A male client suspected of having colorectal cancer will require which diagnostic study to confirm the diagnosis?
A. Stool Hematest
B. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)
C. Sigmoidoscopy
D. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan
Correct Answer: C. Sigmoidoscopy
Used to visualize the lower GI tract, sigmoidoscopy and proctoscopy aid in the detection of two-thirds of all colorectal cancers.
Option A: Stool Hematest detects blood, which is a sign of colorectal cancer; however, the test doesn’t confirm the diagnosis.
Option B: CEA may be elevated in colorectal cancer but isn’t considered a confirming test. Carcinoembryonic antigen is a protein normally found in very low levels in the blood of adults. It is most commonly used for colorectal cancer.
Option D: An abdominal CT scan is used to stage the presence of colorectal cancer.