Colon Cancer Surgery in Los Angeles

Colon and rectal cancer, usually referred to by the combined term colorectal cancer, is the uncontrolled growth of cells in either of these regions of the body. While there are some anatomical differences between the colon and the rectum, the two cancers are almost identical from a genetic and microscopic standpoint. For this reason, they are normally treated as being the same disease. The type of surgery that will be carried out depends on the location and size of the tumor, and also whether it has begun to spread.

Colonoscopy Procedures to Prevent Colon Cancer

Colonoscopy in Los Angeles, generally considered to be a screening procedure, can also be used to remove tumors while they are still at an early stage in their development. Small tumors and polyps (which are fleshy growths that have not yet become cancerous) can be removed during a colonoscopy procedure using a snare or biopsy forceps.

A snare is a loop of thin wire that is passed over the growth and tightened, slicing through the stalk that attaches it to the lining of the colon. This severs the polyp while cauterizing the wound at the same time, in order to prevent bleeding. The growth will then be analysed to determine whether or not it has become cancerous.

Surgery to Remove Part of the Colon

If there is a finding of cancer, then you may need to have part of the colon removed in order to treat the condition successfully. The amount and region of the colon to be removed depends on the location and size of the tumor, and how far it has spread. If one side of the colon is removed, the procedure is referred to as a hemicolectomy. If the middle section (the transverse colon) is removed, then it is a transverse colectomy.

During the procedure, the surgeon will make an incision into the abdomen to enable the affected part of the colon to be removed. Once the tumor has been cut out, the remaining parts of the colon will be rejoined to form a fully complete gastrointestinal tract again. You may need to have a temporary colostomy while this joined area is healing, in order to collect any bowel motions. This will involve the use of a colostomy bag for a short period of time, but this can be repaired in another procedure as soon as possible.

If a large portion of the colon is removed, it may not be possible to rejoin the ends, which means that a permanent colostomy may be necessary. However, your surgeon will try to avoid this if at all possible.

Total Mesenteric Excision (TME)

Total mesenteric excision (TME) is a surgical technique that is required in all cancer cases to make sure a thorough cancer surgery is performed. When a tumor is surgically removed, a clear margin of healthy tissue will also be taken, to reduce the risk of recurrence. In addition, for colorectal cancer, the nearest lymph nodes and the mesentery will also be removed. The lymph nodes are the first area to which the cancer will spread, and from here it is able to travel to any part of the body via the lymphatic system.

The mesentery is a sheet of tissue that surrounds the intestines, bowel and rectum, and is where all of the blood vessels supplying this region are located. For this reason, if the cancer should invade the mesentery, it will easily be able to spread elsewhere. Removing the mesentery will therefore reduce the chances of metastasis (the spreading of the cancer to other areas of the body).

What Do I Do if I Think I Have Colon Cancer?

If you have any concerns or have experienced symptoms that may suggest colon cancer, such as changes in bowel habits, then you should book an appointment with a specialist. You will be able to find your local colorectal surgeon (also known as a proctologist) by either searching online or asking your doctor for recommendations.

A colorectal surgeon will be able to assess your symptoms and perform screening procedures in order to find out whether you have developed colorectal cancer. If so, they will discuss the treatment options and help you to decide how you would like to proceed.

Colon Cancer Symptoms: How to Know What to Look For

Colon cancer is a condition that will generally only produce symptoms in the later stages, so it is difficult to spot at a stage where it is treatable. However, there may be some earlier indications of a bowel problem if you know what to look for, so it is important that you do not ignore any signs that something may be wrong.

What Do I Need to Look Out For?

The symptoms of colorectal cancer will depend on the exact location of the tumor. However, regardless of its location, one of the most common symptoms will be a worsening case of constipation. This will usually be one of the first symptoms to appear, and it will often be ignored by the patient. Constipation can indicate a wide range of conditions, or even just that a change in the diet is needed, but you should seek advice from your doctor if it persists for more than a week.

Additional symptoms, which are also common in many diseases, may also be seen. Fever, nausea and vomiting are three frequently seen symptoms, and these may also be accompanied by weight loss and the presence of blood in the stool.

