The investigation of a ganglion in the groin area led singer Simony to the diagnosis of bowel cancer, as she reported on her Instagram last Wednesday (3). The disease was confirmed after carrying out a test known as “ç olonoscopy” .
In Simony’s case, the procedure was performed as a diagnostic method, but it can also be used as a tracking and prevention mechanism in people who, unlike the singer, do not have suggestive signs or symptoms.
When there is no suspicion, the recommendation is that colonoscopy be performed periodically in people aged 50 years or older, with a personal or family history of bowel cancer, inflammatory bowel diseases or genetic syndromes.
“As this cancer is increasingly common in younger patients, there is already talk of earlier ages, such as 45 years. The trend is to decrease the age at which this exam is performed routinely”, warns oncologist Rafael Zapata.
In addition to colonoscopy, it is also possible to detect early colon and rectal tumors, both associated with bowel cancer, by means of a fecal occult blood test and rectosigmoidoscopy — specific endoscopy for the final part of the large intestine.
According to the head of Oncology at Moriah Hospital and founder of the First clinic, Raphael Brandão, the fecal occult blood test is a test that is rarely used in Brazil, but it is very adequate.
The doctor explains that the method is extremely sensitive in detecting abnormalities and, therefore, can end up generating false positives. “If you are negative for occult blood in your stool, it is very likely that you have absolutely nothing. Now, if it comes back positive, it’s not necessarily cancer, but it’s something that leads us to do a colonoscopy,” he clarifies.
But what is colonoscopy?
Colonoscopy is an imaging test used to analyze the large intestine (colon), rectum and anal canal. The procedure is performed under sedation, after preparation with the use of laxative drugs, and is available in the Unified Health System (SUS).
“It is a long device, introduced through the anus, which has a camera at the end. The doctor, through this camera, sees the images on the screen in real time”, explains Zapata.
The specialist reinforces that the exam can be used for both prevention and diagnosis. “There are some very early lesions, which could turn into cancer, and can be removed in the exam itself.”
When the doctor detects a lesion that is highly suspicious of cancer, a biopsy is performed – taking a small fragment for laboratory analysis.
Although colonoscopy is used to diagnose cancer, the test is also performed for other purposes, such as checking for inflammation of the bowel, detecting diverticula, or identifying other benign conditions.
“People are very afraid of colonoscopy, but it is much less than people imagine”, reassures Brandão.
early diagnosis
As the specialists reinforced, one of the advantages of routine colonoscopy is early diagnosis. The earlier the cancer is confirmed, the greater the chances that the disease is in its early stages, which contributes to successful treatment.
In addition to performing routine exams, being aware of the signs is essential for early diagnosis. According to doctors, the most common symptoms of bowel cancer are:
- Bleeding in stool
- Pain when defecating
- Constipation or diarrhea
- abdominal mass
- Abdominal pain
- Weight loss and anemia
- Change in bowel habit
If the cancer is confirmed, the patient will undergo treatment that may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery. Rinaldo Gonçalves, head of cancer surgery at the National Cancer Institute (Inca), points out that the combined treatment is capable of curing between 70 and 85% of cases.
*With information from in Sao Paulo
Source: CNN Brasil
