In contrast to colonoscopies (which visually search for irregular growths with a digital camera), the FIT examines stool samples for human hemoglobin, a protein in crimson blood cells. If human hemoglobin is current, blood has possible leaked into the digestive system, in response to Dr. Theodore R. Levin, a gastroenterologist with Kaiser Permanente in Northern California.
Why does this matter? Properly, cancerous tissue — and even giant benign polyps — is extra more likely to bleed than regular well being tissue within the colon, Levin stated. However the blood isn’t all the time noticeable whenever you go to the lavatory. In actual fact, the FIT was designed as a result of rising polyps and cancers are inclined to microscopically bleed, in response to Dr. Luigi Ricciardiello, a professor of drugs within the division of gastroenterology, hepatology and diet at The College of Texas MD Anderson Most cancers Heart in Houston.
A optimistic consequence signifies there’s blood in your stool, which may imply you could have colorectal most cancers. That stated, irregular take a look at outcomes don’t mechanically imply you could have most cancers, as there are different well being situations, like hemorrhoids or benign polyps, that additionally trigger bleeding. In case your FIT finds blood, nonetheless, you’ll undoubtedly need to comply with up with a colonoscopy to get an correct analysis, Levin suggested. “A optimistic FIT take a look at ought to by no means be the top take a look at. A subsequent step is required,” Ricciardiello stated.