Every year, around 135,000 Americans are diagnosed with colon cancer. At Los Angeles Integrative Gastroenterology & Nutrition in Century City, Farshid Sam Rahbar, MD, FACP, ABIHM, a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist, offers expert diagnosis and treatments for colon cancer with a holistic approach to patient care designed to improve your overall health while you fight the disease. Call or schedule an appointment online today.
Colon Cancer Q & A
Q: What is colon cancer?
A: Colon cancer, also referred to as colorectal cancer, begins in your large intestine and usually develops from small clumps of cells known as polyps that form on or inside your large intestine.
Some of the signs of colon cancer include:
- A change in your bowel movements, including the consistency and frequency of your stools
- Bloody stools or rectal bleeding
- Abdominal cramping, gas, or other pain
- Feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty
- Unexplained weight loss
While your risk of colon cancer increases as you age, you can develop the disease at any time during your life. Colon cancer may not cause any symptoms in its early stages, which makes colon cancer screenings critical to protecting your health, especially if you have a personal or family history of the disease.
Q: How is colon cancer diagnosed?
A: Dr. Rahbar diagnoses colon cancer with screening tests including a colonoscopy to check for signs of colon polyps or other abnormal cell growth in your large intestine.
A colonoscopy is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure. You need to avoid eating or drinking for several hours before your colonoscopy, and the doctor provides laxatives to clear out your colon before the test.
During a colonoscopy, you lie on your side, and Dr. Rahbar gives you a mild sedative to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. He inserts a colonoscope into your rectum to examine your colon.
A colonoscope is a thin, flexible surgical tube that has a camera and a light on its tip. The camera sends a video feed from inside your body to a monitor in the treatment room. Dr. Rahbar examines the inside of your colon and may take biopsies or remove polyps during the procedure.
Q: How is colon cancer treated?
A: Treatment for colon cancer depends on the stage of your disease and other health factors. For example, if Dr. Rahbar diagnoses colon cancer in its early stages, he may be able to remove the abnormal polyps and cells during your colonoscopy. The treatments become more invasive as your disease progresses.
While Dr. Rahbar provides treatments to remove and fight colon cancer, he also uses holistic and integrative medicine to protect and improve your overall health. Maintaining your overall health helps your body stay better equipped to fight colon cancer.
If you’re concerned about colon cancer or due for a screening, call or schedule a consultation online today.
