DNA Marker in Stool Led to a Second High-Quality Colonoscopy Within Three Months and Removal of an Undetected High-Risk Polyp

Abstract

Background: In this case study, the patient first had a colonoscopy based on an incidental episode of vomiting and abdominal pain. Materials and Methods: Two months after recovery, a multitarget stool test (ColoAlert®) was performed and showed a known somatic mutation in the oncogene KRAS, reported to be associated with colorectal cancer. As a result, a second complete colonoscopy was performed at another center. Results: This procedure led to the diagnosis and removal of a later classified high-risk polyp that had been missed during the initial colonoscopy. Conclusions: This case report shows the use of genetic markers in stool testing has the potential to detect colon cancer in very early stages when treatment is inexpensive and effective.