How accurate is ct scan for colon cancer

If you have colon cancer, would a CT scan show it?

“CT scans are adept at locating pathology IN the abdomen or outside of the bowel,” says Sander R.

Binderow, MD, FACS, FASCRS, with Atlanta Colon & Rectal Surgery.

Dr. Binderow continues, “CT is very good for solid organ disease — liver, spleen, kidneys.  It can show metastatic colon cancer that has spread to the liver.

“Colon cancer, however, starts inside of the bowel.  CT is notoriously unreliable for polyps or early stage tumors.  It can show large, more advanced cancers or masses.”

So for instance, my father went to the ER complaining of significant lower abdominal pain and a persistent feeling of constipation.

The doctor ordered a CT scan and at some point, she commented that it would be good news if the scan did not show an “obstruction,” as this could possibly be a malignant mass — having originated as colon cancer but having infiltrated outside of the colon where a CT scan would pick it up.

(Turned out my father had diverticulitis.)

And

would a ct scan detect colon cancer

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