If you are searching “Katy Texas colorectal cancer screening,” then contact the clinic of Dr. James Maher. He is a highly experienced gastroenterologist who has more than 30 years of experience in the field. Gastroenterology is the study of conditions in the digestive system or gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
The GI tract contains the esophagus, stomach, liver, gallbladder, small intestines, colon, rectum, and more. These organs and parts help play a role in the digestive system’s three jobs: digest food, absorb nutrients and remove waste from the body. When a condition affects this system, it can have the ability to affect the entire body.
Dr. Maher has great experiencing diagnosing and treating conditions in the GI tract. He started his career at the University of Michigan. Once he graduated from there, Dr. Maher moved to Virginia to attend the Medical College of Virginia for an accelerated program. After graduating, Dr. Maher moved to California to complete his education.
While in California, Dr. Maher attended the University of California-Irvine for his Internal Medicine residency. Then, he went to the University of Southern California for a one-year fellowship in hepatology. Finally, he finished his education back at the University of California-Irvine with a two-year fellowship in gastroenterology.
Since then, Dr. Maher has become a board-certified gastroenterologist and has treated al kinds of conditions. With more than 30 years of experience, Dr. Maher is the specialist for the job. He truly cares about his patients because he believes educating them is one of the most important aspects of his job. Moreover, he considers all treatment options before moving forward with his patients. This allows him to provide the best care possible.
What is colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer is a term used for when cancer forms in the rectum or colon (large intestine). These types of cancer are simply known as rectal cancer and colon cancer. Often times, colorectal cancer starts in the lining of the large intestine called polyps. These polyps may be identified early and removed, but it varies. It also depends on if the polyp is cancerous or not as they are not always. There are risk factors of determining the chance of a polyp being cancerous:
- the polyp is larger than 1 cm
- more than two polyps are found
- when dysplasia is seen when a polyp is removed
Those over the age of 50 are more likely to develop colorectal cancer. That is why it is important to receive annual screenings. These screenings can be performed by Dr. Maher as he has several years of experience in the field.
Rectal Cancer
Rectal cancer is cancer that appears in the rectum. The rectum is approximately five inches long, and its purpose is to pass stool. Typically, the rectum is empty until a bowel movement must occur. Rectal cancer and colon cancer are relatively similar, but their treatment options are drastically different.
Common rectal cancer symptoms include the following:
- change in bowel movements; diarrhea, constipation, greater frequency
- unexplained weight loss
- fatigue
- narrow stool
- a feeling your bowel does not completely empty
- abdominal pain
- dark or bright red blood in the stool
In general, cancer is caused when a cell experienced a mutation in its DNA. That cell continues to replicate and starts to form a tumor or polyp. These cancer cells are capable of spreading and invading healthy cells. It is unclear as to why the mutations occur in rectum cells. Research has yet to determine why this type of cancer occurs.
Primarily, rectal cancer is treated with a combination of therapies. In some cases, surgery can occur, but this is rare due to the small area of the rectum. If your doctor believes surgery may damage nearby organs and tissue, then therapy is the best option.
Colon Cancer
Colon cancer can affect anyone at any age, but older adults are at a higher risk. Typically, this type of cancer starts out as a small collection of noncancerous cells known as polyps. Over time, polyps can become cancerous. That is why gastroenterologists suggest annual screenings of colon cancer. A colonoscopy is a type of screening you need.
A colonoscopy can be performed by Dr. Maher at his Katy, Texas, clinic. This procedure is performed by using a flexible tube with a camera on the end. Dr. Maher will insert the tube into the rectum until it reaches the colon. From there, he can take samples of the polyps so they can be tested later.
Common symptoms of colon cancer include the following:
- a persistent change in bowel movements
- rectal bleeding
- blood within the stool
- fatigue
- unexplained weight loss
- abdominal discomfort
Most experience little to no symptoms of colon cancer starting out. It isn’t until later stages when the disease starts to show signs. Of course, this varies on each patient, the size of cancer, and the location.
As aforementioned, colon cancer is similar to rectal cancer, but they are treated completely differently. Colon cancer is usually treated with surgery, unlike rectal cancer. Early colon cancer can be removed with minimally invasive procedures such as polypectomy.
Advanced stages of colon cancer may also be treated with surgery. A partial colectomy is a procedure that removes part of the colon that contains cancer. In this case, the surgeon should be able to connect the colon to the rectum and is usually minimally invasive.
Katy Texas Colorectal Cancer Screening
Colorectal cancer is a serious condition. You should consider screenings for it annually if you are over the age of 50. This will help maintain your health and spot any potential polyps or tumors. Dr. Maher can perform your annual screenings with ease. He has more than 30 years of experience in the field of gastroenterology. The services he offers provide patients the care they need.
So, stop searching “Katy Texas colorectal cancer screening” and start calling Dr. Maher’s clinic. You can reach his clinic by calling (281) 945-5190. His team will work with you to schedule an appointment. Then, you can visit his clinic for the screenings you need. Dr. Maher truly cares about his patients. Now you can stop searching “Katy Texas Colorectal Cancer Screening” and start calling!
Fun Facts about Katy
- The Name Katy comes from the “K-T Railroad” that runs through the city.
- Hundreds of geese and wild birds would migrate to Katy TX each year. There are many statues of geese around Katy.
- Katy first held its continuing annual Rice Festival in 1981.
- Find more facts about Katy here.