Which methods are commonly used to investigate patients with suspected colon cancer?

The investigation of patients with suspected colon cancer primarily involves methods that allow for direct visualization of the colon as well as radiologic assessment of the bowel. Colonoscopy is a key procedure in this context because it enables direct examination of the colon mucosa, allowing for biopsy and polypectomy if abnormalities are detected. This direct approach is considered the gold standard for diagnosing colon cancer and identifying precancerous lesions.

Barium enema, on the other hand, is a radiographic study that can help to visualize the shape of the colon and identify masses or abnormalities, although it is less commonly used now due to the effectiveness of colonoscopy. It involves filling the colon with a barium contrast material, providing an outline that can reveal obstructions, tumors, and other irregularities but does not allow for biopsy.

In contrast, while CT scans and MRIs (found in another option) play significant roles in staging and monitoring cancer once a diagnosis has been made, they are not first-line diagnostic tools for initial investigation like colonoscopy and barium enema. Laparoscopy and PET scans serve different purposes; laparoscopy is more invasive and typically utilized for surgical procedures or to assess disease spread, while PET scans are more suited for evaluating metabolic activity and overall staging