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When taking both men and women into consideration, colon cancer is the second most deadly form of cancer in the United States. Approximately 150,000 people will be diagnosed in any single year and 50,000 will die of the disease. Certain forms of the disease form in the lining of the rectum while others form in the lining of the colon. Despite these differing locations, both are referred to as colorectal cancer.
Currently, medical science is still not sure how exactly colorectal cancer is caused. However, some factors have been identified. 

• Sedentary lifestyle
  
• Diabetes
  
• Obesity
  
• Smoking
  
• Alcohol
  
• Radiation therapy (for cancer)
  
• Being age 50+
  
• Polyps (growths inside rectum and colon)
  
• High-fat diet
  
• Family or personal history of colon cancer (or polyps)
  
• Ulcerative colitis
  
• Crohn's Disease (or other inflammatory bowel diseases)
  

• Narrower than normal stool
  
• Unexplained anemia
  
• Unexplained weight loss
  
• Bloating
• Fullness
• Cramps
  
• Vomiting
  
• Abdominal pain (tenderness in the lower abdomen)
  
• Bloody stool
  
• Diarrhea
• Constipation (or other changes in bowel functions)
  

Extra tissue that forms in the lining of your colon or rectum is known as a polyp. More often than not, polyps are completely non-cancerous, unfortunately, some can be. Asymptomatic polyps are common, however, if symptoms are present, they usually include diarrhea or constipation that has lasted over a week, blood in your stool or blood in your underwear or on toilet paper after a bowel movement.
Polyps can easily be removed during a colonoscopy and, when precancerous polyps are removed, the threat of that growth turning into cancer no longer exists.

There are three treatment options for colon cancer. Each option is dependent on your general health, whether or not the cancer has recurred, and the stage of the cancer. The three options are:

• Surgery
  
• Chemotherapy
  
• Radiation
  

To learn more about each of these options in-depth, get in touch with the office at 918-682-0700.

The first step in cancer prevention is early screenings. Colon cancer screening options include colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy. Colonoscopies should begin regularly at 50, however, if your family medical history includes colon cancer or polyps, we recommend beginning at age 40 (and in some cases even earlier).
In addition to screenings, changes in lifestyle can have a huge impact. We recommend:

• Eating a varied diet
  
• Stop smoking
  
• Remain active
  
• Maintain a healthy body weight
  
• Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
  
• Reduce saturated fat
  
• Drink less alcohol

 One of the major problems with fighting Hepatitis is that many people don't realize that it is treatable, especially Hepatitis C. And while we can help you with all forms of Hepatitis at the medical office of Dr. Ajay Sangal M.D., Hepatitis C is one of our primary focus.

While treatment plans may differ by genotype (requiring a referral from your primary doctor) our office has a success rate of over 90% in terms of Hepatitis C treatment. 

 If you are looking for ways to effectively treat stomach and swallowing problems, the medical professionals at the medical office of Dr. Ajay Sangal M.D.,  are here to help. We will take the time to find the cause of your problems, fully explain everything to ensure you are comfortable, and then begin treatment as soon as possible.

Stomach Problems

Over-the-counter medications (in addition to lifestyle changes like healthy eating) can be used to treat all of the following problems. Other conditions, including, peptic ulcers, will require medical attention. 

• Heartburn
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Other stomach problems
  

Swallowing Issues

The medical term for difficulty swallowing foods or liquids is dysphagia. This can be a serious issue, as it may lead to:

• Coughing
• Choking
• Gurgling sounds from your throat
• Hiccups
• Chest tightness
• Pain when swallowing

This problem can occur at any age and could be symptomatic of:

• Nervous system disorders (Parkinson's or cerebral palsy)
• Esophageal problems (heartburn, GER, GERD)
• Stroke
• Head or spinal chord injury
• Cancers (of the head, neck, esophagus)

 Ulcerative Colitis 

One of a number of inflammatory bowel diseases, ulcerative colitis causes the lining of the rectum and colon to become inflamed. This inflammation injures cells lining the colon, resulting in blood, pus, and diarrhea. Ulcerative colitis can be a very serious disease and sometimes leads to life-threatening complications.

If you have experienced symptoms that lead you to believe that you may be suffering from ulcerative colitis, get in touch with Dr. Ajay Sangal M.D. right away. Our staff cares about you and your well-being, and will always treat you like a member of our own family.