Role of a Proctologist in Detecting and Preventing Colorectal Cancer

Colon cancer develops from growths that form along the inner lining of the colon. These growths are called polyps. The colon is a tube that carries out digested food out of the body, through the rectum. Colon cancer can cause abdominal pain, bloody stools, vomiting and other symptoms.

A proctologist is a surgeon who specializes in conditions affecting the large intestine which includes the colon. Proctologists are also called colorectal surgeons. Colorectal cancer is diagnosed by proctologists who then perform surgery to remove them. It is the most common treatment given to colon cancer patients

How Proctologists Diagnose Colorectal Cancer?

Proctologists have several tools and methods for diagnosing colorectal cancer:

Colonoscopy:
In this procedure, a flexible and slender tube is attached to a video camera and monitor to view your entire colon and rectum.

Blood tests:
Your doctor may test your blood for clues about your overall health, such as kidney and liver function tests. This will not prove the presence of cancer but will give some clues if cancer is indeed present

Ultrasound:
It is a non-invasive imaging test that can show growths inside your body using high-intensity sound waves

CT scan:
A computed tomography (CT) scan can detect if the cancer in the colon has spread to other parts of the body.

How Proctologists Prevent Colorectal Cancer

A proctologist can prevent colorectal cancer by screening the patient. These are the several methods that a proctologist can use to screen for this disease:

Faecal immunochemical test (FIT):
This test detects hidden blood in your faeces.

Faecal DNA test:
This test looks for signs of genetic mutations in faeces

Flexible sigmoidoscopy:
Healthcare providers use a flexible scope called a sigmoidoscope to see inside your colon.

Virtual colonoscopy:
A virtual colonoscopy is an X-ray that looks for polyps and ulcers (sores) in your colon.

From the time the first abnormal cells grow into polyps, it takes about 10 to 15 years for them to develop into colorectal cancer. With regular screening, most polyps can be found and removed before they have the chance to turn cancerous. Screening can also find colorectal cancer early when it's small and easier to treat.

Why You Should See a Proctologist?

If you are above 45 years of age then you ought to get screened for colorectal cancer, as the risk for it grows with age. A proctologist can discover the cancer at an early stage if you go for regular screenings.Once screened, the cancer can also be diagnosed and the colorectal surgeon can perform surgery to remove the cancerous growth. At an early stage such a surgery will cause fewer complications.

If you have any of the symptoms of colorectal cancer or if you just want a check-up come to Chennai Laser Gastro and our proctologists will diagnose and prevent colorectal cancer from spreading in you. You will get a safe and efficient diagnosis and preventive care from us