|
| |
Anal Cancer Diagnosis
The following tests and procedures may be used to help diagnose Anal Cancer
- Physical exam and history: An exam of the body to check
general signs of health, including checking for signs of disease, such as lumps or
anything else that seems unusual. A history of the patient’s health habits and past
illnesses and treatments will also be taken.
- Digital rectal examination (DRE): An exam of the anus and
rectum. The doctor or nurse inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the lower part of the
rectum to feel for lumps or anything else that seems unusual.
- Anoscopy: An exam of the anus and lower rectum using a short,
lighted tube called an anoscope.
- Proctoscopy: An exam of the rectum using a short, lighted
tube called a proctoscope.
- Endo-anal or endorectal ultrasound: A procedure in which an
ultrasound transducer (probe) is inserted into the anus or rectum and used to bounce
high-energy sound waves (ultrasound) off internal tissues or organs and make echoes. The
echoes form a picture of body tissues called a sonogram.
- Biopsy: The removal of cells or tissues so they can be viewed
under a microscope by a pathologist to check for signs of cancer. If an abnormal area is
seen during the anoscopy, a biopsy may be done at that time.
Information from the National Cancer Institute
Anal cancer | |
|