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Can pelvic CT with contrast detect colon cancer?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have been having some chronic abdominal discomfort in my stomach, and occasionally in my chest, for several weeks. Before this, I took a six-week course of Ampicillin for what was perceived to be prostatitis. Had an abdominal CT scan with contrast because of testicular pain and right varicocele. My question is, would colon cancer be seen on a pelvic CT scan?

Thanks.
Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

I do not know why you are getting worried about colon cancer. These are not symptoms of colon cancer. As far as your query is concerned, colon cancer may or may not be detected on a CT scan based on the stage of cancer. But in most cases, one can see abnormal growth over there. A colon cancer diagnosis is made on a biopsy done by colonoscopy.

I feel your symptoms are more related to irritable bowel syndrome. Try a good probiotic like cap VSL 3 (live freeze-dried Lactic acid bacteria and Bifidobacteria) that would help you in regaining normal flora that might have been disturbed as a result of antibiotic intake. I need to know if you have any blood in your stools, weight loss, or anemia?

I hope this information will help you.

Thanks.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I have been monitoring my stool every day for the past week, and there is no blood, but today, while I was out, I had a strong urge to defecate, and so I strained to hold my bowels. I was able to make a bowel movement for five to 10 minutes, and later I noticed bright red blood coating on my stool. It was not a lot, but it was noticeable. During and after the bowel movement, I felt some pain in the rectum as well.

Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

A fresh red blood clot could be due to piles that might have resulted from overstraining in the toilet. However, now I would recommend that you see a surgeon and get a proctoscopy done. He would also get your stool for an occult blood test, and if that is positive, he will refer you for a colonoscopy.

I hope this information will help you.

Thanks.

Answered byDr. Anshul Varshney

Medically reviewed byDr. Nithila. A

Published At May 26, 2019
Reviewed AtDecember 23, 2025

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