Advantages and Disadvantages of Virtual Colonoscopy
For the latest information on the disadvantages of virtual colonoscopy and current news on other colon cancer topics, please accept a free weekly subscription to the CCR Newsletter.
The virtual colonoscopy is one of the more recent methods of screening for colonic polyps-precursors to full blown colon cancer. It is a noninvasive test that involves using a CT scan, some oral contrast, and air inflating the colon using a rubber tube in the rectum. The CT scanner uses its computerized mechanisms to visualize colonic polyps to determine whether or not there is a need for a colonoscopy.
Advantages
The major advantage of having a virtual colonoscopy is that it isn't invasive and many people feel more comfortable with noninvasive testing for colon cancer. The alternative is the colonoscopy, which is a test that involves a camera and instrumentation inserted into the colon and run the length of the colon, taking biopsies of suspicious polyps. The colonoscopy is considered the gold standard of colon cancer screening because it is relatively safe and has a 90-95% success rate in picking up cancers or polyps in the colon.
In addition, while both colon tests require preparation, a virtual colonoscopy requires less preparation and the test itself is much more comfortable, with less inconvenience. This is the major reason people give when choosing to have a virtual colonoscopy over a regular colonoscopy.
A virtual colonoscopy is safer than a regular colonoscopy. With regular colonoscopy, there is a risk of perforating the colon, necessitating a hospitalization and IV antibiotics or possible surgery. While with the virtual colonoscopy there is practically no risk. This is another reason some people prefer having a virtual colonoscopy.
Disadvantages
However, there are some disadvantages of virtual colonoscopy. While it can easily detect colonic polyps, it has a success rate of only 85 percent. This is almost 10 percent less successful than having a colonoscopy. It means that some colon polyps might be missed during a virtual colonoscopy. These polyps can be precancerous or cancerous and, if missed, the results can be disastrous. Doctors are getting better at finding polyps on virtual colonoscopy so the success rate may rise in the future.
One of the major disadvantages of virtual colonoscopy is that it can only find pedunculated polyps, which are those on a stalk. This means the test isn't good for picking up flat colon polyps. A regular colonoscopy can find both pedunculated colonic polyps and flat polyps with practically equal ease. Both types can be biopsied by a regular colonoscopy and polyps can be removed by a regular colonoscopy, unlike having a virtual colonoscopy.
So, when one has a virtual colonoscopy and if polyps are found, one will still have to undergo a regular colonoscopy. For those individuals at high risk for colonic polyps or colon cancer, it may not be ideal to have a virtual colonoscopy. The chances of finding polyps with a regular colonoscopy are high, making the virtual colonoscopy superfluous and almost unnecessary. Even people without a history of polyps can have polyps found and could go on to require a regular colonoscopy with additional costs incurred.
In addition, there is X-ray exposure with a CT scan, although it is not much more than having a regular chest X-ray. Some people, however, are concerned about their X-ray exposure and may not choose to have a virtual colonoscopy for this reason.
Costs
As of now, few if any insurance companies will pay for a screening virtual colonoscopy, whereas most will pay for a regular colonoscopy. The cost of a virtual colonoscopy is about $1000-$1200 and must come out of the patient's pocket, creating yet another disadvantage of virtual colonoscopy.
Making the choice of whether to have a virtual colonoscopy versus a regular colonoscopy isn't always easy as there are pros and cons to each procedure. The virtual colonoscopy is safer than a regular colonoscopy but costs a great deal of money out of pocket, doesn't pick up as many polyps as a regular colonoscopy and may necessitate having a regular colonoscopy if polyps are found.
Related pages:
- Colonoscopy - The colonoscopy procedure is the crucial method to detecting and preventing colon cancer.
- Preparing for a Colonoscopy - Preparing for a colonoscopy is simple but can be frustrating for some. However the information the colonoscopy provides is incredibly beneficial and could possibly save your life. This page gives information on exactly how to prepare, from what to eat to…
- Genetic Testing For Colon Cancer - Genetic testing for colon cancer is an effective way to help warn patients early. A Gene causes cancer by mutating .There are two types of mutations, ones passed on from your parents and those that happen throughout your lifetime and are not passed on to the next generation. Most cancers are caused by a series of mutations that...
- Exercise and Cancer - Exercise and cancer prevention discusses how exercise is an excellent way to prevent cancer, especially if you’ve already overcome cancer. The page suggests a variety of simple exercises, anything from dancing to joining a team sport. The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute shows that people who exercise regularly have higher survival rate, showing that...
