Mandatory medical device diagnostics.
- As with colorectal cancer screening, the most informative method for clarifying a suspected finding is colonoscopy* (colonoscopy). Colonoscopy can detect mucosal changes of the intestinal wall with a high degree of certainty. Even if a tumor is only suspected in the rectum, the entire colon should always be examined. At the same time, biopsies (samples) of the intestinal mucosa are taken for histological (fine tissue) examination. In this process, as far as possible, determination of the BRAF gene mutation status: serrated adenomas are characterized by mutations in the BRAF gene, as are the resulting colon carcinomas (colon cancer). Note: The growth of colon polyps / adenomas begins circa the age of 40!
Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, laboratory diagnostics and obligatory medical device diagnostics – for differential diagnostic clarification of suspected malignancy (degeneration / malignancy).
- Abdominal sonography (ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs) – for basic diagnostics.
- Endosonography (endoscopic ultrasound (EUS); ultrasound examination performed from the inside, i.e., the ultrasound probe is brought into direct contact with the internal surface (for example, the mucosa of the stomach/intestine) by means of an endoscope (optical instrument)). – To determine the local spread
- X-ray of the thorax (X-ray thorax/chest), in two planes.
- Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen (abdominal CT) – if the findings of abdominal ultrasonography are unclear; or
- Magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen (abdominal MRI) – in the case of unclear findings of abdominal sonography.
* Follow-up intervals – see below Operative therapy.
