Is routine fecal occult blood testing worthwhile in hospitalized patients?
As with other forms of cancer, early detection of colorectal cancer is associated with higher survival rates. Published reports indicate that 5% to 10% of positive fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) are due to cancer. This article describes a chart review study of 23 hospitalized patients with positive FOBT results, of whom seven (30.3%) had colorectal neoplasia. Rectal examination with FOBT is recommended as part of the hospital admission examination.
Anthea
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Harbor Hospital Center, Baltimore, Maryland.
Afroze
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M
Richard
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W
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003955:Diagnostic Tests, Routine; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009780:Occult Blood