Virtual Colonoscopy
Diagnostic Procedures

One of the goals of researchers is finding easier ways to screen for cancer so that more cancers can be found at early stages. Virtual colonoscopy is a recently introduced method that studies have shown is as accurate as traditional scope colonoscopies. Faster and more comfortable for the patient, virtual colonoscopy uses CT scanning or magnetic resonance imaging to take a series of images of the colon. Sophisticated computer software allows the images to be merged into two- and three-dimensional images. If images reveal any abnormalities, patients will need to undergo a traditional colonoscopy to remove suspect tissue for biopsy.

Sutter Cancer Centers offer virtual colonoscopy by physician referral.

For more information, see the virtual colonoscopy topic in our Health Information sections. Additional information is available from the National Cancer Institute (www.cancer.gov), including a special section on cancer imaging at imaging.cancer.gov.