Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is the visual examination of the lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. The results obtained from colonoscopy can be useful in preventing, diagnosing and treating a variety of gastrointestinal diseases.
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Upper Endoscopy
Upper endoscopy is the visual examination of the lining of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. The results obtained from upper endoscopy can be useful in preventing, diagnosing and treating a variety of gastrointestinal diseases.
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Capsule Endoscopy
Capsule endoscopy enables your doctor to examine your entire small intestine. Your doctor will have you ingest a vitamin-pill sized video capsule, which has its own camera and light source. During the 8 hour exam, you are free to move about. While the video capsule travels through your body, it sends images to a data recorder you will wear on a waist belt. Most patients find the test comfortable. Afterwards your doctor will view the images on a video monitor.
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Gastrointestinal Pathology Interpretation
The Pathology Division of Gastroenterology Associates, P.C. specializes in the biopsy interpretation of a variety of digestive system disorders including, but not limited to:
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Inflammatory bowel disease: special expertise in the diagnosis and management of inflammatory bowel disease, including distinguishing between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and the diagnosis of dysplasia
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Barrett's esophagus: surveillance biopsies to detect dysplasia in the setting of reflux associated intestinal metaplasia
Gastritis: Helicobacter and NSAID related gastric damage; complications of Helicobacter pylori, such as lymphoma and carcinoma
Colonic neoplasia: from polyps to adenocarcinoma
Celiac disease and other malabsorptive states
Follow-up biopsies are interpreted in the context of previous biopsies in order to assess the efficacy of treatment and need for continued or different treatment regimens. In addition, the Division is available to provide second opinion diagnoses on biopsies or surgeries performed elsewhere.
Colon Cancer Screening
Colorectal cancer most often develops from precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon or rectum. A screening test is used to look for a disease when a person is not experiencing any symptoms. An effective test is one that can detect disease early, which in turn leads to a greater chance of cure. Colorectal cancer screening saves lives by detecting and removing precancerous polyps before they turn into cancer, and by detecting cancer at an early stage.
Both men and women should begin screening for colorectal cancer at age 50 (age 45 for African Americans), and then at regular intervals thereafter. You may need to be tested earlier if:
- You or a close relative have had colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer
- You have inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis)
- You have genetic syndromes such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer.
Screening tests for colon cancer include colonoscopy, virtual colonoscopy and barium enema. Please discuss these options with your physician to help determine which one is best for you.
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