Prevention of Colorectal Cancer Through Early Detection
What Are The Major Risk Factors? Some of the key risk factors that cause colorectal cancer include family history (of the disease) as well as old age, while obesity, excessive alcohol use, indolence, and cigarette smoking are not ignored either. Alongside, people with a history of inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, reportedly run a higher risk of having colorectal cancer than those without such conditions. Screening tests for early diagnosis of colorectal cancer often prevent the spread of cancer. Quite a few screening tests have since been developed to help gastroenterologists such as Dr. V.K. Rai, M.D., and others detect colorectal cancer early, when the disease becomes more treatable. What’s more, some tests that detect or identify the adenomas are known to prevent the development of cancer through proper medical intervention. So, the screening procedure may also be considered as a form of cancer prevention method in most cases. What Tests Are Recommended For Diagnosing Colorectal Cancer? The following tests and/or investigative procedures are recommended for diagnosing colorectal cancer. High-sensitivity Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) – Both polyps and colorectal cancers can bleed, while FOBT checks for tiny amounts of blood in feces (stool) that cannot be seen visually. (Blood in stool may also indicate the presence of conditions that are not cancerous, such as hemorrhoids. As of now, two types of FOBT are approved by the FDA for screening colorectal cancer: guaiac FOBT (gFOBT) and the fecal immunochemical (or immunohistochemical) test (FIT or iFOBT). With both types of FOBT, stool samples collected by the patient with the help of a kit are sent to the gastroenterologist. ■ Guaiac FOBT uses a chemical to detect heme, a component of the blood protein hemoglobin. Since the guaiac FOBT can also detect heme in some foods (for example, red meat), people have to avoid certain foods before having this test. ■ FIT uses antibodies to detect human hemoglobin protein specifically (4, 5). Dietary restrictions are usually not applicable in FIT. Studies, however, have revealed that guaiac FOBT, when performed every 1 to 2 years in people aged 50 to 80 years, can help reduce the number of deaths (due to colorectal cancer) by 15 to 33%. When FOBT is the only type of colorectal cancer screening test recommended, experts usually suggest yearly testing. Stool DNA test (FIT-DNA) is the only stool DNA test that has been approved by the FDA, while Cologuard® is a multitarget test that detects tiny amounts of blood in stool (with an immunochemical test similar to FIT) as well as nine DNA biomarkers in three genes that have been found in colorectal cancer and precancerous advanced adenomas. The DNA comes from cells in the lining of the colon and rectum that are shed and collected in stool as it passes through the large intestine and rectum. As with both types of FOBT, the stool sample for the FIT-DNA test is collected by the patient using a kit, and the sample is mailed to a laboratory for testing. A computer program analyzes the results of the two tests (blood and DNA biomarkers) and provides a finding of negative or positive. People who have a positive finding with this test are advised to have a colonoscopy. In one study comprising people who were at average risk of developing colon cancer but had no symptoms of colon problems, this test detected more cancers and adenomas than the FIT test (that is, it was more sensitive). However, the FIT-DNA test was also more likely to identify an abnormality when none was actually present (that is, it had more false-positive results). Sigmoidoscopy In this test, the rectum and sigmoid colon are examined using a sigmoidoscope, which is a flexible lighted tube with a lens for viewing and a tool for removing tissue. This instrument is inserted through the anus into the rectum and sigmoid colon as air (or carbon dioxide) is pumped into the colon to expand it so the gastroenterologist may be able to view the colon lining more effectively. During sigmoidoscopy, abnormal growths in the rectum and sigmoid colon can be removed for analysis (biopsied). The lower colon must be cleared of stool before sigmoidoscopy, but the preparation is less extensive than that required for colonoscopy. People are usually not sedated for this test. Studies, however, have shown that people who have regular screening with sigmoidoscopy after age 50 years have a 60 to 70% lower risk of death due to cancer of the rectum and lower colon than people who do not have screening. One randomized controlled clinical trial found that even just one sigmoidoscopy screening between the ages of 55 and 64 can substantially reduce colorectal cancer incidence as well as mortality. Experts generally recommend sigmoidoscopy every 5 years with or without gFOBT or FIT every 3 years for people at average risk who have had negative test results. Standard [Optical] Colonoscopy In this test, the rectum and entire colon are examined by using a colonoscope, which is a flexible lighted tube with a lens for viewing and a tool for removing tissue. Like the shorter sigmoidoscope, the colonoscope is inserted through the anus into the rectum and the colon, as air (or carbon dioxide) is pumped into the colon to expand it so the doctor can see the colon lining more clearly. During a colonoscopy, any abnormal growths in the colon and the rectum can be removed, including growths in the upper parts of the colon that are not reached by sigmoidoscopy. However, a thorough cleansing of the entire colon is necessary before this test. Most patients receive some form of sedation during the test. Studies reveal that colonoscopy reduces deaths from colorectal cancer by about 60 to 70%. Additional studies are currently being done to better evaluate how effective colonoscopy screening methods are. Experts recommend a colonoscopy every 10 years for people at average risk as long as their test results are negative. Virtual Colonoscopy This screening method, often called computed
How an Expert Gastro Surgeon Can Help with Polyp Removal
