Stool For Occult Blood near me in Kolkata

Invisible blood (occult blood in stool) can be a screening test of carcinoma colon (a type of cancer) and can help in early diagnosis and management. Most cases of colon cancer begin with benign intestinal polyps which are relatively common in people over the age of 50. Mostly, these polyps may not cause any health problems, but some can become cancerous. These finger-like growths which extend into the intestinal cavity (lumen) or the rectum. They can be fragile and may bleed occasionally when fecal mass brushes against them. This can be detected by a fecal or stool occult blood test. This small amount of blood may be the first and sometimes the only sign of early colon cancer thereby making a stool for occult blood a valuable screening tool for colorectal (colon and rectal) cancer.

It is recommended that at least three stool samples should be collected on different days. The American Cancer Society has stated that a single test performed at the time of a digital rectal exam in a health practitioner's office is not recommended because the sample may not be sensitive enough to screen for cancer. The home FOBT or FIT is recommended because the collection of stools on three different days increases the chance of detecting cancer. Furthermore, it is recommended that those who choose this method of colon cancer screening should get screened every year.