Colorectal cancer is one of the types of cancer that benefits greatly from early treatment and thus, early detection. But in the early stages there are typically no noticeable symptoms, they often only become apparent when the condition is already advanced. It's why many experts recommend a colon cancer screening, learn more about the benefits and what you can expect by reaching out to Dr. Kevin Marks of Premier Gastroenterology in Katy, TX.
Polyps
The colon is the lowest portion of the gastrointestinal tract and it's here that polyps can develop.
Polyps are small growths of abnormal tissue that can potentially become cancerous over time. The best way to find them and remove them is with a colonoscopy.
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is the procedure performed during a colon cancer screening, and it involves the use of a thin flexible tube with a small camera attached to the end of it. The device is called a coloscope and it's used to spot and remove polyps in the colon, preferably before they become cancerous in order to prevent them from spreading to other parts of the body.
Our gastroenterologist may also recommend a colonoscopy to diagnose and treat a variety of other health conditions. But it's typically recommended that everyone over the age of 50 undergo a colonoscopy in order to prevent colorectal cancers. The age and the frequency of these screenings depend on your risk for these types of cancers, so it's important to visit your doctor regularly.
Colon Cancer Screening in Katy, TX
A colonoscopy typically takes only a few minutes to about an hour, and you're typically under anesthesia throughout. But it involves a few days of preparation for a successful colonoscopy, it begins about 5 days prior with adjustments to your diet, ending with a bowel prep.
Dial (281) 392-0425 to schedule a colon cancer screening in Katy, TX, with Dr. Marks of Premier Gastroenterology.