It is possible for colon cancer to be an inherited disorder, so if you have a family history of the disease you may be at a higher risk as a result of this. However, the vast majority of colorectal cases have no obvious genetic link.

What Are The Risk Factors?

The majority of cases of colorectal cancer are considered to be related to lifestyle, and most cases will also be linked to age. Age is considered to be a major factor in the onset of colon cancer, and it is more common in those aged over fifty. This is probably because the disease takes a long time to develop. Initially, polyps will form on the lining of the colon, and over time, these will turn cancerous. However, it can take many years for this to occur.

Men are more at risk of developing colon cancer than women, though it is not known why this is the case. Other risk factors include eating a diet that is high in fat and processed foods. Alcohol and smoking increase the risk of this and many other cancers.

If you are overweight or obese, then this means you are at a higher risk for the condition. As a lifestyle that is primarily sedentary will also increase your risk, it would be highly advisable to start becoming more active. This will not only help you to lose weight, but will also ensure that food moves through the digestive tract at a normal speed. This reduces the symptoms of constipation and reduces the exposure of the bowel lining to any substances that may be able to cause cancer.

If you have an existing bowel condition such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, then the risk of colon cancer is increased. However, following the advice you have been given regarding your diet will be beneficial.

When Do I Need to See a Doctor?
You may need to see a colon and rectal specialist (also known as a proctologist) if you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned. Any indication of rectal bleeding should also be checked out by a specialist, as colon cancer is a potential cause of this.

In patients aged over fifty, who are already considered to be at an increased risk, rectal bleeding and anaemia are high risk indicators for the condition, and should be checked by a doctor immediately. If it is caught soon enough, colon cancer is extremely treatable.

Though you may think your symptoms are common and will resolve with time, it is much better to book an appointment with a local colorectal surgeon to put your mind at ease. If necessary, a screening procedure such as a colonoscopy can be carried out to check for the presence of tumours or polyps (which can develop into tumours if they are not removed). If you continue to experience any of these symptoms, regular screening may be advised, which will usually take the form of a colonoscopy. This also allows any growths to be removed during the same procedure.

Prevent Colon Cancer in Los Angeles

Colon cancer is a condition that will often only be detected at a very late stage, due to the fact that it does not produce noticeable symptoms in the early stages of the disease.  Some patients will have colon cancer for a number of years before they begin to notice a problem.  This means that it is extremely important to follow advice regarding colon cancer prevention, as this will greatly reduce your risk of developing the condition in the first place.

How Do I Know If I Have Colon Cancer?

The only definitive way to find out if you have developed colon cancer is to undergo a screening procedure.  The most commonly used of these is a colonoscopy, and it is also the most accurate.  A colonoscopy looks at the entire lining of the colon to check for the presence of tumors or polyps.  For those that live in Los Angeles, Colon Polyps are small, fleshy growths that may develop into cancerous tumors if left untreated.  However, one of the best ways to prevent the onset of colon cancer is to remove these polyps.  Once they have been removed, they cannot grow back in the same place, although others may develop in the surrounding area.  

Polyps can be removed easily during a colonoscopy procedure, simply by slipping a wire loop, called a snare, over the growth and tightening it.  This causes the wire to slice through the stalk holding the polyp to the colon lining.  Heat can be added to stop any associated bleeding.  Small polyps may also be removed with special biopsy forceps.  The polyps are then analyzed to check whether they have begun to turn cancerous.

Who Needs Colonoscopy Screening?

Certain groups of people will be considered at a high risk of developing colon cancer.  Normally, these people will be invited to take part in a colon screening program.  This will typically involve a regular colonoscopy to check for the presence of polyps, which if found can then be removed.  People who are at higher risk of developing colon cancer include:

• Age greater than 50.
• Anyone with a family history of colon cancer or polyps, as there can sometimes be a genetic link with this disease.
• Personal history of colon or rectal polyps.
• Anyone with an inflammatory bowel condition, such as Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome or ulcerative colitis.
• African-American race.
• People who are obese or overweight.
• People who smoke or have a high consumption of alcohol.
• People who do very little exercise.
• People who eat a diet containing a high level of saturated fat and lots of processed foods.
• Some of these are easier to identify than others, so if you think you may be at risk, speak to your doctor about the possibility of having a colonoscopy.

