August 2021

Having chronic back pain can mean many things, but the most common one is herniated disks. When such a case arises, you may need to see a Roswell spine surgery specialist to determine which disks separate the bones in your spine.

After a successful surgery, you may want to know how to take care of your body while you recover. If this describes you, here are some facts the Apex Spine and Neurosurgery team would like to share.

How to recover at home from surgery?

For faster recovery, here are some things you need to consider:

1. Pain management.

After your surgery, your nurse or doctor might prescribe pain medications. Ensure you follow their instructions and call in refills on time. If your current medication is not controlling your pain, ask your doctor to readjust your doses or prescribe other potent drugs. Your doctor will also teach you how to administer non-drug pain relief treatments like moist heat, mild exercises, and repositioning.

2. Know when to call your surgeon.

During your recovery, you may experience a runny stomach, fever, excessive draining from the opening of your incision. When that happens, ensure you call your surgeon immediately.

3. Eat healthily.

You already know that healthy eating allows your cells to work behind the scenes and promote your recovery. Eating foods rich in fiber and vitamins should be taken into consideration after surgery.  Avoid eating high-calorie or fattening foods even if tempted. You will have all the time to eat them once you recover.

4. Follow bathing and incision care as instructed by your doctor.

Bathing can be an excellent way to eliminate sweat and dirt from your body. However, your doctor may want you to follow a strict bathing and incision care protocol. The last thing you need is to get an infection because of soap and water. Avoid tub baths for at least four days until your incision has fully healed.

5. Limit your movements.

While you may want to stay active, the time to rest is after you leave the hospital. Avoid any activity that involves lifting, bending, or twisting. Until your incision is healed fully from surgery, you should avoid sitting or standing for too long.

6. Seek help from your loved ones.

If you stay alone, ask a friend or family member to assist you with house chores. If you feel any pain or have excessive discharge from the incision opening, avoid engaging in any tasks that might delay your recovery.

See a spine surgeon for professional advice.

Having a spinal condition can affect your quality of life in so many ways. But when you get proper treatment, you can go back to your life routine in no time. If you recently had your surgery, these six tips can speed up your recovery process. To learn more about spine surgery procedures, schedule a consultation with your surgeon today.

Neurological movement and sleep disorders can significantly impact a wide range of life aspects. These include restricting mobility, impact communication, poor coordination, muscle weakness, and many more. Integrated Neurology Services’ compassionate board-certified neurologists aim to offer thorough diagnosis and treatment of neurological movement and sleep problems to women and men. The practice serves patients across four convenient locations: Falls Church, Reston, Alexandria, and Lorton, Virginia. For exceptional Alexandria neurology care, contact Integrated Neurology Services today through mobile or schedule a consultation online.

About Providers

The staff at Integrated Neurology Services utilizes a holistic and multidisciplinary approach to patient care. They seek to be the ‘one-stop shop’ for all patients by providing a broader range of services than their competitors. The practitioners are experts in various fields, including neurology, electrodiagnostic medicine, pain medicine, and more. The supporting staff consists of a certified nurse practitioner, physician assistant, and clinical research coordinator.

Although technology is a vital component in quality healthcare, it is the providers that make the practice outstanding. Every team member at Integrated Neurology Services strives to enhance their patients’ overall health and life quality. After an in-depth initial assessment, the team creates personalized treatment regimens to alleviate symptoms and increase overall well-being.

They accept most major insurance plans. Before you visit the practice, quickly and conveniently access patient forms from the practice. And in case you have any queries or concerns about Integrated Neurology Services, you are free to ask. The providers are always available to respond.

What Services Does Integrated Neurology Services Provide?

Integrated Neurology Services incorporates the most advanced technologies and utilizes cutting-edge treatment techniques to ensure that patients enjoy the best services possible. Some of the procedures administered include electromyography (EMG), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), electroencephalograms (EEG), telemedicine, as well as Botox® care for migraines. On-site, there is also a non-chemo infusion facility whereby patients can get Baclofen pump therapy.

