Further tests
If the tests show you
do have cancer of the large bowel your doctor may want to do
some further tests to see if there has been any spread of the
disease. It also helps the doctor to decide on the best type
of treatment for you.
Ultrasound
scan
In this test sound waves are
used to build up a picture of the liver and the inside of the
abdomen. It will be done in the hospital scanning
department.
Once you are lying
comfortably on your back, a gel is spread onto your abdomen. A
small device, like a microphone, which produces sound waves,
is then passed over the area. The echoes are converted into a
picture by a computer.
Ultrasound can be used to
measure the size and position of a cancer. It is a painless
test and only takes a few minutes.
CT scan (CAT
scan)
A CT scan is another type of X-ray. A number of
pictures are taken of the area and fed into a computer to form
a detailed picture of the inside of the body.
On the day of the scan
you will be asked not to eat or drink anything for at least
four hours before your appointment. You will be given a
special liquid, which shows up on X-ray, to drink a few hours
before the scan and again in the X-ray department.
Just before the scan a
similar liquid is passed into your back passage through a
small tube. Although this may be slightly unpleasant at the
time it does ensure that a clear picture is obtained.
Once you are comfortably
positioned the scan can be taken. The scan itself is painless
but it will mean lying still for about 30-40 minutes. Most
people are able to go home as soon as their scan is
over.
It will take several days
for the result of your tests to be ready and a follow-up
appointment will be arranged for you before you go home.
Obviously this waiting period will be an anxious time for you
and it may help to talk things over with a close friend or
relative.
