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Dec 18

After a national study headed by Northwestern University researcher Karl Y. Bilmoria, MD, and colleagues, it was determined that 62% of U.S. hospitals do not meet the guidelines for successfully determining the spread of colon cancer.Guidelines state that doctors should examine at least 12 lymph nodes close to the original tumor at least 75% of the time. Examining nearby lymph nodes has proven the best way of determining whether colon cancer has been successfully removed, and has not spread beyond the original tumor. Many hospitals in the study examined an average of much less than the 12 lymph nodes recommended.  

Los Angeles colon cancer patients can attest, this type of cancer is not the easiest to remove. It is crucial for doctors to examine an adequate amount of lymph nodes in order to determine what sort of treatment the patient should receive after surgery. Inadequate examinations put the patient at risk of missing out on lifesaving treatment, and even undergoing unnecessary chemotherapy.

Many a Los Angeles gastroenterologist know the importance of this guideline, although often times the surgeon and the pathologist never meet, so there is no direct communication about the case of the patient, which could in turn contribute to the laxity of this important rule.

Another problem with the after care is that many colon cancer patients don’t attend regular checkups with their doctors. Gregory S. Cooper, MD, and colleagues at Cleveland’s Case Western Reserve University say that because of this lack of follow-up care 30% of patients have their cancer come back within five years of surgery.

It is recommended that local colon cancer patients receive a follow-up Los Angeles colonoscopy a year after surgery, and, if negative, every three years after that. A colonoscopy can detect whether colon polyps in the large intestine are, in fact, cancer free. The CEA blood test can also determine whether cancer could be spreading in the body.

It is important for the physician and the patient to take all the recommended steps in ensuring the successful removal and follow-up care for colon cancer. Because this type of cancer is so complicated, it is entirely possible for a patient to come back with second, third, and even fourth cases of cancer. Regular check ups and screenings can greatly reduce this risk.

Disclaimer: This blog or article is for information purpose only, and should not be treated a professional advise or price protection guarantee. This blog is mainly used for search engine optimization and other commercial purposes and it is advised that readers seek professional consultation in the field of interest for more information.

 

Nov 20

Diagnosing Colon Polyps

iconNovember 20th, 2008

Colon polyps are common growths which occur in the large intestine. While most polyps are not cancerous, some types of polyps can turn into colon cancer over a period of several years. Doctors recommend that if you are over the age of 50, you have regular screenings for cancerous colon polyps.

 

A Los Angeles gastroenterologist can go over with you several different methods of finding and removing colon polyps. Often Los Angeles colon cancer patients were not even aware of having colon polyps, because when they are small, they have no symptoms. If the polyps grow large, however, symptoms include rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, diarrhea, constipation, and going to the bathroom either more or less often than usual.

 

Ask your physician about a digital rectal exam, stool DNA tests, barium enema, flexible sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy, which are all procedures which help screen for colon cancer. Doctors often recommend a Los Angeles colonoscopy as the preferred colon cancer screening test. A colonoscopy allows the doctor to see the entire colon, finding and removing colon polyps in the same procedure. If colon polyps are detected in another test, you will still need a colonoscopy to have them removed. Once the polyps are removed, they are sent to a lab and tested for cancer. Colon polyps may also grow back, so it is important to speak with your doctor about how often you should be screened.

 

Disclaimer: This blog or article is for information purpose only, and should not be treated a professional advise or price protection guarantee. This blog is mainly used for search engine optimization and other commercial purposes and it is advised that readers seek professional consultation in the field of interest for more information

 

Oct 23

Colon cancer has the second highest cancer-related death rates in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, about 112,000 people are diagnosed with colon cancer annually, and about 41,000 new cases of rectal cancer are diagnosed each year. In Los Angeles colon cancer can be much less devastating if caught early on with regular screenings by your physician.

