Why get screened for Colon Cancer?
Colon cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the United States and is also the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths.
Colon cancer screening is currently recommended beginning at age 50 for average risk patients. If you are at higher than average risk, screening may need to begin before age 50.
WHAT IS CT Colonography (Virtual Colonoscopy)?
The traditional method for colon and rectal cancer screening is with optical colonoscopy. In this procedure, the patient is sedated and a small, flexible, catheter-type device with a camera is inserted into the colon through the rectum.
RAO offers CT Colonography (also known as Virtual Colonoscopy) as a method to screen for colorectal cancer. This method is less invasive and time-consuming than traditional optical colonoscopy with no needles or sedation required. This examination is performed on our CT scanner after insufflating the colon with air. Once the examination is complete, the imaging data is evaluated by one of our radiologists on a special computer workstation.
WHERE IS CT Colonography OFFERED?
Radiology Associates of Ocala offers CT Colonography at our Medical Imaging Center.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Preparation is required to remove stool before your exam. Patient prep instructions will be provided to you before your procedure and vary depending on if you are diabetic or have renal insufficiency.
The vast majority of patients who have a CT Colonography report a feeling of fullness when the colon is inflated during the exam, as if they need to pass gas. Significant pain is uncommon, occurring in fewer than 5% of patients. You will not receive any medications to relax you or sedate you during the procedure. You will need to be awake and able to answer questions and follow commands as two scans are performed, one lying on your back — a second on your stomach or side. After the tube is inserted, your privacy will be respected. The scanning procedure itself causes no pain or other symptoms.
After the CT Colonography exam, you can return to your normal activities.
