What Tests are carried out?

In order to plan your treatment optimally, it is important to know:
Where is your tumour exactly located? What is its size? Has the tumor grown into neighbouring organs? Have metasteses developed? 

To find answers to these questions, specific examinations called ‘staging’ examninations are necessary, including:

• Patient-doctor dialogue and physical examination
• Blood tests
• Colonoscopy

Depending on whether the diagnosis is colon cancer or rectal cancer, the subsequent tests may vary.
In the case of colon cancer, the following investigations should be carried out to clarify the stage: 

• Computer tomography (CT) of the abdominal cavity, including the pelvis.
• Estimation of tumour markers (CEA and CA 19-9)
• Where appropriate, ultrasound or CT guided  tap.Ultrasound or CT-Guided Tap

In the presence of rectal cancer, the following investigations should be initiated to clarify the stage of disease:

• Endosonography
• Computer tomography (CT) of the abdominal cavity, including the pelvis
• MRT of the pelvis
• Estimation of tumour markers (CEA and CA 19-9)
• Where appropriate, ultrasound or CT guided  tap.Ultrasound or CT-Guided Tap

Your appointment  for these tests will  be arranged and coordinated by our Patient Navigators. These experienced nurses remain your contact person throughout the entire treatment. The Patient Navigators also arrange contacts with psycho-oncological support services, self-help groups and social services, and provide you and your relatives with advice and practical help. Their business card with important information will be given to you on your first visit to CIO.         

During your first consultation at the specialised ‘Colorectal Cancer Consultation Hour’, all test results provided by your general practitioner or other specialists will be discussed with you by your CIO physician. Where necessary, additional tests will be ordered. Our experts will discuss with you prior to each examination, its benefits and any possible side effects. You will be given ample opportunity and time to ask questions that are important to you. To help you, we have compiled a catalogue of questions in a separate chapter.