In this study, researchers are performing two scans of each subject, one taken with the patient lying on his or her back and one with the patient on his or her stomach. The study is designed so that subjects undergo conventional colonoscopy two hours after they undergo virtual colonoscopy. The researchers' goal is to determine whether virtual colonoscopy is as sensitive as its conventional counterpart in detecting lesions, especially those 6 millimeters in diameter or larger. If virtual colonoscopy can pick up everything larger than 6 millimeters, I think everyone will be happy. By screening for polyps, however, virtual colonoscopy could help doctors use the more invasive procedure more selectively among patients.
Colorectal cancers are the third most common cancers in men and women.
The American Cancer Society estimates this year colorectal cancer will affect 130,200 people and kill 56,300, accounting for about 11 percent of all cancer deaths. Rates of incidence and mortality from colorectal cancer have dropped significantly in recent years, partly because of increased awareness and more vigilant screening practices. All Rights Reserved.