Skip to main content

Colon Cancer Screening Specialist

Gastro Center of Maryland -  - Gastroenterologist

Gastro Center of Maryland

Board-certified gastroenterologists at the Gastro Center of Maryland, offer individualized treatment plans for colon cancer and other health conditions that affect the bowel. Gastro Center of Maryland offers services to patients who live in the greater DMV area. To schedule a consultation, call 410-290-6677 or book an appointment online today! 

Colon Cancer Screening Q & A

What is Involved in a colon cancer screening?

Colon cancer screening normally includes one or more of the following tests:

  • Fecal stool sample
  • Sigmoidoscopy
  • Colonoscopy
  • Virtual colonoscopy

The fecal stool sample involves testing a small sample of the patient's stool to check for blood or other abnormalities. Sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy involve the use of a long thin tube with an attached camera that is inserted into the rectum. The difference between these two tests is that the sigmoidoscopy only evaluates the left side of the colon while the colonoscopy evaluates the entire colon. A fecal stool sample or FIT test should be performed every year, while the other tests can be performed every 5-10 years.

Do polyps always indicate colon cancer?

Almost everyone has colon polyps at some point in their lives. Although the majority of reported colon cancers begin with a polyp, not all polyps will turn into cancer. Polyps can appear at almost any age and in any segment of the colon. Abnormal cells can develop throughout the colon. The growth of abnormal cells that grow within the lining of the colon wall can lead to cancer. As cells mutate and change, the risk of colorectal cancer increases. During a colonoscopy, any polyps discovered will be removed in an attempt to reduce the possible risk of colon cancer.

How is colon cancer treated?

Colon cancer is treated in many different ways. If the cancer is found in the earliest stages, a section of the colon may be removed. If the cancer is advanced, chemotherapy and radiation may be used to shrink the cancer prior to the surgery. Once the cancer has been removed, the doctor may choose to continue chemotherapy and radiation for a specified period of time to ensure the cancer is under control. The use of chemotherapy can also help to prevent cancer cells from spreading to other areas of the body. Eating a high fiber diet and scheduling colon cancer screening tests regularly will reduce a person's risk of colorectal cancer.

Custom testimonials


  • "Everyone at the office is wonderful"

    —Anne S.

  • "The Annapolis office was a delight to visit. Everyone answered my questions and calmed my fears. I have no problem with my doctor conducting my procedure in a few weeks."

    —GRETCHEN H.

  • "I have been happy with the staff and care I've received here so far satisfied with my overall experience"

    —BONNIE K.

  • "Highly recommend Dr. Rosenbloom. I went to see him with some concerns and had a ton of anxiety and fear. "

    —BRETT C.

  • "All of the staff are really nice and helpful. Colleen Abell is so easy to talk to, she listens to what you have to say and is determined to help with the any concerns ..."

    —CRISTINA R

  • "Dr. Rosenbloom is the best . He takes the time to listen and after suffering for 3 yrs going back and forth to my primary. Dr . Rosenbloom figured out exactly what I ..."

    —MICHELLE P

  • "Very friendly each and everyone is ready to help you at every step. I love going there."

    —ASHVIN S.

  • "Been a patient for about a year now. Dr. Castillo is fantastic, along with Colleen. She was very attentive to my concerns and showed a lot of compassion. Would highly ..."

    —ANGELA O.

  • "Friendly physician and nursing staff with great bedside manner. Couldn't be more pleased with the experience."

    —Dennis K.

  • "Great Staff awesome experience."

    —Mel S.

  • "From first contact when setting up the appointment to the appointment itself, I was welcomed with nothing less than professionalism, kindness, and had my mind put at ease in being able to trust the staff. The front desk was nice and friendly, the assistant who took my vitals and initial information was attentive, and Dr. Rosenbloom was amazing. He actually took his time to listen to my problems, conducted the start of a game plan with concerns and safety in mind at the front of everything, and was very easy to talk to. He made an effort to ensure I understood (I'm not a doctor, nor do I pretend to be when given medical terminology or information outside of what the average person would know), and he not only got that, but was respectful in his responses to the point where I felt like he was making sure we were on the same page without being condescending. I never once felt rushed during my appointment, and felt really great walking out. A good doctor in any field is hard to find these days, so don't pass one up when you find one. Dr. Rosenbloom is still one of the "good ones." I highly recommend him as a doctor and his office."

    —Courtney C.

  • "The doctor and nurses were very friendly and nice! I would totally recommend anyone to use their services!! ♥️ s/o to nurse Johanna* for her incredibly human treatment towards me since I was very nervous and afraid"

    —Jimena C.

  • "Wonderful from the Dr to the staff perfect."

    —Jackie G.

  • "I was very pleased with the services. You were all very nice. The office was so easy to get to and it is nice and clean."

    —Ann R.

  • "Dr. Prakash was great! Extremely knowledgeable and took her time to share information and answer questions. Nurses, office personnel, and staff were very kind and knowledgeable as well.."

    —Mary T.

  • "I loved it there. Everyone was very friendly and professional the most pleasant experienced I’ve ever had."

    —Copeland S.

  • "A carrying staff that search for way to solve your health problems. You are treated as a family member not as just another patient. They are incredible at seeing you at your appointment time."

    —Larry G.

  • "I was very satisfied with the help that I received, the kind people, personalities and service from Gastro Center Of Maryland!"

    —Stanley H.

 OUR LOCATIONS

Choose your preferred location

 

<

Annapolis

1419 Forest Drive, Suite 105, Annapolis, MD 21403

410-290-6677

LEARN MORE

Columbia

7120 Minstrel Way, Suite #100 & #211, Columbia, MD 21045

7130 Minstrel Way, Suite #217, Columbia, MD 21045

410-290-6677

LEARN MORE

Gaithersburg

501 N Frederick Ave, Suite 204, Gaithersburg, MD 20877

410-290-6677

LEARN MORE

Olney

3407 Olandwood Court, Suite #102, Olney, MD 20832

410-290-6677

LEARN MORE

Riverdale

6502 Kenilworth Avenue, Suite #100, Riverdale, MD 20737

410-290-6677

LEARN MORE

Timonium / Lutherville

1212 York Rd, Suite B201, Lutherville, MD 21093

410-290-6677

LEARN MORE