|
 What
is a Virtual Colonography Scan?
Less invasive than conventional colonoscopy, a Virtual Colonography
Scan consists of a series of images taken of the entire colon
in approximately 30 seconds. These images are processed on advanced
3D visualization software to allow the virtual view inside of
the colon where cancer can go undetected. These images provide
physicians with the ability to detect underlying disease, such
as polyps long before symptoms can occur.
What is colon cancer or polyps?
Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths
in the United States. This year more than 130,000 new cases of
colorectal cancer will be diagnosed and approximately 55,000 will
die from this disease. The 1 and 5 year survival rates for patients
with colon and rectum cancer are 82% and 61% respectively when
these cancers are detected early. However, only 37% of these cancers
are detected early, lowering the survival rate to 63%. Survival
rates for persons with distant metastases are 7%. While 90% of
people found to have colorectal cancer are 50 years of age or
older. Prevention and early detection are possible because most
colon cancers develop from polyps. Polyps are pre-cancerous growths
in the colon and rectum. Removing then can lower a personšs risk
by preventing many colorectal cancers before they are fully formed
Is there any preparation for the Virtual Colonography Scan?
When you schedule your Virtual Colonography Scan at Inner Imaging,
your visit will last approximately one hour. You will be sent
a colon preparation kit along with a list of dietary instructions
for you to follow two days before the test. The colon preparation
kit allows for the bowel to be cleansed of any foreign matter
allowing for an unobstructed view of the colon walls.
Am I at risk and should I have the scan done?
If you are either a male over the age of 50, or a postmenopausal
female at risk for colon cancer, or if you have a family history
of colon cancer, you qualify for a Virtual Colonography Scan.
Do I need a physician referral to have the scan done?
No. A physician referral is not required for the Virtual Colonography
Scan. However, if you have symptoms or other physical ailments
that are prompting you to have this scan performed, we highly
recommend that you consult with your primary care physician. Upon
your request, we will be happy to provide your physician with
your results.
Back
to previous page
Return to INNER IMAGING home page
|
