Can CT detect colon cancer?

[healthnut22]

I have been nervous about colon cancer for years. Partially because I have struggled with digestive issues since childhood, but also because I lost one of my best friends to colon cancer a few years ago. She was only 33. I have had worrying symptoms on and off for a few years. About 1.5 years ago, I had ongoing diarrhea and random blood maybe twice a year. My doctor sent me for some testing which included stool, blood and a CT of my abdomen and pelvis. That came back clear. I’m now having more issues - diarrhea and a strange nagging pain in one spot in my lower abdomen for about 4 weeks. I’ve convinced myself this must be a mass in my colon as it just won’t go away. I am wondering if the CT I had 1.5 years ago would have been likely to pick up anything sinister. I know colonoscopy is the only definitive test for this, but I’m trying to reassure myself and not spiral.

[Washerwoman]

But spiralling is the way we roll right?! 😉 It’s likely something quite boring, an ‘it takes a while and you have to cut things out of your diet’ thing. You said you had symptoms and tests 18 months ago. Colon cancer doesn’t sit still and hang out. But you’re right, further tests would rule it out. And the doctor would give you those tests if they thought it was something that needed looking into. Keep a diary of what you eat and your symptoms and go back to the docs if you need reassurance.

[Flapj]

Yes, a CT with contrast will detect colon cancer and just about any sinister thing that could be causing your symptoms. It cannot detect polyps.

A colonoscopy is the gold standard. If you are 45 or older you should have one.

[Jonathanbrsc]

They can now, at least here in the UK. But not less than roughly 6mm.

The gold standard is colonoscopy as you said. I had one at 43

[MeganParker]

I'm so sad about you.

[Bowed knee's]

They can now, at least here in the UK. But not less than roughly 6mm.

The gold standard is colonoscopy as you said. I had one at 43

I had a CT scan recently which picked up on a polyp, but missed another one. They were 12mm and 10mm. I had them removed and they came back as low dysplasia. I had to look that up. Abnormal tissue growth, not cancerous but can develop into cancer. As one was 12mm, they said to have another scan in 3 years. I was hugely impressed by the NHS and the speed at which everything was done. I did find the op quite painful though, despite fentanyl, buscopan, nitrous oxide, maybe something else, I can’t remember.