During the metabolism of tumour cells, a large amount of an enzyme called pyruvate kinase (M2-PK) is produced. The enzyme-based modern stool test is suitable for early screening of colorectal cancer.
What is included in an enzymatic intestinal tumour screening unit pack?
1 sampling tube, 1 instruction manual, 1 free postage-paid, self-addressed reply envelope for sending the sample and 1 return form with patient details and consent
When should enzyme-based colorectal cancer screening not be used?
Dilute, diarrhoeic stools are not suitable for testing! In cases of inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease or any other diarrhoeal disease, the test may give a positive result. We do not recommend the test in the presence of such diseases.
What should I do if I get an elevated enzyme result (positive result)?
In this case there is a significant chance that the person tested has a benign or, less likely, a malignant tumour in the colon or rectum. The presence of inflammation of the intestines also indicates a positive result. Benign tumours (polyps) should also be diagnosed, because most often they develop into cancer over a period of years. With such a finding, it is essential to visit your GP or doctor, because the cause of the elevated enzyme levels must be identified. In this case, a colonoscopy should be performed.