When it comes to preserving gastrointestinal health, early diagnosis and treatment of anomalies might mean the difference. Polyps, which are abnormal growths on the inner lining of the colon or other regions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, are very critical to deal with as soon as possible. Many polyps are benign, but others have a likelihood of becoming malignant over time. Under such circumstances, booking the best gastrosurgeon in Kolkata is the right course of action. You have to find the most suitable expert team to get your polyp issues treated. At LivGastro, we are one of the pioneering clinics of gastro-related treatments and surgeries in West Bengal. Our experts, under the able leadership of Dr. Vijay Kumar Rai, carry out precise surgical treatments through procedures like colonoscopy or esophagogastroduodenoscopy. We endeavor to perform swift removals of any size of polyps with state-of-the-art medical equipment. In this article, we will look at how our professional gastrosurgeon can diagnose, manage, and remove polyps to help maintain long-term digestive health. Read on for some informative views. What Are Gastrointestinal Polyps? Polyps are tiny clusters of cells that grow in the gastrointestinal tract’s lining, typically in the colon. While most polyps are innocuous, some forms, like adenomatous or serrated polyps, might progress to colorectal cancer if not removed. Thus, early discovery and removal are critical to avoiding difficulties. You can rely on our experienced stomach pain doctors in Kolkata for a swift diagnosis. They will inform you about the best course of action. Most Common Polyps Symptoms Polyps frequently produce no symptoms, which is why regular tests such as colonoscopies are essential. However, in some situations, they can cause symptoms like – ■ Rectal bleeding ■ Bowel habits change ■ Abdominal pain ■ Iron deficiency anemia (due to concealed blood loss) The Role of a Gastro Surgeon in Polyp Removal A gastrosurgeon performs surgical treatments on the digestive system, which includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, liver, and pancreas. Their understanding is essential when polyps are too big, unreachable, or difficult to remove using traditional non-surgical methods. If you are looking for the best gastroenterologist in West Bengal, we can help you out. Our clinic in Kolkata is your one-stop destination for relief from all gastrointestinal problems. Here’s how a professional gastrosurgeon may help at every step of polyp management: Accurate Diagnosis Although a gastroenterologist’s screening colonoscopy usually results in initial identification, A surgeon may have to get involved if – ■ The polyp is found in a difficult-to-reach area. ■ The findings of a biopsy are not clear. ■ One suspects early-stage cancer. Working with the evaluation team, a gastrosurgeon evaluates imaging tests (such as CT colonography) and may advise additional investigative techniques like endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) to better grasp the type, size, and depth of the polyp. Choosing the Best Approach Not every polyp calls for surgical removal. When they do, though, a gastrosurgeon chooses the most sensible and efficient approach. The choice is based on elements including – ■ Polyp category and size ■ Its positioning in the GI tract ■ Medical history and general condition of the patient ■ Malignancy risk When feasible to save recovery time and problems, the best gastrosurgeon in Kolkata would usually advise minimally invasive approaches. Techniques for Removing Polyps Through Surgery To get rid of polyps, a gastrosurgeon may do some of the following: Endoscopic polyps removal – An improved endoscopic polypectomy may be done on polyps that are smaller or easier to get to by the surgeon. To get rid of the polyp, a thin, flexible tube with a camera and tools is put into the stomach. Different kinds of tools, like snares or electrocautery loops, can be used. Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR) – EMR or endoscopic mucosal resection is used to lift and remove polyps from the mucous layer when they are flat or larger. This method cuts down on the need for more invasive surgeries. Our stomach pain doctors in Kolkata are EMR experts who can ensure optimal results. Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD) – This is a more advanced technique that is used when polyps are thought to have early-stage cancer. To do this, the polyp has to be carefully cut out of the lower levels while the surrounding tissue is kept intact. Laparoscopic Surgery – Laparoscopic surgery may be needed if the polyp is big, in a hard-to-reach place, or if there is a good chance that it is cancerous. Small cuts are made, and a camera is used to guide the tools for accurate removal. Segmental Colectomy – Sometimes, a piece of the colon may need to be medically removed if there are a lot of polyps or if they are dangerous. This is more painful, but it can save your life by stopping the cancer from spreading. Care and Follow-Up After Surgery A competent gastrosurgeon makes sure that their patients get all the care they need after surgery. This includes – ■ Keeping an eye out for illness or bleeding ■ Taking care of your food and pain during healing ■ Making sure that normal gut movement returns ■ Doing follow-up colonoscopies to see if the problem comes back ■ Getting doctors to work together on test analysis ■ If the polyp was dangerous, you might need more treatment, like chemotherapy or bigger surgery ■ Your surgeon is the most important person in figuring out what to do next and, if necessary, sending you to the right experts. Why Hiring an Experienced Gastrosurgeon is a Good Idea The difficulty of removing polyps shows how important it is to pick a surgeon with the right skills and experience. This is why: ■ Precision: When polyps are removed by a skilled surgeon, they are less likely to come back or cause other problems. ■ Safety: Handling by a professional lowers the risk to nearby organs and tissues. ■ Personalized care: Care that is tailored to your specific needs: they change methods to fit your wants, which leads to