(June 16, 2009 - Insidermedicine) Virtual colonoscopy detects signs of colon cancer almost as well as traditional colonoscopy, according to research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Here is some information on virtual colonoscopy:

•    Also known as computed tomography (CT) colonography, it is designed to identify signs of cancer and other diseases

•    A thin tube must be inserted into the anus to pump gas into the intestine; otherwise, the test is totally noninvasive

•    It is quicker and easier than a traditional colonoscopy, but it may not be as effective at identifying very early signs of cancer

Researchers from the Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment in Turin conducted CT colonography followed by traditional colonoscopy in over 1,000 patients who were considered to be at high risk for colorectal cancer based on personal or family history or the results of fecal testing.

CT colonography correctly identified 85% of patients with early cancerous lesions and 88% of patients with no lesions. The likelihood that a patient who received a positive result with CT colonography did indeed have such a lesion was 62%. The likelihood that someone who received a negative result truly did not have such a lesion was 96%.

Today's research suggests that while CT colonography is not as precise as colonoscopy for diagnosing colorectal cancer, it is precise enough to be uses in high risk patients who might otherwise fail to undergo screening.

For Insidermedicine in Depth, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.