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EN
Colon polyps can be detected in several ways. Depending on their location in the body, screening tests play a significant role in detecting polyps before they become cancerous.
Screening methods:
**Colonoscopy:** The large intestine is examined using a soft, flexible tube with a camera at the end. Colonoscopy is the most sensitive test for polyps. If a polyp is found during the screening, it can be removed immediately by the doctor. Biopsy (taking a tissue sample from the polyp) has been largely abandoned; removal of visible polyps by a specialist is considered much healthier.
**Virtual Colonoscopy:** This is performed using radiological imaging methods such as Computed Tomography (CT) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Imaging is performed after a contrast agent is introduced into the colon to check for polyps. Virtual colonoscopy may have difficulty detecting very small polyps, and colonoscopy will be necessary to remove any polyps found.
**Flexible Sigmoidoscopy:** The lower part of the colon and rectum are examined using a lighted, flexible tube with a camera at the end to check for polyps.
**Stool-based tests:** These tests check for the presence of blood in the stool. A positive result necessitates a colonoscopy to investigate for polyps.
**Barium Enema:** This is a method used for diagnosing colon polyps. Due to advancements in technology and the development of better diagnostic methods, it is no longer used as frequently. The large intestine is filled with barium, and X-rays are used to detect polyps. However, due to the use of colonoscopy and virtual colonoscopy, the barium enema method has been almost entirely abandoned.
How are polyps diagnosed?
Screening methods:
**Colonoscopy:** The large intestine is examined using a soft, flexible tube with a camera at the end. Colonoscopy is the most sensitive test for polyps. If a polyp is found during the screening, it can be removed immediately by the doctor. Biopsy (taking a tissue sample from the polyp) has been largely abandoned; removal of visible polyps by a specialist is considered much healthier.
**Virtual Colonoscopy:** This is performed using radiological imaging methods such as Computed Tomography (CT) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Imaging is performed after a contrast agent is introduced into the colon to check for polyps. Virtual colonoscopy may have difficulty detecting very small polyps, and colonoscopy will be necessary to remove any polyps found.
**Flexible Sigmoidoscopy:** The lower part of the colon and rectum are examined using a lighted, flexible tube with a camera at the end to check for polyps.
**Stool-based tests:** These tests check for the presence of blood in the stool. A positive result necessitates a colonoscopy to investigate for polyps.
**Barium Enema:** This is a method used for diagnosing colon polyps. Due to advancements in technology and the development of better diagnostic methods, it is no longer used as frequently. The large intestine is filled with barium, and X-rays are used to detect polyps. However, due to the use of colonoscopy and virtual colonoscopy, the barium enema method has been almost entirely abandoned.