Colon Polyps Management
Growths on the inner lining of the colon; types include adenomatous, hyperplastic, and inflammatory. Why Do I Need Management? Some polyps can transform into cancer if not removed. How Should I Prepare? Bowel prep as for colonoscopy. Discontinue blood thinners per protocol. What Happens During Management? Polypectomy: Endoscopic snare removal of polyps. EMR/ESD: Advanced resection […]
Lynch Syndrome
An inherited condition (mismatch-repair gene mutations) increasing risk of colorectal, endometrial, and other cancers. Why Do I Need Management? Up to 80% lifetime colorectal cancer risk without surveillance. Elevated risk of endometrial and ovarian cancers. How Should I Prepare? Genetic counseling and testing for MSH2, MLH1, MSH6, PMS2 mutations. Baseline colonoscopy at age 20–25 or […]
Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP)
An inherited syndrome causing hundreds to thousands of colon polyps and a near-100% risk of colorectal cancer by age 40 if untreated. Why Do I Need Management? Early detection and prophylactic surgery can prevent cancer. How Should I Prepare? Genetic testing for APC mutation. Annual colonoscopy beginning at age 10–12. What Happens During Management? Surveillance: […]
Stomach Cancer Screening
Endoscopic examination to detect early gastric malignancies in high-risk populations. Why Do I Need Screening? Family history of gastric cancer Chronic gastritis or intestinal metaplasia Pernicious anemia or H. pylori infection How Should I Prepare? Fasting 6 hours before endoscopy. Discontinue PPIs 2 weeks prior if safe. What Happens During Endoscopy? Sedation administered. Systematic inspection […]
Barrett’s Esophagus Screening
A condition where esophageal lining changes from squamous cells to intestinal-type cells due to chronic acid reflux, increasing cancer risk. Why Do I Need Screening? Chronic GERD (>5 years) Frequent heartburn and regurgitation White males over 50 with obesity How Should I Prepare? Fasting 6 hours before endoscopy. Stop PPIs 2 weeks prior if safe […]
Gastric Intestinal Metaplasia Screening
A precancerous change of stomach lining cells that can progress to gastric cancer. Why Do I Need Screening? Chronic H. pylori infection Family history of gastric cancer Persistent dyspepsia How Should I Prepare? Fasting 6 hours before endoscopy. Continue PPIs unless instructed to stop 2 weeks prior. What Happens During Endoscopy? Sedation administered. Biopsies taken […]
Gallbladder Cancer Screening
Ultrasound-based evaluation to detect early gallbladder carcinoma in high-risk patients. Why Do I Need Screening? Gallstones or gallbladder polyps >1 cm Primary sclerosing cholangitis Porcelain gallbladder on imaging How Should I Prepare? No fasting needed for ultrasound. Arrive with prior imaging reports if available. What Happens During Screening? Ultrasound: Non-invasive scan of gallbladder to assess […]
Pancreatic Cancer Screening
Targeted imaging and blood tests to detect pancreatic cancer early in high-risk individuals. Why Do I Need Screening? Strong family history of pancreatic cancer Genetic syndromes (e.g., BRCA, Lynch syndrome) Chronic pancreatitis How Should I Prepare? Fasting 6 hours before imaging if CT or MRI is used. No special prep for blood tests (CA 19-9 […]
Rectal Cancer Screening
Evaluation focused on the rectum and lower colon to detect early rectal cancers or precancerous lesions. Why Do I Need Screening? Symptoms: rectal bleeding, change in stool caliber High-risk factors: family history, inflammatory bowel disease How Should I Prepare? Bowel prep similar to colonoscopy if a full exam is planned. Flexible sigmoidoscopy requires enema preparation […]
Colon Cancer Screening
A set of tests to detect early signs of colon (large intestine) cancer before symptoms develop. Why Do I Need Screening? Adults aged 45 and older Personal or family history of colon polyps or colorectal cancer Symptoms like occult blood in stool, unexplained anemia How Should I Prepare? Bowel Prep: Clear-liquid diet 1–2 days before; […]
