Colon cancer and colon screening procedure in Dallas, TX

Colorectal cancer commonly known as colon cancer is cancerous polyps that grow in the large intestine or colon. Colon cancer is the last stage of the development of benign polyps that were formed in the colon.

Benign polyps are non-cancerous abnormal growths that are formed in the colon. When they are not removed at their early stage, they become cancerous over time.

How colon cancer is formed?

There are some common types of polyps that are found in the colon. They include hyperplastic, inflammatory, and adenomas polyps.

The hyperplastic and inflammatory polyps are found in the colon and they usually don’t pose a risk of becoming cancerous.

The adenomas polyps are polyps that pose a risk of becoming cancerous over time. They are also known as pre-cancerous polyps. When not removed on time, they could become cancerous.

Abnormal cells and tissues known as biopsy are found in the lining of the colon and may also become cancerous over time if not removed on time.

When the DNA of healthy cells begins to change or mutate, it could become cancerous. Healthy cells usually grow and divide in order to keep the body functioning well.

When these healthy cells begin to change or mutate, they become cancerous and these cancerous cells then grow and divide in the body. The cancerous cells then invade other healthy tissues that are closed by.

When the cancerous cells invade other healthy tissues, they infect them and the healthy cells become cancerous too. These cancerous cells accumulate later on and form tumors. The cancerous tumors are known as cancer.

How to screen for colon cancer

Screening for colon cancer is known as colonoscopy. Older adults who are 50 and above are at higher risk of developing colon cancer. Colon cancer screening is recommended for individuals who are 50 and above. Colon cancer screening should be done every 10 years or before every 10 years depending on the health condition of the individual.

To screen for colon cancer, your doctor may take you through a series of tests to know if you are an ideal candidate for the procedure.

Usually, before you undergo the screening, you will be asked to;

Follow a special diet

Before you under colonoscopy screening, you may be asked by your doctor to follow a special diet. You may need to be taking clear liquids 1 to 3 days before the procedure.

You will be allowed to drink liquids such as lemon, gelatin, lime, plain coffee, apple juice, or white grape juice. On the night before the day of the screening, you will not be allowed to eat or drink anything in order to clear out your bowel and to ensure that there is little or no stool in your intestine.

Undergo a bowel prep

You may be required to take a laxative to pass out stools so as to clear out your bowel and intestine. Laxatives are usually given during the night and morning of the day of the procedure.

You will need to adjust your medications

Inform your doctor if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart problems. Also, inform your doctor if you have taken medications that contain iron in the previous weeks or a week before the procedure.

After you are clear to have the screening, on the day of the screening you will be sedated so you can feel relaxed and also reduce the pain. You will put on only a medical gown. Your doctor will ask you to lie down by your left side on the examination table. Your knees will be drawn towards your chest.

Your doctor will then insert a flexible tube known as a colonoscope long enough to reach the entire length of your colon through your rectum. A tiny camera is attached to the tip of the colonoscope and connected to a monitor. Your doctor is able to view the inside of your colon on the screen.

Your doctor will then pump air or carbon dioxide into your colon through the colonoscope. The reason why the air is pumped into your colon is so that the air can inflate your colon so that your doctor can see the inside of the colon more clearly.

Your doctor will then examine all parts of the colon for any abnormalities or infections. Your doctor may also remove some samples of tissues or polyps to check for any abnormalities or infections.

The screening usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes to be completed.

How much to do colon screening procedure

The cost of colon screen varies. Several factors affect the cost of the screening such as the type of medical center, state of health of the patient, location of the clinic, doctor’s fee, diagnosis fee, facility charges, and other related expenses.

Different medical centers perform colon screening in Dallas and they charges different amounts.

However, the average cost of Colon screening in Dallas TX ranges from $950 – $3,100.

How to avoid colon cancer

There are several ways you can avoid colon cancer. These include:

Periodic screening

To avoid colon cancer, it is recommended that you undergo periodic screening especially if you are a higher risk of developing it. If you are 50 and above or you have a family history of colon cancer, you should go for periodic screening for early detection and prevention.

Eat fruits, vegetables and whole grains

It is also recommended that you eat lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. This is because they contain vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants that are needed for the prevention of cancer.

Stop smoking

Smokers are at higher risk of developing colon cancer. It is highly recommended that you stop smoking if you do smoke in order not to develop colon cancer.

Stop alcohol or drink moderately

When you take excess of alcohol, you can develop colon cancer. Stop taking alcohol or take in moderate quantity to avoid colon cancer.

Exercises

Exercises are good for the general well-being and health of the body. Engaging in regular exercises help boost your immune system and prevent colon cancer.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle and reduce weight

Obesity is a health condition that could lead to colon cancer. You should lose excess weight if you are overweight to be free from developing colon cancer.

Seek medical advice

Seek medical advice if you have a higher risk of developing colon cancer. Discuss it with your doctor and seek advice on how to prevent colon cancer.

Seek medical advice if you have diabetes, inflammatory intestinal conditions, history of colorectal cancer or polyps. You should seek medical advice if you have a family history of colon cancer, or you are 50 years and above.

Best doctor for colon screening procedure in Dallas

There are different medical centers that perform colon screening in Dallas. However a particular medical center and specialist takes the lead.

Dr. Prashant Kedia is a therapeutic endoscopist and gastroenterologist in Dallas, Texas. He is a well-known, reliable and experienced gastroenterologist who specializes in endoscopic procedures.

He is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana. He graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine and went further to complete his residency in internal medicine from the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.

He didn’t stop there; he went on to complete a General Gastroenterology fellowship at the Icahn School of Medicine in Mount Sinai with an extra year of Advanced Endoscopy fellowship at Weill Cornell Medical Center.

Dr. Kedia has dedicated a better part of his life undergoing different studies to become a well-known Therapeutic Endoscopist. He serves in Dallas/Fort Worth area for over 4 years and has been serving for several years with an excellent track record.

He has performed thousands of complex endoscopic procedures with success recorded in all the procedures. As a recognition for his excellence, he was voted the best doctor in Dallas from 2016-2018 by D Magazine.

He is arguably the best doctor for colon screening in Dallas. He has a good track record for performing colonoscopy procedures devoid of risks or complications. He is passionate about his job and takes good care of all his patients.

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