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Colon Cancer/colon cancer screening

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Expert: - 2/10/2004


Question
Hi. I was wondering if virtual colonoscopy is really as reliable as the old way of testing for colon cancer? Are there any drawbacks for having this type of screening done? Thanks.

Answer
The major drawback is that no biopsy is possible during the procedure. If something is seen during the virtual procedure
you will have to undergo a "real" colonoscopy anyway so a biopsy can be obtained. It is easier & quicker in my opinion to have the "real" thing done right away. The virtual procedure is still probably useful in special situations but as a general rule I stick to what I have just
written.

Colon Cancer

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Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D.

Expertise

I`m a doctor of medicine and a specialist in radiation therapy and medical oncology. I have long experience with regards to this cancer.

Experience

I'm a Doctor of Medicine and specialist in Medical Oncology and Radiation Therapy educated & trained in Sweden. Now retired. Background in Radiation Therapy, Medical Oncology, Radiation Protection, Nuclear Medicine, Diagnostic Radiology, Gynecological Oncology, Clinical Pathology, Clinical Cytology,Hematology and Internal Medicine. M.D. from the faculty of medicine, Royal Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. Have also been an exchange student at the Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem Israel. Former medical consultant, Swedish National Board of Radiation Protection. Former Police Surgeon and Medical Examiner, Stockholm Police Department. Former Chief Medical Officer, The Royal Guards, The Royal Horse Guards and the Royal Household Brigade, Royal Swedish Army Medical Corps. You can also reach me on: http://www.lifestylerescue.com/expert/health-fitness-advice/dr-claes-gustaf/128 I have no restrictions on the number of questions there.

I also answer questions in these categories: Oncology (General Cancer), General History, Military History, Brain Tumors, Breast Cancer.

Education/Credentials
I'm a medical doctor and a specialist in medical oncology & radiation therapy.

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