How Can I Reduce My Risk?

There are a number of ways in which you can start to reduce your risk of developing colon cancer.  One of the first things you should do is think about making some changes to your diet.

Increase the amount of fiber in your diet.  Fiber ensures that material moves through your digestive tract at a normal pace.  This is important because if the movement is too slow, it can increase your exposure to certain chemicals within foods that can lead to the onset of colon cancer.  Fiber in the diet can be increased by eating more fruit and vegetables, which also offer additional benefits.  Fiber supplements are also safe and available.  25-35 grams of fiber should be consumed on a daily basis.

Eating fruit and vegetables will also increase the amount of antioxidants that are in your body.  These  are chemicals that protect against cell damage, particularly damage to the DNA, which can result in cancer.

Other simple changes you could make include an increase in the amount of exercise that you do.  Exercise, and generally being more active, increases the speed at which material moves through your digestive system, reducing your exposure to any harmful chemicals that may have been present in your food.

What Should I Do Next?

If you are worried that you may be at risk of developing colon cancer, then speak to your local proctologist or colorectal surgeon.  If necessary, they will be able to provide you with any additional information that you require, and will advise you on whether a colonoscopy or other screening procedure is needed.  If this is the case, then they will also be able to perform the procedure for you.

The Hemorrhoid Free For Life Program Is Being Exploried

With regards to this program, the initial thing you are going to find out is that this is a relatively new program when it comes to hemorrhoid cures. When you check out this program you will realize that although this program is new, there are men and women who have already utilized this program with great results. You are going to discover that this program provides you with a no-nonsense look and way to handle your hemorrhoids.

With regards to other programs you will realize that they have other information in them that have absolutely nothing to do with curing your hemorrhoids, but you will not realize that information here. If you wind up purchasing this program you'll discover that it offers you real resources that they utilized to put this program together. When it comes down to it you'll find that most other programs don't or will not provide you with their resources, making this a program that has clearly been throughly researched.

If you get this program you're also going to realize that this program has been produced using a simple 7 step system for stopping your hemorrhoids. Something that men and women really like about this program is the fact that it is an all natural approach to dealing with your hemorrhoids. For people who have had to deal with hemorrhoids for a very long time, you will undoubtedly like the fact that you can cure your hemorrhoids in just 12 hours. Because this program is new, there haven't been a lot of individuals who have been able to provide testimonials for the program. With that being said you will also discover that as this program is rather new you will not be able to find all that many reviews of this system either good or bad.

You should not forget that this program provides you with only real information, and it does not make you waste your time reading information that you either already know or perhaps information that you don't have to know. And one final thing you will most likely, really like about this program would be that you are able to pick this up for $37, and you are able to order it right online. There is one more thing about this program that you're probably also going to love and that is that they offer you a complete 60 days to try the program risk free. So the creators of this program have taken out any risk, because you'll know within a day if this program is going to work for you, and you have two months to ask for a refund.

If you have hemorrhoids this system is certainly a thing that you ought to try simply because you'll be able to get a refund if you are not happy with it.

Stop Fighting With Hemorrhoids And Treat Them The All Natural Way By Using The H Miracle

Hemorrhoids are something that most people hate to talk about, but numerous people have to deal with. Surgical treatment has been done as a final resort for many people who couldn't find relief any other way. Of course many people end up using different medications and ointments to deal with their hemorrhoids. Until recently those were the only alternatives to help people cope with this affliction.

Now there's a brand new product on the current market called the "H Miracle", which can provide you with relief from your hemorrhoidal inflammation using natural methods. The simple fact that hemorrhoids can be painful and also embarrassing is only the beginning as they can also affect other aspects of your life. And the most detrimental part is it affects people who have office jobs more than anybody else. You may also have previously realized how this can in a harmful way affect your success at work.

Around the world there are millions of people who suffer from this unpleasant affliction. While some people may only need to use hemorrhoid ointments every now and again other people have more severe cases and are using treatments throughout the day in order to handle the pain. Many people today do not realize this but their eating plan can actually be making their los angeles hemorrhoids worse, in this program you are going to uncover four things you need to steer clear of. Not only will you discover what you need to stay away from but you'll also discover why.

