can CT scan be substituted for colonoscopy?

[sb9711]

I have a srong familial history of polyposis and currently have colonoscopy every 5 yrs. I am 50 with no insurance so I save money and then test. Colonoscopy here on the West Coast is about $2500. and a full body CT scan only about $800.  Will the CT scan show if there are polyps? I am most interested in the ascending and transcending portions of the colon.

[nichole]

If you have a virtual colonoscpy and they discover polyps you will then have to have a colonscopy to remove the polyps which will double your expense. I have a 7 year old who is having a colonoscpy done the 19th we are doing the prep now his Doctor ruled out the virtial colonscopy because they are expecting to find polyps.

[Doug]

Regular CT Scan is not very effective at detecting colon polyps and or tumors.  However, there is a new CT Scan called the "virtual colonosopy" which is a CT Scan but they epty the colon, and open it up with air (contrast) to more effectively view the wall of the colon.  Ask your doctor about this scan, I am sure he will be familiar with it.

[madpear]

hi.  I am recently had the full body scan.  It did not cover the colon.  We have a strong family history of colon cancer, so I was very specific in my questions about coverage of this area.  However, the place where I had the Full Body Scan also offered a virtual colonoscopy, which is a lot less invasive that the regular colonoscopy, but still gives you a lot of gas.  Hope this helps, and that your place where you get a Full Body Scan offers the Virtual Colon test for polyps.