Today, colorectal cancer is the 3rd most common cancer and a leading cause of death worldwide. As a rule, colorectal cancer develops due to already existing abnormal changes in the colon. A high risk of malignant transformation of lesions is observed in a number of inherited syndromes (Lynch syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis, etc.) and associated with inflammatory bowel diseases.
Colonoscopy is regarded as the gold standard of colorectal cancer screening despite discomfort during the procedure and possible complications.
Endoscopists at Almazov Centre offer colon capsule endoscopy as a viable alternative to colonoscopy for detecting colorectal cancer and polyps.
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| Angioectasia | Diverticulum | Linear ulcer |
“The patient swallows a small disposable capsule, roughly the size of a pill. The capsule is activated upon opening directly in front of the patient. Once in the body, the capsule starts functioning like a camera, taking a lot of images that the doctor will have to carefully analyze after the procedure is over,” explains head of the Digestive Cancer Research Laboratory of the WCRC for Personalized Medicine, Board Certified endoscopist Evgeny Solonitsyn.
The capsule can be used for screening in patients who either refuse to undergo conventional colonoscopy or are contraindicated for various reasons. This method is one of the latest diagnostic procedures for the colon. The capsule is equipped with two cameras that are able to record images not only along the way but also in the opposite direction, thus significantly increasing the area of imaging and reducing the number of blind spots. In addition, capsule endoscopy allows for the examination of the small intestine.
Capsule endoscopy is used when it is impossible to fully examine the colon by colonoscopy due to anatomical features or prior surgery, as well as in patients with severe heart disease, for whom medical sedation is contraindicated. The method is minimally invasive, absolutely painless and does not require anesthesia. Analysis of studies and publications on colon capsule endoscopy shows good diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. However, it should be noted that this technology cannot replace colonoscopy.
Another feature of the capsule is the inability to obtain biopsies. That is, if polyps or other lesions are found, a colonoscopy will be required to perform a biopsy.
“Capsule endoscopy may be a good, non-invasive alternative to colonoscopy for primary screening for colorectal cancer. If changes are detected, the patient is referred for a colonoscopy. If no changes are found during the study, then the endoscopic examination of the colon should be repeated within the next 5 to 10 years,” explains head of the Endoscopy Department, endoscopist Victoria Bogdanova.
Timely screening for colorectal cancer is critical to reducing its incidence and mortality as it increases the detection of cancer in the early stages.
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| Epithelial neoplasia | Erosion | Ulcer |