Integrated Neurology Services also provides comprehensive diagnosis and care plans for numerous neurological concerns, including:

o   Dementia

o   Multiple sclerosis

o   Parkinson’s disease

o   Neuromuscular disease

o   Concussions

o   Dizziness

o   Stroke

o   Migraine

o   Cerebral palsy

o   Spasticity

o   Epilepsy

o   Neuromuscular disease

However, this is only the tip of the iceberg because the providers also work with patients to treat sleep disorders, immunological problems, and movement abnormalities. To determine if you are the right candidate for care, schedule an initial consultation with your preferred provider.

Testimonials & Reviews

Integrated Neurology Services always values reviews from their trusted patients. They have collected a total of 131 reviews with an average rating of 4.88 out of 5 stars to date. To see what other patients are saying about the practice, visit the facility’s website today.

Integrated Neurology Services is a state-of-the-art facility host to some of Virginia’s best neurology and sleep specialists. Do not let any neurological disorder impact your health and wellness. Take action towards improving your health today! Call the nearest Integrated Neurology Services office or use the online booking tool to request an appointment today.

Most people fear dental implants on the misconception that they are painful or that the implant material will react with the body. On the contrary, the dental implants procedure is done under local anesthesia and is an excellent replacement for your tooth. Specialists perform Westfield implants for individuals looking forward to restoring their teeth’ functions. Before you consider dental implants, there are several things you need to know. Here are your questions on dental implants answered:

What Is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is an artificial tooth made that is screwed into your jawbone through a minor surgical procedure. It replaces a lost tooth, and the bone forms a firm bond and a basis for dentures. The dental implants include the implant body inserted into the jawbone and the abutment parts that act as the holding structure for the prostheses or the crown.  

How Does One Prepare for an Implant?

Before the main procedure, you will need to book an appointment with your dentist for consultation and assessment. First, the specialist analyzes your mouth and jaw structure. They also look at the condition of the gums, face, nose, throat, and ears before recommending an implant. A compressive test also includes X-rays and 3D images. Finally, your medical history is assessed, and the doctor prepares a treatment program depending on the condition of the teeth and jawbone.

What Should One Expect From the Procedure?

The surgery involves removing the damaged tooth and preparing your jawbone for implantation. Bone grafting may be necessary, depending on the condition of the jawbone. Subsequent procedures include placement of the dental implant and then, you will go home and wait for the bone to heal. Another appointment will follow, after which the abutment is placed on the artificial root. The process ends with dental crown placement. The process lasts several months, and the recovery process varies among individuals.

What Are the Risks of Dental Implants?

Dental implants involve a minor surgery; however, like any operation, there are some risks. For example, the surgery site can have an infection, affecting the surrounding tissues and teeth. Also, there can be a risk of nerve damage which can lead to numbness. Likewise, you can expect a few side effects depending on the implant stage. Some of the most common complications include swelling of the face and gums and redness on the skin. Also, you may experience some pain around the treatment area and some minor bleeding. Your doctor prescribes pain medication and antibiotics to treat the infection.  

Are There Chances of Failure?

Dental implants have been around for many decades, and there have been success stories. However, your bone may fail to fuse with the implant due to underlying factors. When this happens, your doctor can remove the implant and retry it after around three months. However, it is essential to take care of your implant through proper dental hygiene and visiting your dentist for follow-ups. Also, refrain from bad dental habits such as smoking and chewing hard objects.

Dental implants are restoration procedures to a damaged or missing tooth. If you need dental implants, contact the professionals at Dental Studios for the assessment and commencement of your journey to a beautiful smile.

Your body goes through various changes during pregnancy. Therefore, it is essential to ensure you get the compassionate support you require throughout pregnancy and delivery by ensuring you attend all antenatal visits and give birth in a hospital. Health care providers like Dr. Albert Scott are focused on ensuring you receive the prenatal support, screening, and health education that will guide you through the journey to safe motherhood.

What is involved in pregnancy care?

