Colorectal Cancer, cancer of the colon and/or rectum, is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States.1 Colorectal cancer almost always develops from precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon or rectum. Screening tests can find precancerous polyps, so that they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening tests can also find colorectal cancer early, when treatment works best.
Windsong’s Virtual CT Colonoscopy
CT Colonoscopy (CTC) is one of several screening choices to detect colorectal cancer that requires the same preparation as a conventional colonoscopy. The benefits include:
- No sedation
- Low dose of radiation
- Can detect other concerns in your abdomen including your colon
**CT colonography for colorectal cancer, 3D rendering image from CT SCANNER.
You should get screened for Colorectal Cancer if you are:
- Age 45 and older. If you are at average risk, screening for colon cancer should take place every 5 years with a Virtual CT Colonoscopy.
- At an increased risk for colon cancer. You may need to start screening before age 45 and be screened in shorter intervals.
You are considered at an increased risk if you have:
- Personal and/or Family history of colon cancer
- Personal history of certain types of polyps
- Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (ex: Ulcerative Colitis)
- Family history of hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome (ex: Lynch Syndrome)
- Previous radiation cancer treatment to the abdomen/pelvis
Virtual CT Colonoscopy should be considered if you are:
- Not able to complete conventional colonoscopy due to:
- Excessive colonic tortuosity (twisted colon)
- Narrowing/lockage of the colon
- Post-surgical adhesions
- Unable to tolerate sedation or have other medical conditions including:
- Bleeding disorders
- Recent colon surgery
- Recent heart attack
- Severe heart and/or lung disease
- Refusing conventional colonoscopy that your doctor recommended
- If polyps or other abnormalities are found, conventional colonoscopy may still be needed
- Virtual CT Colonoscopies are performed under a CT scanner, which exposes you to a small amount of radiation
- The procedure may miss polyps if they are smaller than 6-10mm
Yes, a prescription from your doctor is required.
Windsong charges a nominal fee for the preparation kits you will need. The kits will include instructions and items you will need to prepare for your appointment. The procedure itself is subject to copay, deductible or coinsurance depending on your insurance coverage. We recommended you contact your health insurance plan to learn more about your financial responsibility. Currently, Medicare does not cover screening virtual colonoscopies. To find out more about the fee for the preparation kits, please call 716.631.2500.
- Referenced by the American Cancer Society
- Guidelines and risk provided by the American Cancer Society (ACS)