective method Ultrasound is a non-invasive method, so it is completely safe for health. Limitations of the method:
This method does not detect small lesions or "budding" tumors in the colon. The results of ultrasound also depend on the experience and expertise of the doctor. In addition to ultrasound, there are now many methods to help screen for colon cancer effectively such as:
Colonoscopy Blood test, Stool test, CT scan, MRI scan...

In an effort to accompany Cancer patients in Vietnam, Vinmec International General Hospital has invested in building a modern Oncology Department according to international standards, using a multi-specialty approach to diagnosis. diagnose and choose the right treatment regimen for each patient, contributing to comprehensive patient care.
Vinmec can also be combined with complex surgery, intraperitoneal chemotherapy, systemic radiation chemotherapy for advanced colorectal cancer, liver, lung, and peritoneal metastases..
Vinmec Oncology Department is the first Oncology Department in Vietnam fully equipped with cancer treatment modalities: From surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, pain treatment and palliative care. The diagnosis is made carefully: blood test, X-ray, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, myelogram, myelogram, biopsy, immunohistochemistry, biological diagnosis molecule. The treatment process is closely coordinated with many specialties: Center for Diagnostic Imaging, Laboratory Testing, Cardiology, Stem Cells and Gene Technology; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Endocrinology, Department of Rehabilitation, Department of Psychology, Department of Nutrition, Department of Pain Treatment and Palliative Care.
For detailed information, please contact the hospitals and clinics of Vinmec health system nationwide.

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