Early Detection
Colonoscopies & Cancer Screenings in Ephrata, PA
Our tests can help detect cancer in your body before any symptoms appear. William L Ives MD FACS. in Ephrata, Pennsylvania, offers colonoscopies and cancer screenings.
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is one of many tests that may be used to screen for colon cancer, allowing your doctor to look at the inner lining of your large intestine (rectum and colon). He or she uses a thin, flexible tube called a colonoscope to look at the colon. A colonoscopy helps find ulcers, colon polyps, tumors, and areas of inflammation or bleeding.
During a colonoscopy, tissue samples can be collected (biopsy), and abnormal growths can be taken out. Colonoscopies can also be used as a screening test to check for cancer or precancerous growths in the colon or rectum (polyps).
The colonoscope is a thin, flexible tube that ranges from 48–72 inches long. A small video camera is attached to the colonoscope so that your doctor can take pictures or video of the large intestine (colon). The colonoscope can be used to look at the whole colon and the lower part of the small intestine.
A test called a sigmoidoscopy shows only the rectum and the lower part of the colon.
A test called a sigmoidoscopy shows only the rectum and the lower part of the colon.
Screenings
Several tests can screen for colorectal cancer. Each test has its pros and cons, however, these tests can detect and determine possible diseases. This information will help you understand your symptoms and choices, whether you share in the decision-making process or rely on your doctor's recommendation.
Regular screening can greatly decrease your risk of dying from colorectal cancer and is recommended for anyone age 50 and older. If you or your family members have a history of colon polyps or colorectal cancer, you may need to begin screening at age 40 or earlier and be tested often. You may need to begin screening earlier if you have Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
Some screening tests look for colon polyps. In most cases of colorectal cancer, the cancer begins as polyps. When polyps are found, they can be removed before they become cancer or while the cancer is in its early stages.
Colorectal cancer rarely causes symptoms at the beginning. Symptoms, such as bleeding from the rectum, a change in bowel habits, and weight loss, usually occur later when the cancer is harder to treat.
Colorectal cancer rarely causes symptoms at the beginning. Symptoms, such as bleeding from the rectum, a change in bowel habits, and weight loss, usually occur later when the cancer is harder to treat.
Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer
Early-stage colorectal cancer does not usually cause symptoms. However, some common symptoms can include:
Contact us in Ephrata, Pennsylvania, to schedule an appointment
with our general surgeon.
Address: 21 N State St, Ephrata, PA 17522 | Phone: (717)721-9717 | Email: wmivesmd@yahoo.com
