The third most prevalent kind of cancer is Colon Cancer. It is also one of the main causes of deaths caused by cancer. People often steer away from the conventional colon cancer screening tests, due to the perceived agony of the test as well as the need for working adults to be absent from work.
As compared to the conventional colonoscopy for diverticulitis, colon cancer diagnosis as well as screening, there is a more advanced technology known as the virtual CT colonoscopy. No sedatives are needed for the new exam. Less stringent preparation is involved. It is also less invasive and does not cause a big change to a patient's daily regime.
Some colonscopy preparations require the patient to drink a lot of fluid while patients using the virtual CT colonoscopy only need to consume 12 ounces of liquid prep as well as a clear liquid diet just the day prior to the exam. Due to the fact that no sedatives are being administrated, patients can now savour a cup of coffee in the morning prior to the virtual CT colonoscopy. Nonetheless, patients will still feel a few minutes of small agony during the exam. The procedure goes like this: a small straw is inserted and gas is instilled with a special equipment to prevent cramping from happening. Subsequently, the CT images are being obtained. Right after the process; patients can revert back to their normal routine.
With the technology of the Virtual CT colonoscopy, 3D images of the whole colon and a comprehensive scan of the abdomen as well as pelvis can be produced. These scans help to detect any form of kidney stones, gallstones, aneurysms as well as tumors in the early stage. A 3D view of the colon can also be produced. It is different from the conventional colonoscopy which involves the insertion of a camera right into the colon with the assistance of an endoscope. With the Virtual CT colonoscopy, the 3D computer is able to produce all these images. The computer has the capability to measure polyps and also to spot any form of abnormalities.
Typically, virtual CT colonoscopy screening is for asymptomatic patients at age 50 and will continue at 5 years intervals. Even though asymptomatic screening is under the coverage of numerous insurance organizations, Medicare does not cover this. Usually, virtual CT colonoscopy are for patients who are not able to undergo an invasive optical colonoscopy due to anticoagulation, risk of sedation, contraindication to instrumentation or incomplete colonoscopy. The conventional type of examination is covered by Medicare and virtually any insurance organization.