Typically, pregnancy care does not only involve support and screening. During those nine months, preconception counseling helps your body be in good shape and makes it possible for you to conceive. It is also the time during which you discuss more genetic and fertility testing.

Pregnancy care after conception consists of standard prenatal screening and visits. During this time, the health care team ensures that you and your baby are healthy and that the fetus is developing appropriately. The team also helps you carry out and come up with a birth plan. The expert obstetrics specialists are also present to assist you if you begin experiencing some complications such as premature labor. The health care providers also provide postnatal care after delivery to ensure that you are healing correctly and that you and your baby are emotionally and physically stable. Similarly, the mother is also taught how to breastfeed the baby properly, and any questions she might have concerning the same are answered.

What should I expect during prenatal care?

In most cases, prenatal care includes a variety of services tailored towards your specific pregnancy. Therefore, you can benefit from this supportive and quality prenatal care, irrespective of whether it is your first or fifth pregnancy. It ensures you and your baby remain healthy for the nine months of gestation. Prenatal care involves regular checkups, treatment of common pregnancy illnesses, nutritional support, pregnancy problems and complications, screening tests for both the mother and the baby, and labor and delivery counseling and support.

Prenatal visits are usually scheduled once every month for the first twenty-eight weeks, once every two weeks for pregnancies between twenty-eight to thirty-six weeks, and once a week from thirty-six weeks till term. However, the prenatal visits may vary from one individual to another depending on your particular pregnancy and if you are at a higher risk of developing complications.

What is a high-risk pregnancy?

When the mother or the baby is at a higher risk of developing complications during pregnancy, the pregnancy is referred to as a high-risk pregnancy. Some of the concerns that can put your pregnancy at risk include multiple fetuses, health problems involving the baby, maternal age over 34 or under 18 years, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and maternal health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, or lupus. Therefore if your pregnancy is considered high-risk, you are required to have more antenatal visits.

Therefore, if you require quality pregnancy care, call or visit Dekalb Women’s Specialist today. Services will be provided irrespective of if you are planning to conceive or you are already pregnant.

Fine lines and wrinkles can have you wallowing in self-disbelief. However, you do not need to avoid looking at the mirror or posing for photos at will. You can improve your appreciation for your face with proven treatments. Suppose you’ve considered Westfield Botox; contact the experts at Genesis Orthopaedic and Spine and explore the available options to make your skin glow.

What is Botox?

Botox is the most significant innovation in aesthetic medicine. It comes in the form of injections that your practitioner carefully administers by certain lines and wrinkles on your face. The treatment causes the lines to fade or disappear for four months.

Although you may have folds and wrinkles that need smoothing, Botox focuses on dynamic wrinkles that occur and intensify over time with continuous facial expressions and movements. They include:

• Crow’s feet
• Forehead lines
• Frown lines
• Creasing around the lips

After the results disappear and your wrinkles return, you should schedule another consultation with Genesis Regenerative Sports and Aesthetic Medicine for additional injections if Botox’s natural appearance was pleasing to you.

How Does Botox Work?

Botox injections have a specific type of natural toxin that temporarily blocks your muscles from receiving the nerve signals telling them to flex. Despite them freezing the muscles that contribute to dynamic wrinkle formation, Botox injections will not freeze your whole face. As a result, you can continue smiling, raising your eyebrows, frowning, and expressing yourself conveniently.

What Aesthetic Treatments Can I Get Alongside Botox?

Your providers at Genesis Regenerative Sports and Aesthetic Medicine pride in making you look your best and appreciate your look. In this regard, they provide several other aesthetic treatment alternatives in addition to Botox. Depending on the changes you desire, they may recommend:

• Chemical Peels

Chemical peels refer to a facial treatment procedure that removes your skin’s surface layer and most of the blemishes you see when looking at the mirror. After a chemical peel, your skin will feel smooth and appear more radiant.

• Juvéderm®

Juvéderm is a type of injectable dermal filler that fights facial volume loss. It plumps your cheeks and lips and evens out minor wrinkles and lines.

