In most cases digestive problems are temporary or are caused by mild conditions. However, digestive problems may also be a sign of a more serious disease, such as an ulcer or cancer. To diagnose the medical condition causing digestive problems, individuals must be evaluated by a qualified physician.  

It is important to seek medical advice if any condition persists over a period of time or seems to be getting worse. A medical history and complete physical examination will most likely be the first steps in diagnosing the problem. The physician will focus on the areas of concern based on the patient’s complaints, signs and symptoms. Certain tests may be ordered to further evaluate the condition, including:

• X-rays. An x-ray is a painless test in which an image is created of part of the body by using low doses of electromagnetic radiation. X-rays are often used to help detect and diagnose a number of conditions. They may detect cancerous growths and may determine whether the cancer has spread to other areas of the body. Visualization of the gastrointestinal tract requires administration of barium or an iodine-based dye. The patient may drink a special fluid containing the contrast material or it may be provided by a special enema to highlight the lower intestinal tract. Depending upon a physician’s evaluation of an x-ray image, further tests may be ordered.
  
  
• Ultrasound. An ultrasound test sends and receives high-frequency sound waves to create images of internal organs or tissues. Sound waves pass through the tissues of the area being examined. These sound waves are recorded and displayed on a computer screen or television-type monitor. Ultrasound may be used to diagnose certain types of cancer. It creates images of soft tissue organs, such as the gall bladder, liver, heart, kidney and female reproductive organs. This procedure is especially useful in diagnosing cancer when a tumor is located in soft tissue and it is unclear whether an abnormality is a cyst (sac of fluid) or a solid mass.
  
  
• Stool testing. Also known as a fecal occult blood test  (FOBT), testing involves the collection of stool samples from a patient to aid in the diagnosis digestive or reproductive cancers. The physician may recommend that the stool samples be collected over a period of days since blood in the stool from colon cancer may only appear from time to time rather than with every bowel movement. These tests can be administered in a physician’s office or through the use of an at-home kit.
  

  

• Colonoscopy. This is an examination of the rectum and entire colon (large intestine) with a long tube and camera. A colonoscopy may be performed to screen for colorectal cancer but is also useful to screen for and diagnose other abnormalities, such as inflammatory digestive diseases.  The examination is done with a lighted instrument called a colonoscope that is inserted into a patient’s rectum. It is the most definitive test for detecting abnormalities in the colon, including precancerous and cancerous (malignant) growths. A sigmoidoscopy also may be completed but this test only evaluates the lower end of the colon rather than the entire tract.