How is metastatic or recurrent colorectal cancer diagnosed?
Colon or rectal cancer that has returned or spread is diagnosed using a physical exam and several tests, including blood tests, chest X-rays, bone scans, ultrasounds, and CT, PET, or MRI scans. The diagnosis is usually confirmed with a biopsy. During this test, your doctor will take tissue samples from any areas that don’t look normal. The tissue will be looked at under a microscope to see if it contains cancer. If you have been treated for colon or rectal cancer in the past, it’s important to have regular checkups to find any new cancer as soon as possible.