• Dermaplaning

During a dermaplaning appointment, your specialist applies a fine blade to shave away dead skin cells and fine peach fuzz hairs on your skin’s surface.

• PRP Microneedling

Microneedling is a unique skin treatment procedure that uses minor injuries to stimulate your skin’s natural healing response. It facilitates smoother skin with fewer lines. You can get PRP Microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) applied to your skin, known as a PRP facial, for better results.

Other Services

Genesis Regenerative Sports and Aesthetic Medicine offer more than Botox. Other quality treatments available at the practice include:

• Achilles tendon
• Arthritis
• Back pain
• Carpal tunnel
• Concussion
• Hip pain
• Knee pain
• Labrum tear
• Meniscus tear
• Neck pain
• Orthopedics
• Regenerative medicine
• Rotator cuff tear
• Spinal cord stimulator
• Sports injuries
• Tendinitis
• Tennis elbow
• Weight loss

Bottom Line

A smooth face will boost your confidence and have you ready to face the next day with determination. If wrinkles and fine lines affect your appearance, a Botox treatment from Genesis Orthopaedic and Spine can guarantee the relief you need. Request your appointment by phone or online today.

As a journey, menopause is distinct for every woman. However, despite the disparities in the magnitude of hot flashes, nearly all women develop vaginal atrophy after menopause.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     The Women’s Healthcare Physicians at Women’s Healthcare Physicians of Naples understand that women face identical health risks linked to low estrogen. For exceptional service delivery, schedule your appointment with the experts today.

When Does Menopause Appear?

Before menopause, your ovaries begin to generate less estrogen. During this era, called perimenopause, menstrual cycles usually start to shift, although, for every woman, change is diverse. It may take longer or shorter for your monthly cycle, times may be irregular, and your blood flow may be lighter or heavier.

Menopause happens when your ovaries stop releasing estrogen so that your menstruation also stops. The typical menopause age is 51. However, it may occur in your 40s or 50s                                                                                   What Are the Symptoms of Menopause?

Some women have few symptoms, some experience moderate hot flashes. Menopause symptoms are so severe for many women that they disrupt a good night’s sleep and disturb everyday activities.

Classical signs of menopause can develop during perimenopause and remain far after menopause. They include:

•   Mood changes.
•   Low sex drive.
•   Vaginal dryness.
•   Difficult or frequent urination.
•   Painful intercourse.
•   Hot flashes and night sweats.

What Is the Effect of Estrogen Loss on Health?

Estrogen impacts many elements of your body, from hair, immune, to fat tissue, and colon. It controls the metabolism of the bone, helps keep tissues like the blood and vagina elastic, and protects your skin by increasing moisture and reducing collagen loss.

You are at greater risk of the following health problems if you lose estrogen during menopause:

•   Heart disease.
•   Hair loss.
•   Urinary incontinence.
•   Aging skin (wrinkles, dry skin).
•   Vaginal atrophy (thinning, drying, inflammation of vaginal walls).
•   Bone loss and osteoporosis.

How Hormone Replacement Therapy Helps

Restoration of normal hormone levels is the most effective approach to end menopause symptoms and prevent health issues. Despite its efficacy, many women have questions and worries regarding the security of hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Would you please not hesitate to arrange an appointment with the Women’s Healthcare Physicians of Naples? They can answer your questions to evaluate whether HRT is the right decision for you, as well as your medical history. For most women, HRT is safe when the amount and type of hormone are tailored to individual needs.

Hormone replacement therapy is possible in different forms, including oral tablets, skin patches,  injections, cream, vaginal rings, and topical creams.

Available Services

In addition to menopause care, new and existing patients are welcome at Women’s Healthcare Physicians of Naples to receive various other treatments. You can schedule an appointment to receive therapies such as:

•   MonaLisa Touch.
•   Contraception.
•   Minimally invasive surgery.
•   Annual well-woman exams.
•   Endometriosis.
•   Family planning.
•   Fibroids.
•   Weight loss management.
•   Transvaginal ultrasound.
•   Pelvic organ prolapse.
•   Prenatal care and delivery.
•   HPV.
•   Botox.
•   Ultrasound.

