Colonoscopy Findings in Patients Who Have Positive Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer Screening

Abstract

Aim: To determine the rate of colonoscopies performed in patients referred for colonoscopy due to positive fecal occult blood test in colorectal cancer screening, and the rates of cancer, polyps, and other colorectal diseases detected in those who underwent colonoscopy. Method: Colonoscopy results of the patients were recorded prospectively. Results: Of the 300 consecutive patients scheduled for colonoscopy, only 127 (42.3%) underwent the procedure. Normal colonoscopy findings were seen in 47 (37%) of the patients. Forty patients (31.5%) had benign polyps, 24 (18.9%) had diverticulosis, and 40 (31.5%) had hemorrhoids or anal fissures. One patient (0.8%) had mild dysplasia and one patient (0.8%) had malignant polyp in histopathologic examination of polypectomy specimen. Conclusion: The colonoscopy rate and the rate of detection of malignancy were very low in patients who had positive fecal occult blood test in the present study. Informing patients about the need for colonoscopy and encouraging them to have colonoscopy will be helpful for the success of colorectal screening programs.

Keywords

• Colorectal cancer
• screening
• colonoscopy