If you’re at risk of developing colon cancer or have symptoms of the disease, Lone Star Gastroenterology (affiliated with Boston Scientific) in Austin, Texas, offers solutions. Board-certified gastroenterologist Rajesh Mehta, MD, and his highly trained staff provide various colon cancer screening procedures to detect or rule out colon cancer. Call the office today.
Colon cancer screening includes procedures that detect the presence of colon cancer, which affects the lower part of your digestive tract (your large intestine). About 1 in 23 men and 1 in 25 women get colorectal cancer at some point. Early detection and treatment offer your best chance of beating the disease.
The common symptoms of colon cancer include:
Colon cancer can also cause a feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely. During the early stages of colon cancer, you might not have any symptoms.
Your Lone Star Gastroenterology specialist lets you know if you’re a candidate for colon cancer screening if you’re at risk of developing it. They review your symptoms and medical history, check your vital signs, and complete a physical exam.
Colon cancer risk factors include:
Ways to reduce your chance of developing colon cancer include eating high-fiber foods and reducing your alcohol intake. Don’t smoke, exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy body weight.
A genetic study can be performed for high risk family history of colon cancer.
The common colon cancer screening procedures include:
During a colonoscopy, your doctor inserts a flexible tube into your rectum. It has a video camera attached to it, which allows your specialist to obtain an in-depth view of the inside of your colon and rectum. The procedure usually lasts 30-60 minutes.
Lone Star Gastroenterology also offers stool tests. Your provider takes a stool sample and looks for DNA changes that indicate colon cancer, blood in your stool, and precancerous conditions.
A virtual colonoscopy, also called CT colonography, is a procedure that creates images of the inside of your abdominal organs. It allows your provider to detect colon and rectum abnormalities. Your specialist first places a tiny tube inside your rectum to fill your colon with air.
Call the Lone Star Gastroenterology office or book an appointment online today to determine if you need a colon cancer screening.