NetWellness Colon Cancer

Post Colonoscopy

Gregory Cooper MD — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 22:01:00 EST

Question: I recently (aged 60) had my third colonoscopy, (I am considered high risk because my mother had colon cancer). The first two were fine, complete, but this time with a new dr. he said he was unable to complete the exam due to redundant colon, and wants me to have a barium enema to check the part he c . . .

Answer: There may have been factors related to the bowel prep, length of the scope used or other circumstances. A barium enema would check the rest of the colon that couldn't be seen. The recommended follow up would depend on the pathology and also if he was concerned that he couldn't see the entire colon.

Ask an Expert: Gregory Cooper MD, Colon Cancer

What Can I Expect in the Final Stages

Tanios Bekaii-Saab MD — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:11:00 EST

Question: My mother in law is now with us and has stage 4 colon cancer Her doctor said a few weeks or a few months. It has been 3 months. What can I expect to happen at the "end". I have noticed that she is burping constantly and very weak. She is still eating and although not a big amount, does not . . .

Answer:

As the cancer progresses, the patient typically coninues losing weight, appetite and stamina. There may pain and discomfort as well. At this time, hospice should be involved in her care for help with maximiazing comfort and palliation.

Ask an Expert: Tanios Bekaii-Saab MD, Colon Cancer

Colonoscopy vs Sigmoidoscopy with FOBT

Gregory Cooper MD — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 15:11:00 EST

Question: I`m 55 with no known family history of colon cancer. I recently had a Sigmoidoscopy. In conjunction with that, I did the fecal occult blood test. The results of the FOBT were negative and the Sigmoidoscopy was clear. Is this sufficient testing? The PA that did the test said the Sigmoidoscopy will ca . . .

Answer: That is an acceptable combination. Asuuming that you don't have any other risk factors such as family history of colon cancer, you should get checked again in about 5 years.

Ask an Expert: Gregory Cooper MD, Colon Cancer

Colonoscopy Timing

Gregory Cooper MD — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:06:00 EST

Question: I had a colonoscopy done when I was 50 and the doctor said I didn`t have to be retested for 10 years. Now my insurance has changed and it would cost $1500 for the test. Can I safely wait until I`m 65 and have medicare pay for it?

Answer: Ideally it should be done every 10 years but if it would be a financial hardship, I would discuss with your doctor less costly screening methods such as testing for blood in the stool.

Ask an Expert: Gregory Cooper MD, Colon Cancer

Atypical Colon Polyp

Gregory Cooper MD — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 19:06:00 EST

Question: What does it mean when a doctor tells you that you have atypical colon polyp?

Answer: It could mean several things - referring to its shape (flat or depressed), its type (there are certain types of polyps that are more unusual) or what it looks like under the microscope (atypical cells which are precancerous). You should probably clarify with your doctor.

Ask an Expert: Gregory Cooper MD, Colon Cancer

Bowel Cancer

Gregory Cooper MD — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:04:00 EST

Question: My dad had bowel cancer at the age of 70 and had many surgeries, but today is cancer free. My brother is 38 and he went to the ER with stomach pain. They did an ultrasound and found out it was his galbladder. He had that removed. After the surgery the doctor told him that the ultrasound sh . . .

Answer: It is possible that it could show up on a CT but more likely it's something other than bowel cancer.

Ask an Expert: Gregory Cooper MD, Colon Cancer

Adenoma Ascending Colon

Tanios Bekaii-Saab MD — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 07:04:00 EST

Question: I am a 52 yo female who has had 2 polyps removed 5 yrs apart. This time I have the pathology report and the sections (3mm) show colonic mucosa with tubular glands lined by columnar cells with elongated and hyperchromatic nuclei. My doctor has recommended a repeat colonoscopy in 5 yrs. My mother . . .

Answer: While polyps may not necessarily indicate an increased risk of colon cancer, you need to follow up closely with your doctor.

Ask an Expert: Tanios Bekaii-Saab MD, Colon Cancer

Cancer Polyps With Diarrhea and Bleeding

NetWellness Staff . — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 14:04:00 EST

Question: My son, age 25, was diagnosed in California with cancer polyps in his rectum and colon. He has since been laid off, has no insurance, and moved to AZ to go to college. He now has more bleeding and diarrhea every day. Still no insurance. I am by no means able to pay for the treatments he ma . . .

Answer:

Thank you for visiting NetWellness. The US Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of Primary Health Care has a directory that will help you find a clinic that will give your son medical, including dental care, even if you have no medic . . .

Ask an Expert: NetWellness Staff ., Colon Cancer

Colon Cancer

Gregory Cooper MD — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 22:04:00 EST

Question: I went on a crazy diet a few months ago and now I am very constipated. I have hard stools. When I take a stool softner everything is fine. I saw my doctor today and because of the change in my bowel movements I am having a colonscopy done next week. I had a colonoscopy two years ago and five years b . . .

Answer: Assuming that the previous exams had a good quality prep and they got to the end of the colon, it is low. However, we know that there is a miss rate at colonoscopy so it may be worth repeating to exclude something serious.

Ask an Expert: Gregory Cooper MD, Colon Cancer

Cancer of Rectum or Anus

Tanios Bekaii-Saab MD — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 21:03:00 EST

Question: Once a person has the symptom of bright red blood and there is a possibility of rectal or anal cancer how long would it be before other symptoms would appear - diarrhea/constipation/thin stools, abdominal pain, obstruction, frequency/urgency, etc.? In other words how long can there be bleeding befor . . .

Answer: Bright red blood coming out from the rectum may be your only sign for possible rectal or anal cancer. As such, if you are experiecing this type of symptom, you need to see your attending physician urgently.

Ask an Expert: Tanios Bekaii-Saab MD, Colon Cancer