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2011-05-01 15:19:00

Colon cancer is common but mostly preventable

Question: What can you tell me about colon cancer?

Answer: Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, but it is “one of the most curable cancers, if detected early” says Dr. Joseph Lebovic, a much respected, diagnostic radiologist in Beverly Hills and Santa Monica. Adults aged 50 and over should definitely be screened for colon cancer, and patients with a specific family history may need screening at an earlier age. In the past, colon cancer screening meant undergoing an “Optical Colonoscopy” (OC for short). OC is an invasive procedure that requires anesthesia and can have potential complications such as perforation of the colon (1 out of 700 to 1000 studies), bleeding or infection (Hepatitis B & C). Since anesthesia is required for OC exam, there can be a risk of a drop in blood pressure and arrhythmias. What most patients dread above all is the preparation the day before the procedure, namely having to swallow 128 fluid ounces (one gallon) of a clear, unappealing liquid. A newer screening exam called “Virtual Colonoscopy” (VC for short) is a non-invasive exam and therefore avoids the above mentioned health risks. VC requires no sedation and has gained considerable acceptance in the medical community because of its sensitivity and accuracy of detection and considerable safety improvement to the patient. “The procedure takes about ten minutes. Since there is no anesthesia involved, there is no recuperation time needed, allowing patients to go about their daily activities immediately after the exam”, says Dr. Lebovic.” VC is done with a CT scan and involves a minimal amount of radiation. The entire inner surface of the colon can be visualized and also allows doctors to evaluate structures outside the colon.” Colon cancer originates within polyps, which are fleshy growths that arise from the lining of the colon. Polyps range in size from pinhead (diminutive) to as big as an apple. Using VC, doctors can now safely monitor tiny diminutive polyps (5mm or less) or small polyps (6-9 mm) by having follow-up exams every 3-5 years because of their very slow growth rate. The consensus is that only polyps that are large enough need to be removed. Consequently about 6% of patients with larger polyps will require an additional Optical Colonoscopy procedure. The other 94% of Virtual Colonoscopies are normal and simply require regular follow up. The preparation for Virtual Colonoscopy is a little easier. It requires patients to drink 30 fluid ounces of a cleansing preparation versus 128 fluid ounces (one gallon) required for Optical Colonoscopy. Since the VC procedure is digitized, the data is saved and multiple doctors can review it and help save lives. Jacqui- For more info or to contact Dr. Joseph Lebovic, go to www.Isgimaging.com Joseph Lebovic, M.D. , Stanford R. Schwimer, M.D. , Ross T. Goldberg, M.D., or Dr. Joel Bortz, F.R.C.R. LSG Imaging, 9675 Brighton Way, Suite 240, Beverly Hills, Ca 90201 (310) 859-8104 LSG Imaging, 1450 10TH Street Suite 206, Santa Monica, Ca 90401 (310) 394-2761