And not surprisingly on top of that you will also learn precisely exactly what causes hemorrhoids. The web site is full of happily given testimonies. For folks who are unaware, an unsolicited review is a testimonial from men and women who chose to provide it without even being asked. Many of these individuals who have sent in testimonials, have written that they've seen benefits in just a couple of days. Many medical experts have begun promoting this to their patients when typical treatments are not sufficient. And simply because this all natural cure is getting the attention of doctors it goes to say something with regards to the power of this program. Another thing you should know about this program is that it literally attacks the root factor of hemorrhoids as opposed to just dealing with the symptoms. And when you take into consideration the cost of these creams and prescription drugs the fact that this program merely costs $69.95 means you could end up saving a lot of money. Your savings could end up in the thousands if you are one of the unfortunate people who use medication constantly each and every day.

As I pointed out earlier the creator of this product, Holly Hayden, is certainly not a doctor. Holly is an independent treatment researcher and when you get this program you'll also receive five signup bonuses all dealing with natural remedies. And the fact that this program has a money back guarantee makes this a great choice. And because you can be healed within a month, you'll have plenty of time to request a refund if this program failed to work. The bonus natural remedies books will be yours to keep regardless of whether you ask for refund. So if you are one of the many people suffering from hemorrhoids and your are looking for a cure rather than a cream this program is something you really should look into. This is also a risk free program basically because if this program does not work for you, you will get your cash back.

The Different Symptoms and Risk Factors of Rectal Cancer

The rectum can be found at the lower part of the person's colon. It is where stools are being stored to make it ready for evacuation. Unfortunately, Santa Monica rectal cancer patients may suffer because the process of evacuating stools may prove to be such an agony for them. Read further to find out the different symptoms and risk factors of rectal cancer.

The Symptoms

Appearance of blood in stool

Some people do have blood mixed in their stools especially if they have pre existing hemorrhoids. However, this occurrence should not be taken lightly as this can also serve as a symptom of rectal cancer.

Rectal bleeding

There are also cases when people experience prolonged bleeding in their rectum. This symptom of rectal cancer can also lead to anemia, palpitation, fatigue, light headedness, and hyperventilation.

Constipation

One of the symptoms of rectal cancer includes constipation. This happens when the rectal mass becomes large enough to block the passage of stool in the rectum. As a result, one will definitely experience pain during bowel movement.

Thin stools

Those who have large rectal mass will have very thin stools. This happens because the stools need to be thin enough to be able to pass around the large rectal mass. If the individual frequently experiences having these pencil-thin stools, he or she must consult a doctor.

Incomplete evacuation of stool

The person who has rectal cancer will always have this feeling that they can never completely get rid of their stools no matter how hard they try. After a bowel movement, they would feel dissatisfied as they sense that there is still some amount of stool which has not yet been evacuated.

The Risk Factors

It may take several years before one will be diagnosed with rectal cancer. This is because rectal may first appear to be a polyp. However, if left untreated, these polyps can grow and develop into cancer. This occurs when polyps begin to penetrate the walls of the individual's rectum. The exact causes of rectal cancer are still the subject of research of many medical experts today. However, there are already known risk factors for rectal cancer, such as the following:

1. Cigarette smoking

Long-term smoking increases one's risk of developing rectal cancer.

2. Personal and medical history

Women who were diagnosed with cancer of the uterus or ovary may also develop rectal cancer. Those people whose parents, siblings and other first-degree relatives are battling with rectal cancer are also at risk of developing the same condition.

3. Ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis and any other condition which causes an inflammation in the colon may put an individual at risk of developing rectal cancer. This is true especially if the inflammation has been experienced for several years.

4. Old age

Studies have shown that majority of those who been diagnosed with rectal cancer are those people who are at the age of 50 and older.

If you find yourself having these risk factors and you are experiencing all or any of the abovementioned symptoms, better consult your professional health care provider immediately.

