Digestive System

What Causes Colon Cancer?

There are several causes for colorectal cancer as well as factors that place certain individuals at increased risk for the disease. There are known genetic and environmental factors. People at risk for colorectal cancer: The biggest risk factor is age. Colon cancer is rare in those under 40 years. The rate of colorectal cancer detection […]

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What Screening Tests Are Available For Colon Cancer?

Screening for colorectal cancer involves special tests performed on people who have no symptoms of a particular illness. Good screening tests are: Safe Relatively inexpensive Proven effective in detecting the disease at an early stage and reducing the death rate from that disease Current screening tests for colorectal cancer meet these four requirements and include:

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How Is Colon Cancer Diagnosed?

If people experience symptoms like those of colorectal cancer, they need to make an appointment with their family physician, a gastroenterologist, a physician specially trained in the management of digestive system disorders, or a colon and rectal surgeon, a specialist in treatment of diseases of the colon. The doctor performs a thorough clinical evaluation that

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What Is Colon Cancer Staging?

Staging is a method to describe how advanced a cancer is. Staging for colorectal cancer takes into account the depth of invasion into the colon wall, and spread to lymph nodes and other organs: Stage 0 (Carcinoma in Situ): Stage 0 cancer is also called carcinoma in situ. This is a precancerous condition, usually found in

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How Is Colon Cancer Treated?

The outlook for people with colon cancer has improved steadily in recent years. Three types of treatment are available for individuals with colon cancer: Surgery is an operation that involves removing the cancerous section of the colon. This is the primary treatment for colon cancer for most individuals. Chemotherapy involves treatment with drugs that destroy fast-growing cells,

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Ulcerative Colitis: Putting It All Together

Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects part or all of the large intestine (colon). Ulcerative colitis is characterized by periods of active inflammation, called flare-ups, and periods of reduced or no symptoms, called remission. Ulcerative colitis has a genetic component,

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Ulcerative Colitis: Glossary

Here are definitions of medical terms related to ulcerative colitis. Barium enema: A procedure in which the special dye called barium is inserted into the colon through a tube inserted into the rectum, and a series of X-rays is taken. Colectomy: Colectomy is the removal of the colon. Colonoscopy: Colonoscopy is an examination of the entire colon, using

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Ulcerative Colitis Additional Sources Of Information

Here are some reliable sources that can provide more information on ulcerative colitis. Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America  Phone: (212) 685-3440 or  Phone: (800) 932-2423 http://www.ccfa.org The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America is the preeminent organization involved in patient education, advocacy, and research intoinflammatory bowel disease. CCFA has chapters in most states, and

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Classifying Ulcerative Colitis

In individuals with ulcerative colitis, a distinct portion of the colon is diseased. Disease starts at the rectum and moves “up” the colon to involve more of the organ. Doctors categorize ulcerative colitis by the amount of colon involved. Regardless of how little or how much of the colon is involved, symptoms can vary from

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How Serious Is Ulcerative Colitis

People who live with ulcerative colitis are burdened by many questions, especially when they are having their first crisis and being diagnosed. These questions focus on issues of pain, symptoms, possible complications and disability The answers to many questions are not apparent and often take a long time to determine. But most people who live with

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Treatment Of Ulcerative Colitis

Medical management of ulcerative colitis begins with an attempt to reduce the symptoms and bring on a remission. After this is accomplished, the goal is to maintain remission for as long as possible. Treatment options include: Medication Surgery Alternative treatments Medications Most of the medications used to treat ulcerative colitis are generally safe for long-term

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