- Diet Before Colonoscopy Bowel Preparation - The most important part of preparing for a colonoscopy is your diet. To be sure you’ll have a successful screening It’s essential to consider certain changes to your diet a few days before your procedure. The recommended diet before a colonoscopy bowel preparation is to eat light foods and...
- View a Colonoscopy - View a Colonoscopy provides a clip of a colonoscopy being preformed, however it’s presented through the comedy of Daman Wayans. The clip does an excellent job demonstrating the common fears that are associated with colonoscopies. Hopefully this humorous clip will provide you with the courage...
- Colonoscopy Diet - Colonoscopy diet management is easy and has great benefits. Adding fiber to your diet is the most beneficial, but remember that fiber must be drastically reduced a few days before your colonoscopy. Two great sources of fiber are bran fiber and wheat germ. Adding fiber to your diet includes other benefits such as lowering blood chloresterol,...
- Katie Couric Colon Cancer - This page provides a clip of Katie Couric undergoing a colonoscopy live on national television. Katie Couric's husband, Jay Monahan, died of colon cancer in 1998 at age 42 and was diagnosed at age 41. Since her bold approach to colon cancer prevention the number of colonoscopies went up...
- Colon Cancer Prevention - Adding fiber to your regular diet can reduce your chance of getting colon cancer. Colon cancer prevention is tremendously important since it’s one of the leading causes of cancer deaths. The daily recommended amount of fiber intake for women is 25 grams and for men...
- Rectal Exam - A digital rectal exam can be unpleasant and embarrassing but is vital for early detection. The entire process only takes 1 to 2 minutes. You may feel a little sore after the test but this will pass. After the test your doctor will want you to provide him with...
- Colon Cleanser - A colon cleanser is an unnecessary procedure that will not improve your health and may even be harmful to your health. Colon cleansers tend to make unsupported claims such as preventing constipation, clearing up your skin, and some even claim that you can lose up to 30 pounds. A colon cleanser can jeopardize your health by causing you to absorb too much water resulting in vomiting, it also can cause heart...
- Diet and Colon Cancer - Diet and colon cancer are extremely important to colon cancer patients. A good diet is mainly about managing symptoms such as; pain, constipation, diarrhea, etc. Some negative effects of a colon cancer diet is that it may cause...
- Registered Dietician - If you do not have a proper diet after colon cancer surgery it could hamper your recovery process. A list of proper foods is provided. It will take awhile for your digestion to settle down after colon surgery so you may have to avoid...
- Diet After Colon Cancer Surgery - If you do not have a proper diet after colon cancer surgery it could hamper your recovery process. A list of proper foods is provided. It will take awhile for your digestion to settle down after colon surgery so you may have to avoid...
- Cancer Nutrition: Working with a Dietician - Understanding cancer nutrition will give you a much greater chance of beating colon cancer .A dietician is the best way to help you understand and manage your diet. Before you even meet your dietician you will need to create a food log so he/she will be aware of your daily eating habits. Your dietician may ask you to...
- Colonoscopy and Polyps - Your colonoscopy and polyps findings should be a wake up call for you to start making chnages to your diet and execise routines. Although Fiber has not been proven to prevent colon cancer it has other great benefits for your health, and has been established for healthy colon activity. Some ways of adding fiber to your daily diet include...
- Digital Rectal Exam - What is a rectal exam, and why do I need one? A digital rectal exam is an examination of the lower rectum. A rectal exam could help you find out about health problems that you weren't aware of before. The exam can detect...
- Benefits of Colon Cleansing - The benefits of colon cleansing are difficult to prove and much published. People who think that colon cleansing is a good choice for health say it dates back to ancient Greece and has been done all through history. Although the facts show if used too often it...
- Virtual Colonoscopy - A virtual colonoscopy is a noninvasive way of finding colon polyps without having to have the extensive preparation and potential discomfort of a regular colonoscopy.
- Virtual Colonoscopy Video - A virtual colonoscopy is an up and coming procedure that uses a CT scanner to outline an X-ray picture of the colon and to find polyps without having an invasive procedure. The procedure uses the CT scanner to take cross sectional images of the abdomen. Air is blown up into the colon so that any polyps will be immediately...
- Disadvantages of Virtual Colonoscopy - A disadvantage of virtual colonoscopy is that it can only find pedunculated polyps, which are those on a stalk. This means the test isn’t good for picking up flat colon polyps. Also, if a polyp is found...
