Diagnosis of colorectal cancer

The primary examinations of colorectal cancers include palpation of the rectum, endoscopic examinations and tissue samples. In digital palpation of the rectum, the doctor examines the end part of the rectum with his or her finger through the anus. When colon cancer is suspected, colonoscopy, or endoscopy of the colon, is the most important examination method. In the examination, a flexible endoscope, or a colonoscope, is used to examine the colon throughout from the rectum to the beginning of the colon. If any suspect sections are found, a tissue sample or a biopsy is taken from them. Small polyps can be completely removed at the same time. Staging of colorectal cancers includes blood tests, such as tumor biomarker determinations, and imaging, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pelvis and computed tomography (CT) of the body.

From the very first appointment, the patient has a designated personal doctor. The counselling nurse at Docrates together with the doctor is responsible for ensuring that the treatment process runs as quickly and smoothly as possible. The nurse helps the patient with practical matters and provides information and psychological support. The patient may wish to have a consultation with a physiotherapist specialising in cancer patients. During the consultation, his or her situation will be assessed and he or she will receive preoperative instructions. Especially if the cancer has caused weight loss, consultation with a dietitian may also be useful already before surgery.