|
If You Could Do Something Simple To Prevent Gastrointestinal Cancer, Would You Do It?
Endoscopy is a process that allows physicians to better examine the body’s passageways, including the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. Through an endoscope, the doctor can directly look at specific areas to better evaluate and detect problems.
Endoscopy Procedures
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) EGD is a procedure that allows a physician to view the esophagus, stomach and first part of the small bowel (duodenum) looking through a scope. Symptoms that may call for an EGD are nausea, vomiting, heartburn, difficulty swallowing and pain.
Colonoscopy Colonoscopy is the visualization of the colon from the rectum to the cecum (beginning of the large intestine). Some of the things colonoscopies screen for are colon cancer, bleeding, iron deficiency anemia, irritable bowel diseases, along with surveillance of Crohn’s disease, colitis and diverticulitis.
A colonoscopy is recommended when there is a change in bowel habits, blood in the stool, persistent abdominal pain or if you are age 50 years or older. People over 50 should have a colonoscopy every 10 years or sooner if you are at a higher risk for colon cancer.
While this is nothing anybody looks forward to, it’s essential for early diagnosis and treatment of esophageal or colon cancer. If treated early, there is a very good chance of cure.
|
|
Digestive Health |