Bottom Line

Menopause is a stage that is bound to come for every woman. In such times, having a trustworthy provider guarantees a smoother transition and overall wellness. Contact Women’s Healthcare Physicians of Naples to have the most of your treatment. Call today, or schedule an appointment using the online scheduler.

If you have signs of heart problems or are at risk of developing, your doctor may recommend tests to check how your heart is working. One of the tests is the use of an echocardiogram. This kind of test uses sound waves to create images of your heart. It is a noninvasive test where your specialist moves a special instrument called a transducer across your chest to take images of your heart. If you are looking to find accurate echocardiograms in the Upper East Side to provide a true picture of your heart condition, here is what you need to know.

How Is an Echocardiogram Carried Out?

There are several procedures you can undergo. This depends on the type of echocardiogram as stated below:

Transthoracic Echocardiogram

If your doctor recommends a transthoracic echocardiogram, your specialist may apply the gel on your chest. Then a transducer is moved on your chest to see various images of your heart. During this procedure, you may be asked to change to several positions or take a deep breath; the transducer might be pressed on your chest to obtain clear images.

Transesophageal Echocardiogram

If your doctor needs clearer or more detailed photos than what the transthoracic echocardiogram produced, they may carry out a transesophageal echocardiogram. During this exam, you may receive some sedatives to relax muscles in your throat and numb the gag reflex. When the sedative is effective, your doctor will pass a transducer using a long tube down your esophagus until it reaches the back of your heart. Your doctor will record images of the heart as the transducer is moved around the esophagus.

Why Would My Doctor Do an Echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram might be part of a routine check-up, or your doctor may recommend it if you have symptoms that may indicate heart problems. They may include:

•   Chest pain.
•   Difficulty in breathing.
•   Dizziness.
•   Abnormal fatigue.
•   Lightheadedness.
•   Fainting.
•   A strong or change in a heart murmur.

Will I Need Other Tests After Going Through an Echocardiogram?

If they suspect you have coronary artery disease, your doctor may recommend imaging such as a nuclear stress test, stress echocardiogram, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), or coronary CT angiography.

What Does an Abnormal Result Look Like After an Echocardiogram? 

An abnormal result from this test may include:

•   Blood clots in the heart- Blood clots in any heart chambers occur due to atrial fibrillation.
•   Too thin or thick heart walls or too large chambers- This might signify a decreased blood flow to the heart or swelling in the heart’s walls.
•   One or more valves are not closing or opening correctly- This might indicate a heart valve disease which may destroy the heart muscles.
•   Pericardial effusion- The presence of fluid in the sac around the heart puts extra pressure on the heart, thus preventing normal pumping.

An echocardiogram only reveals what is happening in and around your heart and not why it is happening. If your doctor identifies any abnormality, they can tailor a treatment plan depending on your needs. Your doctor may also use this process to find other possible risks and give the appropriate advice. Ensure that you follow your doctor’s instructions after an echocardiogram. Contact your doctor for help if you notice any unusual changes. To avoid the risks of heart disease, book an appointment with your specialist at Upper East Side Cardiology.

Millions of women of childbearing age struggle with infertility and find it difficult to get pregnant or carry a pregnancy to full term. Infertility may occur if you have problems with ovulation or due to medical conditions such as endometriosis. Fortunately, there are different treatments for Houston Infertility that your doctor may recommend depending on the cause of your infertility.

What causes infertility in women?

Damage to fallopian tubes

The sperm needs to get to an egg for fertilization to take place. However, blocked or damaged fallopian tubes hinder fertilization by preventing the sperm from getting to the egg and blocking the passage of a fertilized egg into the uterus. Different causes for damage or blockage in the fallopian tube include:

•         Sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea and chlamydia may result in an infection of the fallopian tubes and uterus.
•         Pelvic tuberculosis. Most tubal infertility is caused by this condition which is less common in America.
•         Previous surgery in your abdomen. An example is during ectopic pregnancy when a fertilized egg develops in the fallopian tube instead of the uterus.

