Colorectal cancer is the most preventable major cancer of the body,
having a high cure rate if detected at an earlier stage of disease.
Nevertheless, colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer
deaths — 60,000 Americans yearly — more than either breast cancer or
prostate cancer.
Gastroenterologists play a critical role in the prevention of this disease
Colorectal cancer begins with the development of a polyp. Colon
polyps are benign growths that develop in the lining of the colon (large
intestine). They are the result of a single genetic mutation and polyps
are not associated, in most cases, with any symptoms. In most patients,
95%, they never become cancerous, but the failure to identify and
remove these polyps is what can result in a person developing colon
cancer.
Warning signs and symptoms
Here are some warning signs and symptoms, though they are not specific for colon cancer.
- Blood in stool or rectal bleeding
- Change in bowel habits (constipation, diarrhea) over a period of weeks or months
- Pencil-thin stools
- Unexplained weight loss
- Lower abdominal pain
Abdominal pain can have many possible causes
Nearly everyone has had abdominal pain during their lifetime.
Transient discomfort frequently can be attributed to diet, stress or
medications. However, abdominal pain can be one of the most complex
problems a patient can have. Understanding how to take a very detailed
history and knowing what tests or treatment is best suited to solve the
problem requires a great fund of knowledge. Gastroenterologists are the
experts in evaluating this problem. Dr. Feinstein has helped thousands of patients in Southern California of all ages who have suffered from abdominal pain.
Common causes of abdominal pain:
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Acid reflux
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H. pylori infection
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Ulcer disease
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Cancer of stomach, pancreas, small intestine, liver and colon
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Bowel obstruction
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Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth
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Food intolerances (gluten, fructose, etc.)
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Crohn’s disease
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Ulcerative colitis
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Diverticulitis
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Pancreatitis
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Gallstones
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Vascular diseases
Acid reflux — commonly referred to as heartburn
By the time a patient presents to a gastroenterologist for evaluation
of their heartburn or regurgitation, they usually have tried a number
of over-the-counter remedies as well as homeopathic treatments (apple
cider vinegar). When the self-directed approach has failed to adequately
relieve his or her symptoms, they typically seek out further care and
evaluation. In some cases, it is the failure of the patient to properly
utilize these treatments. Educating them as to the correct usage in many
cases can result in improvement of their symptoms.
For many, a more directed and comprehensive strategy is necessary.
There are a number of medications that can have varying responses from
person to person. Knowing how to cobine over-the-counter remedies,
prescription medications, lifestyle changes (diet, weight management,
social habits), and timing of medications can greatly improve the
patient’s outcomes.
Is it reflux disease or something else?
Acid reflux disease is associated with potentially serious
complications. The history of the patient is very important to evaluate
for such possibilities. In addition, there are other diseases that at
times can mimic symptoms of reflux disease that need to be considered,
as well. This all requires a great deal of expertise.
Dr. Feinstein,
now in practice for more than 35 years, has experience in treating
thousands of patients with this condition. His experience, knowledge and
ability to educate and explain to the patient what GERD treatment and
tests are needed can them provide a quality outcome.
IBS is not the same as IBD
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) consists of ulcerative colitis and
Crohn’s disease. Both are characterized by varying degrees of
inflammation and ulceration of the bowel. Damage results in the common
symptoms of diarrhea, abdominal pain and rectal bleeding. The
development of IBD is a complex interplay between genetic predisposition
and the environment.
Ulcerative colitis only affects the colon (large
intestine). The lining of the colon is the target of inflammation.
Patients almost always have rectal bleeding and diarrhea, and varying
degrees of lower abdominal pain. Symptoms can be intermittent.
Crohn’s disease differs in many ways from ulcerative
colitis. It can damage any part of the digestive tract but most
commonly targets the small and/or large intestine. The entire wall of
the bowel, not just the lining, is affected in Crohn’s disease. However,
patients can have similar symptoms to ulcerative colitis if only the
colon is involved. There tends to be more abdominal pain, weight loss
and vomiting due to the various locations of Crohn’s disease involvement
and because the wall of the intestine and not just the lining is
involved.
IBD is a complex disease. Heredity, genetics and
environmental factors all have a role in the development of the disease.
More than 1.5 million Americans have IBD.
Risks for IBD:
- Family history – 10 to 30 times greater risk of developing IBD if a close relative has been diagnosed
- Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry
- Smoking (Crohn’s disease)
- Western diet, highly processed food (Crohn’s disease)
