Gastroenterology

Good digestion is often taken for granted – until you’re dealing with issues such as heartburn, acid reflux and bloating.

If you’re having digestive problems, see your primary care physician. If the problems cant be resolved easily, you may need to see a gastroenterologist (a physician who specializes in colon health).  A gastroenterologist treats conditions of the stomach, pancreas, bowels and colon.

One disease that they can diagnose is colon cancer.  They also can help you prevent this disease with regular screenings.

Endoscopic Ultrasound

Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) is a minimally invasive procedure in which an ultrasound probe is affixed to the tip of a thin, flexible tube (an endoscope) and inserted through the digestive tract. Ultrasound waves from the GI tract are used to provide high-resolution images of the digestive system organs. These detailed images deliver more accuracy than non-surgical diagnostic tests and diagnostic cross-sectional imaging, therefore provide earlier detection of tumors, metastatic disease and other significant changes that could be found in areas such as the colon and pancreas.

Colorectal Cancer

The American Cancer Society estimates about 150,000 colorectal cancer cases in the United States this year. It is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death in the United States for men and women combined.

The good news is that the death rate has been dropping since the mid-1980s. As more and more people are getting regular screenings, polyps are being found and removed before they can develop into cancers. Screening is also allowing more colorectal cancers to be found earlier when the disease is easier to cure.

Colon cancer can have many symptoms. However, in the early stages, people with colon cancer often have no symptoms at all. This is why regular screening beginning at 50 is an important investment in your healthy future. The American Cancer Society believes that preventing colorectal cancer (not just finding it early) should be a major reason for getting tested. Colon cancer begins with a growth (a polyp) that is not yet cancer. Tests that have the best chance of finding both polyps and cancer should be your first choice.

At what age and how often do you need a screening?

In general, both men and women at average risk of colorectal cancer should begin screening tests at age 50. But you should talk with your doctor about your own health and your family history so that you can choose the best screening plan for you.

Colorectal cancer screening tests

Screening tests are used to look for disease in people who do not have any symptoms. In many cases, these tests can find colorectal cancers at an early stage and greatly improve treatment outcomes. Screening tests can also help prevent some cancers by allowing doctors to find and remove polyps that might become cancer. Screening tests for colorectal cancer include:

• Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and fecal immunochemical test (FIT): Samples of stool (feces) are checked for blood, which might be a sign of a polyp or cancer.
• Sigmoidoscopy: A flexible, lighted tube is put into the rectum and lower colon to check for polyps and cancer.
• Colonoscopy: A longer, flexible tube is used to look at the entire colon and rectum.
• Double contrast barium enema: This is an x-ray test of the colon and rectum.