Colonoscopy Accuracy Question

Posted by habs1969 @habs1969, Jan 4 7:50am

Hi All

Had a colonoscopy done back in March 2027 which came back clear for cancer but haemorrhoids were detected and subsequently operated on.
However my bleeding still persists and I’ve lost weight recently with occasional stomach cramps and change in bowel habits.
My GP says it’s the haemorrhoids and possible IBS, and will not investigate further because of the clear colonoscopy.
I’m worried the colonoscopy might have missed cancer.
Has anybody on here ever had any such an experience please?
Thanks
Gabe

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Colorectal Cancer Support Group.

How does one determine if they should go immunotherapy or surgery to remove a cancer tumor in my hepatic flexure or would both approaches be required?

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I’m going to visit with an oncologist this week. I have had all kinds of CT scans, biopsies, blood work, colonoscopy pictures and the tumor location and size has been identified. Knowing that, can anyone please tell me what key questions I should ask the oncologist? I’m trying to make sure I choose wisely based on the information received from this appointment. It may be a key factor in my decision to wait until the end of the month to come visit the Mayo Clinic or just be treated locally in my home state. Sorry for the long message. Thanks for all feedback!

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@loveall1

I’m going to visit with an oncologist this week. I have had all kinds of CT scans, biopsies, blood work, colonoscopy pictures and the tumor location and size has been identified. Knowing that, can anyone please tell me what key questions I should ask the oncologist? I’m trying to make sure I choose wisely based on the information received from this appointment. It may be a key factor in my decision to wait until the end of the month to come visit the Mayo Clinic or just be treated locally in my home state. Sorry for the long message. Thanks for all feedback!

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@loveall1, if you click this link and scroll to the bottom, Mayo Clinic has a list of questions to ask and how to prepare for your appointment: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/colon-cancer/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353674

They suggest that you make a list of:
1. Your symptoms and when they began.
2. Key medical information, including other conditions you have and your family medical history.
3. All medicines, vitamins or supplements you take, including doses.

Some basic questions to ask include:
Where in my colon is my cancer?
What is the stage of my colon cancer?
Can you explain the lab report of my cancer to me?
Can I have a copy of my lab report?
Has my colon cancer spread? Where to?
Will I need more tests?
What are the treatment options for my colon cancer?
What is the chance that my colon cancer can be cured?
What are the potential side effects of each treatment?
How will each treatment affect my daily life?
How much time can I take to decide about treatment?

Here's a few I would ask:
What's next?
What do I need to know but have not thought to ask?

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@loveall1

How does one determine if they should go immunotherapy or surgery to remove a cancer tumor in my hepatic flexure or would both approaches be required?

Jump to this post

The course of treatment is determined by several factors and you should ask your oncologist about these, including location of tumor stage, and the genetic markers are especially important as related to whether immunotherapy or chemo is pursued. It's very important that your oncologist be on top of the most recent research because for example new research shows that chemo is not required for the Stage 3 colorectal cancer if ctDNA tests are negative 30 days post-surgery. Much depends on the institution as well because certain clinics will follow a certain approach. Specifically regarding immunotherapy, Data shows that some cancers do not respond well and that is why it is sometimes not chosen. It is not a magic bullet. Hope that helps. As a researcher myself it was very helpful to be able to ask specific questions about the most recently published studies but of course not every patient is in that situation.

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