How is colorectal cancer diagnosed?

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How is colorectal cancer diagnosed?

Colorectal cancer can be diagnosed by a variety of tests. This condition can be diagnosed after you show symptoms or if your caregiver finds something during a screening test that is not normal.

During the diagnosis process, your doctor may do the following tests:

  • Blood tests (Complete blood count, tumor markers and liver enzymes)
  • Imaging tests (X-rays, CT scan, MRI scan, PET scan, ultrasound, angiography)
  • Biopsy
  • Diagnostic colonoscopy (done after you show symptoms, not as a routine screening test)
  • Proctoscopy

Routine screening tests are done before you show any symptoms. These tests are detailed above.

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