Colonoscopy
A test that allows your doctor to look at the inner lining of your large intestine (rectum and colon). Dr. Moskowitz uses a thin, flexible tube called a colonoscope to look at the colon. The procedure helps find ulcers, colon polyps, tumors, and areas of inflammation or bleeding.
Screening for Colon and Rectal Cancer
Colon cancer is the #2 cancer killer. Both men and women are at equal risk, and 1 in 20 will be affected by the disease. Risk factors include smoking, eating red and processed meat, lack or exercise, and excess body weight.
Colon cancer screenings should begin at age 50. However, people with a family history of colon cancer are at a higher risk and should begin screening at a younger age.
Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that may affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from mouth to anus. Signs and symptoms often include abdominal pain, diarrhea (which may be bloody if inflammation is severe), fever, and weight loss.
Crohn's disease is caused by a combination of environmental, immune and bacterial factors in genetically susceptible individuals. It results in a chronic inflammatory disorder.
Ulcerative colitis is a long term condition that results in inflammation and ulcers of the colon and rectum. The primary symptom of active disease is abdominal pain and diarrhea mixed with blood. Weight loss, fever, and anemia may also occur. Symptoms typically occur intermittently with periods of no symptoms between flares.
Ulcerative Colitis
A break or tear in the skin of the anal canal. Symptoms may include bright red anal bleeding on toilet paper, sometimes in the toilet. If acute they may cause pain after defecation but with chronic fissures pain intensity is often less.