Fibroids

These are non-cancerous growths or tumors in the uterus lining and may vary in size and positioning. You may develop very tiny growths or significant ones that result in a bulge in your lower abdomen. Most people with fibroids experience heavy menstrual bleeding. Fibroids may interfere with the implantation of a fertilized egg and put you at a higher risk of a miscarriage. Your doctor may recommend treatment, including uterine artery embolization, to increase your chances of getting pregnant.

Endometriosis

This condition occurs when tissue in the uterus lining grows in other places, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvis. The extra tissue may cause scarring and irritation, which may block the fallopian tube. Endometriosis may also inhibit the implantation of a fertilized egg. If you have endometriosis, you may experience various symptoms, for example, pain during sexual intercourse, spotting, heavy menstrual bleeding, and pelvic pain. However, some people may have endometriosis and fail to have any symptoms. If you have this condition, your specialist may surgically remove the scar tissue or open your fallopian tubes to treat this condition and improve your chances of getting pregnant.

What are the risk factors for women’s infertility?

While these medical conditions may cause infertility, it is essential to note that other factors may increase your risk for infertility. For example:

•  Fertility decreases as you advance in age and may be difficult to conceive from mid-thirties and onwards as the rate of follicle loss increases and the quality of the eggs become poor.
• Smoking prematurely ages your ovaries and depletes your eggs. It also damages the fallopian tubes and cervix and increases your risk for an ectopic pregnancy or a miscarriage.
• Being obese or significantly underweight puts you at risk for a miscarriage. If you are overweight, your doctor may recommend that you engage in physical exercise to lose excess weight and maintain a healthy body mass index (BMI).

Infertility does not mean you cannot get pregnant. If you have tried to get pregnant for at least one year with no success, reserve a session with your doctor at Memorial Women’s Specialists for treatment to increase your likelihood of getting pregnant.

Deciding on the contraception form you want to use is a personal decision. However, you need to balance each method’s pros and cons to know whether the one you choose will best suit your unique needs. The good news with Forest Hills birth control methods is, you will not use a form without the medical professionals helping you weigh your options. Your doctor will counsel and advise you on a method that best suits your family planning needs.

What should you consider before choosing a birth control form?

Choosing the best birth control form can be challenging because of the variety of options available. Therefore, go for an option that you will use consistently and comfortably as a couple. Other considerations you may also look out for in the contraception form include:

•         Effectiveness of the method
•         Convenience
•         Do you use the contraceptive form daily?
•         Will you be able to get pregnant after you stop using it?
•         Does the form have potential complications?
•         Will the method protect you against STIs?
•         Does the method fit your lifestyle?
•         Do you have particular health conditions?

What are the contraception methods you might have?

There are various birth control categories, each method working differently to prevent fertilization from taking place. You should know that most contraception methods may not protect you against STIs. However, if you want prevention from STIs, your doctor may recommend condoms in combination with another contraception method.

Therefore, the categories of birth control methods include:

•         Short-term hormonal contraception

Hormonal contraception methods adjust your progestin and estrogen levels, making it difficult for you to get pregnant. Examples of hormonal contraception forms include daily birth control pills, hormonal patches you may need to replace weekly, and a shot or vaginal ring you may need every month. However, you cannot use such methods without a prescription from your healthcare provider.

•         Long-term contraception

Long-term birth control might be your best option when looking for a lasting, effective solution without maintenance. Your options in such an instance might be an implant your doctor will implant in your arm or an IUD in your uterus. While the implant works by adjusting progestin levels, copper IUDs prevent the sperm from fertilizing your eggs.

•         Permanent contraception

Your doctor might suggest permanent birth control methods if you are not considering having children in the future. While these methods do not interfere with your hormonal levels, you will not be able to get pregnant.

