J Korean Soc Med Ultrasound.  1997 Jun;16(2):147-151.

Carcinoma of the Colon and Rectum: Sonographic Appearances and Detectability

• Lee DH
• Ko YT
• Shin GH
• Lim JW
• Lim JH

Abstract

PURPOSE: Colorectal cancer produce focal mass or segmental mural thickening which can be detected and evaluated with sonography The purpose of this study was to describe sonographic findings of colorectal cancer and detectability of lesions. MATERIALS & METHODS: We reviewed sonograms of 72 patients with colorectal cancer in whom sonography was performed before barium enema or colonoscopy. Sonographic interpretation was based on the initial report at the time of the examinations. Diagnosis was based on surgical and pathologic findings in 51 patients, and results of barium study and endoscopic biopsy in 21 patients.
RESULTS
Sonographic findings included an irregular mass (N=15), or segmental, symmetric or eccentric mural thickening (N=34). In 53 patients who had symptoms and signs of colorectal cancer, sonography detected abnormality in 36 patients (68%), and in 19 patients who had no symptoms and signs, sonography detected abnormality in 13 patients (68%).
CONCLUSION
Sonographic findings of carcinoma of the colon include an irregular mass, or segmental, symmetric or irregular eccentric colon wall thickening. With careful examination, these findings can be detectable, and therefore bowel should be carefully examined in patients with signs and symptoms suggesting carcinoma of the colon and rectum.

MeSH Terms

Barium
Biopsy
Colon*
Colonoscopy
Colorectal Neoplasms
Diagnosis
Enema
Humans
Rectum*
Ultrasonography*
Barium