Virtual colonoscopy involves the use of X-rays - to detect tumors and precancerous lesions almost as standard as well as colonoscopies, using a camera threaded through the colon.

The virtual procedure, which uses computed tomography scans could provide an alternative for people who are ashamed or afraid to have a standard colonoscopy exploration and encourage them to be examined, according to Dr. Daniele Regge Institute for Research and Treatment of Cancer in Turin.


Their study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, adds to a growing body of evidence showing that this type of procedure and that they are as safe and almost as good as standard colonoscopy.

Colorectal cancer is the second deadliest cancer in most countries, after lung cancer.

Colon cancer can be detected and treated at early stages.
Colonoscopies in a small camera threaded through the rectum. The device has a small pair of scissors on the end to remove suspect tissue called polyps, that can be tested to see if they could become cancerous.

We recommend regular colonoscopies for people from 50 years and to reduce deaths from colon cancer causes around 52,000 in 2007 in the United States.

However, only half of those who died had a colonoscopy on time, in part because the procedure is cumbersome, uncomfortable and, in rare cases, cause injury.

The test was performed more than 1,000 people, giving each a real and virtual colonoscopy on the same day.

X-rays found 151 of the 177 patients who had advanced neoplasia - injuries most likely to become tumors if not removed.


If the virtual test is a polyp or tumor, patients should have a colonoscopy to obtain a standard sample, and confirm results.