further tests

If cancer is detected, you may need further tests, to find out the spread of the cancer. You may be given one or more of the following tests.

• Ultrasound scan
• Computerised tomography (CT) or Computerised Assisted Tomography (CAT) scan
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Examination under Anaesthetic
• Chest x-ray
• Blood and urine tests

These tests are quick and painless, with nothing inserted into your body.

Ultrasound scan
This test uses sound waves to build a picture of the inside of your body. (It is the same type of test that is given to women in the early stages of pregnancy). For more information on an ultrasound scan, click here. 

Computerised Tomography (CT) or Computer Assisted Tomography (CAT) scan
This is a type of x-ray that creates a picture of the inside of your body. CT scanning can help tell whether the disease has spread to other parts of your body. Its use is usually routine before surgery. It may also be used to check your progress during a course of chemotherapy or radiotherapy for secondary cancer. For more information on an CT scan, click here.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
This is a test that uses a magnet and radio waves to build detailed pictures of different areas of the body. MRI is especially useful for learning more about cancer in the rectum. It helps your doctors decide on appropriate treatment. For more information on a MRI scan, click here.

Examination Under Anaesthetic (EUA)
If your doctor needs to examine you to find out if the tumour has spread beyond your bowel wall, you may need a more detailed examination, called an 'examination under anaesthetic' (EUA). (Sigmoidoscopes and colonoscopes can only view the inside of the bowel wall.) EUA is usually used for finding out more about low rectal cancers. For more information about the EUA test, click here.