Role of the barium enema in colorectal carcinoma

Colorectal carcinoma is the second most common cancer that occurs in women and men. To better appreciate the role of the barium enema in the evaluation of colorectal carcinoma, an understanding of its epidemiology, pathologic development, and current methods of detection is needed. Following review of these aspects of colorectal carcinoma, the barium enema is discussed more thoroughly regarding examination techniques, radiologic evaluation of colonic neoplasms, quality of the examinations, and radiologic efficacy.