Tests for hidden blood in stools, polyps and colorectal cancer

The article was professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Bui Thi Hong Khang - Pathologist - Laboratory Department - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.

The fecal occult blood test aims to find very small amounts of blood in the stool that are invisible to the naked eye. This is a sign that your digestive system has a problem, such as: a tumor or polyp or colon - rectal cancer.
If the amount of blood is very small and detected, this is a very important factor for the doctor to find the source of the bleeding and to have an accurate diagnosis - treatment.

Some diseases can cause bleeding in the digestive tract such as peptic ulcer, duodenal ulcer, stomach cancer, ulcerative colitis, colon polyps and colon cancer. If the bleeding is severe, the stool will appear blood red or very black. However, sometimes those diseases cause only a small amount of bleeding. If there is only a small amount of blood in the stool, the stool color will look normal. A fecal occult blood test will help detect the presence of blood. Because of this, this test may be ordered if you are experiencing unusual symptoms such as persistent abdominal pain. This test is also done to help screen for gastrointestinal cancer before symptoms appear.
This test can only show that you are bleeding from somewhere in the digestive tract but cannot tell the exact location of the bleeding. If the test is positive (i.e. gastrointestinal bleeding is present), tests such as a gastroscopy or colonoscopy may be ordered later to find the site of the bleeding.

Experts recommend that anyone with a family history or symptoms of bowel cancer get a fecal occult blood test at age 50 or older. People at high risk of developing bowel cancer are those who:
Have a history of polyps in the bowel. Have a history of bowel cancer. Have a chronic inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's Disease Have a family history of bowel cancer. Have colorectal cancer, hereditary polyposis or familial adenoma. Have diabetes or high insulin levels. If the patient is at increased risk, follow-up options should be discussed with the physician.

The patient collects a stool sample by using a squeegee to remove a small amount of stool from the toilet paper just used when going to the bathroom. The small stool sample will be spread evenly on a sheet of paper. The tester will add a chemical to it and observe the color change. A change in color indicates the presence of blood in the stool.
There are several test kits (kits) that you can buy at the pharmacy to do this test at home. Some people will be given these kits to make at home.
Usually this test is done two to three times, on two or three different stool samples taken on different days. This is because gastrointestinal bleeding can occur at some point, so a one-time sample may not detect blood in the stool (false negative). Sampling multiple times on different days will help detect gastrointestinal bleeding more accurately.
Certain foods and medications can affect this test result, making it positive when there is actually no bleeding (false positive). Eating blood pudding (animal blood) can also affect test results.

Gastrointestinal cancer screening is a scientific and effective measure to detect gastrointestinal cancer early (esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, colon cancer) and provide a good treatment plan. best. Currently, Vinmec International General Hospital has a package of screening and early detection of cancers of the gastrointestinal tract (esophagus - stomach - colon) combined with clinical and paraclinical examination to bring the most accurate results. maybe.
When screened for gastrointestinal cancer at Vinmec, you will receive:
Gastrointestinal specialty examination with an oncologist (by appointment). Gastroscopy and colonoscopy with an NBI endoscope with anesthesia. Peripheral blood count (laser counter). Automated prothrombin time test. Automated thrombin time test. Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT) test using an automated machine. General abdominal ultrasound If you need consultation and examination at Vinmec Hospitals under the national health system, please book an appointment on the website for service.

In April & May 2021, when there is a need for colorectal cancer examination and treatment at Vinmec Times City International Hospital & Vinmec Central Park International Hospital, customers will enjoy preferential treatment. Double offer:
- Free specialist examination and 50% discount on Colorectal Cancer Screening Package
- 50% discount on costs for customers with indications for post-examination treatment. The program is limited to the corresponding technique of each hospital and to customers who perform this treatment technique for the first time at Vinmec.