 

Research shows that those who are over the age of 40, have a family history of colon cancer, bad diet, consume alcohol or smoke cigarettes, are obese, diabetic, or have had other forms of cancer in the past, are at a higher risk for colon cancer than others. Physicians recommend that if you are associated with any of these conditions, regular colon cancer screenings should be strictly adhered to. Dr. Siamak Tabib of the West LA Gastroenterology & Hepatology offices in the renowned Cedars-Sinai Medical Office Towers, suggests that a short 15-30 minute procedure can greatly help identify any and all abnormalities in the small intestine, including cancerous growths called polyps, which is the cause of colorectal cancer.

A Beverly Hills colonoscopy is just one type of cancer screening recommended by the American Cancer Society. A colonoscopy lets the physician look inside your entire large intestine, from the lowest part, the rectum, all the way up through the colon to the lower end of the small intestine. During the colonoscopy, a thin, flexible, lighted tube (colonoscope) is inserted into the rectum and guided slowly through the colon. The scope transmits an image of the colon from the inside, and allows the pyhisician to carefully examine its lining. During this time, the physician can also remove any abnormal tissues (biopsy) and send them to the lab for testing. Some sort of Los Angeles colonoscopy is suggested every 5-10 years, depending on your risk factors, including age, diet, and family history of the disease. Talk to your local Gastroenterologist to see what steps you should take in order to prevent colon cancer from affecting you and/or loved ones.

Disclaimer: This blog or article is for information purpose only, and should not be treated a professional advise or price protection guarantee. This blog is mainly used for search engine optimization and other commercial purposes and it is advised that readers seek professional consultation in the field of interest for more information

Sep 28

yourgidoc.jpgBeverly Hills Colonoscopy – Prevent Colon CancerDo you know how many Beverly Hills Colon Cancer new patients are added every month?In Orange County and Los Angeles Colonscopy is becoming increasingly popular in detecting early signs of Colon Cancer.Colonoscopy lets the physician look inside your entire large intestine, from the lowest part, the rectum, all the way up through the colon to the lower end of the small intestine. The procedure is used to look for early signs of cancer in the colon and rectum. It is also used to diagnose the causes of unexplained changes in bowel habits. Colonoscopy enables the physician to see inflamed tissue, abnormal growths, ulcers, and bleeding.

For the procedure, you will lie on your left side on the examining table. You will be given pain medication and a mild sedative to keep you comfortable and to help you relax during the exam. A flexible, lighted tube is then inserted into your rectum and slowly guide it into your colon. The tube is called a colonoscope. The scope transmits an image of the inside of the colon, so the physician can carefully examine the lining of the colon. The scope bends, so the he can move it around the curves of your colon. The scope also blows air into your colon, which inflates the colon and helps him see better.

If anything abnormal is seen in your colon, like a polyp or inflamed tissue, it can remove all or part of it using tiny instruments passed through the scope. That tissue (biopsy) is then sent to a lab for testing. If there is bleeding in the colon, the doctor can pass a laser, heater probe, or electrical probe, or can inject special medicines through the scope and use it to stop the bleeding.

Bleeding and puncture of the colon are possible complications of colonoscopy. However, such complications are rare and uncommon.

Colonoscopy usually takes between 15 to 30 minutes. The sedative and pain medicine generally keep you from feeling any discomfort during the exam. You will need to remain at the colonoscopy facility for a short period of time until the sedative wears off.

Polyp removal

Preparation

Your colon must be completely empty for the colonoscopy to be thorough and safe. To prepare for the procedure you may have to follow a liquid diet for one day beforehand. A liquid diet means fat-free bouillon or broth, strained fruit juice, water, plain coffee, plain tea, or diet soda. Gelatin or popsicles in any color but red may also be eaten. You will also take one of several types of laxatives the night before the procedure.  While colonoscopy is a procedure which makes people squeamish, it is important. Ask any Beverly Hills or West Hollywood colorectal cancer patients and they will be the first advocates of timely colonoscopy.For More information, please visit http://www.yourgidoc.com for more information.Disclaimer: This blog or article is for information purpose only, and should not be treated a professional advise or price protection guarantee. This blog is mainly used for search engine optimization and other commercial purposes and it is advised that readers seek professional consultation in the field of interest for more information.

Sep 28

Hello world!

iconSeptember 28th, 2008

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