Colorectal Doctor - What Exactly Is This Medical Profession

The field of medical science is vast and broad. Those who aim to become doctors know of this. Well, it's still understandable that an aspiring doctor needs to know what particular doctor he or she must be in the foreseeable future. In case you consider the number of divisions in medical sciences, there are without a doubt several alternatives to pick from. One of the divisions in medical science is Proctology. Proctologist or colorectal doctor is the kind of doctor who masters proctology.

All the medical maladies or problems related to the big intestine is exactly what a Burbank colorectal surgeon or colorectal doctor would oversee. Apart from that, they are also the ones that treat the issues related to these areas. Sometime, a proctologist could work with other doctors or medical practitioners in order to fix several medical problems. Some of the medical professionals are gynecologists, urologists and gastroenterologists.

They treat various kinds of ailment. The simplest ones could be constipation and diarrhea. The also treat fecal incontinence that are brought on by various reasons like muscle and nerve damage, dysfunctions and several others. Apart from that, a proctologist also performs colonoscopy. a medical procedure that will allow a proctologist to check the patient's rectum and colon. With this procedure, it's still easy to identify if the person is suffering from intense rectal issues like colon cancer, polyps or hemorrhoids.

A person has to go to an skilled colorectal doctor for severe ailments in both the rectum and the colon. A general practitioner in proctology will suffice if one has basic rectal issues like diarrhea or constipations. A proctologist with superior qualifications and more experiences will be needed for more severe issues that may need surgery and more cautious treatment. If someone is referred to this type of doctor, she or he will have a solution to his or her issue, regardless what it is still.

The sad thing about consultations to a proctologist is that some don't want to go to them for they're ashamed. Several will even fear the consultation because they don't wish to undergo a colonoscopy procedure. Well, a proctologist would not be in a position to find the root of the issue without a colonoscopy treatment, that is a procedure where a tube has to be inserted in the patient's anus. Even if it is needed, a lot of folks would not wish to consult a proctologist. Having said that, if you truly care about yourself, never be scared of visiting a proctologist.

Digestive System - The Digestion Process

The human body is made up of many systems. One of those systems which work on a daily basis is the well-known digestive system. The subject of this article is about exactly what a rectal surgeon is surely specializing in. In this article, we'll understand how our digestive system functions and its importance in our body.

In summary, the body parts which are active in the digestive process is the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, colon, rectum and anus.

First Step - The Mouth

The digestion process will usually begin in the mouth. When an individual eats, the food gets broken down by chewing. The saliva will do its part in assisting break down the food.

Second Stage - The Esophagus

For the food to arrive in the stomach, the individual should ingest it so it may move through the esophagus. Along the way, the muscle movements of the esophagus, which is sometimes called peristalsis, will push the food to the stomach. This movement allows an individual to ingest food even if he is in an unusual position.

Third Stage - The Stomach

The stomach is a sack-like organ of the body which is expandable. Its job is to churn the food and then bathe it with the acid that the stomach generates which is the gastric acid.

Fourth Stage - The Small Intestine

After the food has been broken down by the stomach, it's now moved to the small intestine. Primarily, the food will enter the section of the small intestine called the duodenum. After that, it's going to be passed to the jejunum and finally to the ileum. During the whole process of the food being inside the small intestine, several enzymes are at work to further break down the food.

Fifth Step - The Big Intestine

This step is considered the second to the last stage to wrap up the digestive process. The electrolytes (one of these is sodium) and water which the food consists of are removed in the large intestine. In addition, certain microbes also participate during the large intestine digesting process. To begin with, the digested food will enter through the cecum which is one of the large intestine's parts.

After, the food will go upward towards the rising colon. After the food has travelled upwards, it'll drop in the lower colon after crossing the abdomen. Lastly, it reaches the sigmoid colon which is located in a certain section of the body where a lot of people would refer to as the colon.

Sixth Step - Rectum to Anus

After going through the sigmoid colon, it will be passed and stored in the rectum. The rectum is a sensitive body part and a lot of irregular conditions take place here like the colon cancer. If this is found to be positive, a colon surgery is definitely important. When a specific amount of solid waste has been stored there, the stored solid waste is going to be excreted from the body through the anus.

The process which the digestive system does would not be completed if a part is not operating or if a particular step is not done properly. Considering that this system has a pretty important responsibility of removing your body's wastes, taking care of it through healthy eating is important.