This short video segment was taken during a colonoscopy to evaluate the cause of rectal bleeding. In the upper left corner, you can see a tumor mass that is causing the bleeding. The "notched out" appearance is an ulcer which is often seen in colon cancer, but not usually in benign polyps. The overall appearance, the bleeding, and the ulcer suggested that this was a cancer and not a simple polyp. This biopsy was taken to confirm that suspicion before treatment plans were made. A small metal forceps is passed through a hollow channel in the center of the scope and several pinches of tissue are removed and sent to the lab. There a doctor (pathologist) who specializes in interperting biopsies analyzes the specimen under a microscope. The final biopsy report is usually available within a week. This was indeed a cancer and required surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. With screening exams, most colon cancers can be be detected as small polyps and removed before actual cancer cells appear. For more information about colon cancer prevention, click here.

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Three Rivers Endoscopy Scope Cam Taking a Biopsy of a Colon Cancer