Endoscopy/Colonoscopy

Colonoscopies

Dr. Weston has completed thousands of colonoscopies since 1991. If you are considering a colonoscopy please read through the below information and contact us to schedule a consultation to discuss your health condition.

About Colorectal Cancer:

Virtually all colorectal cancers arise from adenomatous polyps. As people age, they are more likely to develop adenomatous polyps. Approximately 30% of Americans harbor such polyps by age 50, and 50% by age 65. However, these polyps grow slowly, and the transformation to carcinoma usually takes years. This timeframe provides an excellent window of opportunity to detect and remove polyps before they become malignant. Adenomatous polyps can be detected and removed during colorectal cancer screening. This interrupts the adenoma-carcinoma sequence. Screening can also detect carcinomas when they are most treatable. The five year survival rate exceeds 90% for patients diagnosed with local disease, but is only 9% for those with distant metastatic disease. Regardless of gender or ethnicity, everyone over the age of 50 without significant comorbid illnesses should be screened regularly for colorectal cancer.

• Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States.
• The average American who dies of colorectal cancer loses nearly 13 years of life.
• Incidence rate rises with age, and women are affected nearly as often as men.

This year, thousands of Carolinians are projected to die of colorectal cancer. The incidence rate in the Carolinas alone has remained constant over the past decade in contrast to the decline in the national rate.

Factors:

:: Age is the biggest risk factor for colorectal cancer. The American Cancer Society (ACS) guidelines state that for average risk individuals, screening should begin at age 50 for Caucasian patients and at age 45 for African Americans. Increased risk designates those cases in which either colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps are found in any first-degree relative before age 60 or in two or more first-degree relatives at any age.

:: The consumption of red meat, obesity, alcohol and cigarette use may increase your odds of developing colorectal cancer.

Reducing the risk of Colorectal Cancer:

:: Reducing the risk of colorectal cancer may be as easy as increasing your physical activity and adding multivitamins containing folic acid, vegetables and fibers into your daily diet. Aspirin and hormone usage may also reduce your risk of colorectal cancer.

:: Preliminary data in the medical literature demonstrates that calcium supplementation twice daily and the use of aspirin daily may decrease polyp formation. Fiber supplementation with Metamucil or Citrucel in addition to a high-fiver diet may also decrease polyp formation.

Preventing Colon Cancer:

The most effective and important step in the process of preventing colon cancer is to consult with an experienced physician regarding a colonoscopy and your current health conditions.

Visiting Weston MedSurg:

Visiting Weston MedSurg to discuss your current health conditions with Dr. Weston is recommended. During your visit with us, Dr. Weston will schedule a colonoscopic examination if necessary. A colonoscope is a thin, flexible tube that is moved through your colon. The tube has several openings through which instruments can be passed as threadlike fibers of glass within the tube beam light into your colon. A computer clip at the tip of the colonoscope picks up the image of your colon and sends it to a TV screen, which will allow Dr. Weston to view an enlarged picture of your colon. Your colon and rectum if normal will have a smooth lining. If Dr. Weston sees polyps during your colonoscopy, they can often be removed. If not, Dr. Weston may take a biopsy (tissue sample) of a growth to study the tissue more in-depth. Colonoscopy helps Dr. Weston to diagnose other abnormalities, such as bleeding or an area of inflammation, and to prescribe the best treatment for them.

During Your Procedure:

The lubricated colonoscope tube will be inserted slowly and gently into the rectum. Because Dr. Weston needs a clear view, air is used to expand your colon. As a result, you may feel some pressure and cramping, but pain will be minimal. Depending on what the colonoscopy reveals, Dr. Weston may take a biopsy. If a polyp is found, it will be removed at that time.

After Your Procedure:

When the exam is over, (usually within an hour) you'll be taken to our recovery area. While recovering, you'll be monitored for 30-45 minutes, and then released from the endoscopy unit. Within a few hours after you return home, you'll be able to eat normally and resume some of your activities, unless otherwise directed. Experiencing minimal gas pains caused by the air during the colonoscopy is not uncommon. Dr. Weston recommends a brief walk, which should relieve the bloated feeling. Results of your colonoscopy will be available to you within 2-3 days after the procedure, or possibly before leaving for home.

Scheduling Your Consultation...

Schedule an appointment by sending us a contact us form, or by contacting Weston MedSurg Center directly at 980-297-7400.