Medical Imaging: Colorectal Cancer Case Analysis 2022

Medical Imaging: Colorectal Cancer Case Analysis 1
MEDICAL IMAGING: COLORECTAL CANCER CASE ANALYSIS
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Medical Imaging: Colorectal Cancer Case Analysis 2
Medical Imaging: Colorectal Cancer Case Analysis
During a diagnostic process, the practitioner could recommend the creation of visual
representations that show the interior of the patient’s body for accurate conclusions regarding the
magnitude and nature of their condition. The process, which is called medical imaging, ensures
that there is enough evidence for clinical analysis for quality diagnostic and treatment decisions.
Medical Imaging could also include the representation of the functionality of different organs. In
complex conditions such as cancer and thoracic complications, a proper imaging method is
needed (Swiderska et al. 014). This paper presents a case analysis of the medical imaging
technique for a colorectal cancer patient to ascertain the reliable options and the role of effective
medical imaging during diagnosis.
Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is one of the major neoplasm complications among men and women
across the globe. It is estimated that about 33.3% of those diagnosed with the condition die
because of the developed complications. The prevalence of the condition is witnessed in
developed countries when compared to low-income settings (Jung et al. 2018). Clinical evidence
links predisposed carcinogenesis to this condition; however, other factors such as low rate of
physical activity, sedentary lifestyle, high-calorie diet, high fat intake, and obesity are some of
the risk factors. CRC is assessed by evaluating historical experiences and per rectum
examination; however, this method depends on the experience of the practitioner. Endoscopy
techniques, such as sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy, are common diagnostic methods (Nerad et
al. 2016). Sigmoidoscopy is used to examine the lower part of rectum and colon and is associated
with 92 to 97% sensitivity and specificity. Colonoscopy has the same sensitivity and allows
observation of the entire intestine. Additionally, the use of imaging interventions such as

Medical Imaging: Colorectal Cancer Case Analysis 3
roentgenography, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography in severe focal lesion
cases. Non-invasive methods of diagnosis include a fecal occult blood test, lysosomal
exoglycosidases, and non-enzymatic tumor markers.
The price of an MRI machine ranges between $150,000 for a simple low-cost version and
$3 million for state-of-art models from Tesla (Glover 2014). A refurbished CT scan machine
goes at $65,000 and produces smaller images while advanced models could be as high as $2.5
million. On the other hand, fully digitalized portable X-ray machines could be acquired for
$125,000 to $235,000 (Webb 2014). Currently, these medical imaging machines are digitalized,
which implies that there are minimal operator interactions. The use of these imaging modalities
enhances the detection of abnormal tissues and the differentiation of diagnoses. MRI dose is
recommended to be between 20 and 60 minutes where each protocol frequency should include
five pulse sequences or more than that depending on the process (Edelstein et al. 2010). CT
effective radiation dose estimates depend on the region and procedure of the imaging. However,
the average dose ranges between 0.001 mSv for extremity x-ray of a bone to 25 mSv for positron
emission tomography CT in nuclear medicine. The actual dosage is based on the
recommendations of the CT Scan Radiation Dosage Chart (Radiology Info 2018).
Background of the Case
Patient X (for privacy purposes) is a 58 years old lady residing at a local urban village
called Heathrow Valley (not the actual place for privacy reasons). The patient was presented to
the healthcare facility complaining of intermittent headaches and painful facial spasm. The
headaches and facial spasm have been persistent for an extended period. Patient X also
experienced pain in the abdomen and changes in bowel habits. The abdominal changes and pain
caused discomfort, which affected the ability of the patient to move effectively. The patient also

Medical Imaging: Colorectal Cancer Case Analysis 4
complained of persistent tiredness and fatigue. Patient X also experienced sharp chest pain that
exacerbated when breathing. There were episodes of nausea and vomiting accompanies by
general chest discomfort. The patient, upon her presentation to the facility, had a continuous
cough and shortness of breath. Moreover, the patient experienced pain and tenderness around the
elbow, which increased with movement. A thorough physical assessment was done, which was
followed by the assessment of the history of the patient. The history showed how Patient X had
been to the hospital seven times in the past seven weeks. Her condition was not getting any better
during this period. Additionally, the patient had a known familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).
Both the historical health condition and presented symptoms are essential during diagnosis and
subsequent treatment.
Diagnosis
Based on the presented symptoms, three imaging diagnostics were recommended. A CT
scan of the head, abdomen, chest, and pelvis was performed. MRI was carried out to further
assess the cervical spine. Additionally, X-ray of the elbow and chest was conducted for further
analysis of the presented pathophysiology. Efficient imaging enhances diagnostic outcomes
(Swiderska et al. 2014). The three imaging interventions and the process involved have been
described below.
Elbow X-ray Requested
The first medical imaging requested was elbow X-ray to determine whether the observed
physical symptom related to bone cancer. The patient had been presented with acute pain and
tenderness around the elbow, which exacerbated with any form of movement. The presented
signs pointed to a range of possible problems such as bone infection, bone trauma, or cancer. The
only sure intervention to obtain the exact diagnosis was by requesting an elbow X-ray. Bone