Dr. Pia Prakash, Dr. Josh Rosenbloom, Dr. Eduardo Castillo, and Dr. Dado Xu are Board Certified physicians serving patients throughout Maryland from their two convenient locations in Columbia and Olney. Gastro Center of Maryland offers individualized treatment plans for colon cancer and other health conditions that affect the bowel.
Colon cancer screening normally includes one or more of the following tests:
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.
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.
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.
At Gastro Center of Maryland, we accept most major insurance plans. Here is a short-list of just some of the most popular plans we accept.
Click HERE for the Full Insurance List, or contact our office if you do not see your insurance provider listed.
"Dr. Rai is one of the best doctors that I have ever met and the best gastroenterologist I have ever known. He has excellent bedside manners."
"Everyone was great and made me feel very safe and comfortable throughout. Safety was their primary concern. Cathy my nurse did a great job"
"Great treatment I wish all doctor offices were like this one. The nurses were great and dr was great. I truly can't say enough about this office..."
"Professional staff. They follow up with results. Appointments are always on time. Never a delay."
"Dr. Rai is one of the best doctors that I have ever met and the best gastroenterologist I have ever known. He has excellent bedside manners..."
"Professional staff. They follow up with results. Appointments are always on time. Never a delay."
"Great treatment I wish all doctor offices were like this one. The nurses were great and dr was great. I truly can't say enough about this office..."