•         One-time barrier contraception

A one-time barrier contraception form does not require a prescription. As such, the forms are available in stores. Though the forms prevent fertilization from taking place, each form works differently to ensure success. However, your doctor might suggest you use a one-time barrier contraception form with another method for effectiveness. 

•         Emergency contraception 

Emergency forms are most applicable when you are having sex without a birth control plan. However, you must use the form as soon as you should for effectiveness. While some methods might prevent pregnancy within three days of unprotected sex, others might minimize your chances of getting pregnant within five days after unprotected sex. 

Though most contraception methods effectively prevent unexpected pregnancies, go for an option you can use correctly and consistently. Schedule an appointment with your doctor for birth control counseling services before settling on a contraception method.

Colon cancer is commonly linked with age. Regardless, this condition continues to increase among younger individuals. You will need timely intervention to realize relief. If you are looking for efficient Flemington colon cancer care, contact Hunterdon Hematology Oncology, LLC to benefit from innovative therapies.

Causes of Colon Cancer

Colon cancer usually starts as a polyp growing in the colon’s lining (large intestine) or rectum. Although polyps are not dangerous when they first appear, their DNA can change over time, resulting in abnormal cells that grow into colon cancer.

Is Colon Cancer Preventable?

A screening colonoscopy can help you avoid most colon cancers. A slender, flexible tube is inserted through your rectum, advancing to the end of your large intestine during a colonoscopy. The scope has a video camera that sends images to a monitor, allowing your doctor to examine and analyze the lining of your colon.

If your doctor discovers any polyps, they will remove the mass and send it to a lab to determine its cancer. Polyp removal keeps colon cancer from developing. If cancer has already formed, removing the polyp cures the disease and prevents its spreading.

Colon Cancer Symptoms

Colon cancer rarely causes symptoms in its early stages. However, as the tumor grows or spreads, you may experience:

•       Bright red blood in your stool
•       Abdominal pain
•       Changes in your bowel habits
•       Fatigue
•       Feeling bloated
•       Unexplained weight loss
•       A dark, tarry stool

Changes in bowel habits may indicate constipation, diarrhea, narrow stools, or a difference in stool consistency.

Is there Treatment for Colon Cancer?

The initial step is to remove the tumor when treating colon cancer. Your viable surgery type is determined by the extent of the cancer and its location in the colon. A colonoscopy may be the most effective treatment in the early stages.

While removing all cancer by a colonoscopy is impossible, a colectomy can be necessary to extract part or all of the gut along with the nearby lymph nodes. Hunterdon Hematology Oncology, LLC may use radiation therapy to reduce the tumor before surgery and to eradicate any cancer cells that remain after surgery. Radiation and chemical therapy may be their primary treatment for patients who are not good candidates for surgery.

Hunterdon Hematology Oncology, LLC specializes in advanced colon cancer therapies in addition to radiation oncology and chemotherapy infusion.

Targeted Treatment

When chemotherapy fails to work, targeted medications may be an alternative. These drugs may inhibit the formation of blood vessels in the tumor or reduce growth factors. Tumor development slows or ceases in both circumstances.

Immunotherapy

Cancer cells can activate checkpoints, which prevent your immune system from attacking cancer. Immunotherapy drugs work by targeting these checkpoints and restoring your immune response, allowing your body to fight cancer.

Clinical Trials

Hunterdon Hematology Oncology, LLC also conducts clinical trials, which may provide you with access to new cancer treatments.

What Other Services Can I Receive for Colon Cancer?

In the office, Hunterdon Hematology Oncology, LLC provides a wide range of services, including:

•       Pharmacy
•       Dietary counseling
•       Family risk assessment
•       Lab work
•       Scalp-cooling treatment to prevent hair loss during chemotherapy
•       Counseling for patients, families, and caregivers

For more information, diagnosis, and treatment of colon cancer, call Hunterdon Hematology Oncology, LLC, or book an appointment online.