What Does My Lab Test Report Indicate?

Posted on Tue, 2 Feb 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 2 Feb 2016 Answered on

Fri, 1 Apr 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, one test said encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of colon. Can you give me some idea what that means?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
preventive test

Detailed Answer:
Hi and welcome to HCM.

Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of colon means that some tests will be done as a "screening" or so called "preventive measure" in diagnosing possible colon cancer. It is national program which has purpose to detect colon tumor in early stages and is recommended for all people older than 55. It includes digital rectal examination by your doctor and stool analysis to check is there blood in it. If blood is detected then colonoscopy is performed. ALso, even if there is no blood in stool it is advisable to do colonoscopy every 5-10 years beginning in 55.
Wish you good health. Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T