Millions of Americans aren’t getting the proper colon cancer screenings they need. Because about 90% of colorectal cancer cases occur after age 50, it’s important to come in to see Mustafa Alnounou, MD, FACP, FACG, at Digestive Health Clinic in Flint, Michigan, if you’re over 50 or are at risk of developing colon cancer. Dr. Alnounou conducts comprehensive screenings and high-definition colonoscopies, so you can expect thorough results. Click on the online scheduler to book your colon cancer screening today, or call the clinic directly to book an appointment.
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men and women. It’s also the second leading cause of cancer-related death among Americans. Because this type of cancer often begins as a small polyp and is usually less complex to treat in the early stages, regular colon cancer screenings are important.
In general, you need to undergo regular colon cancer screenings if you:
You may need regular colon cancer screenings after the age of 75, too, but only if you’re at risk of developing the condition.
With Dr. Alnounou, you can expect comprehensive and highly detailed colon cancer screenings. He is a board-certified gastroenterologist specializing in diagnostic and treatment solutions of colon cancer. Depending on your health, Dr. Alnounou may recommend any of the screenings below:
With the sigmoidoscopy, Dr. Alnounou uses a specialized scope, which is a thin, flexible, lighted tube, to evaluate your rectum and sigmoid (lower) colon. Dr. Alnounou gently inserts the sigmoidoscope into your anus and pumps in air or carbon dioxide to expand your colon. This allows him to clearly view the lining of your bowels and remove any abnormal tissues for biopsy.
During a colonoscopy, Dr. Alnounou uses a unique, long, flexible tube-like scope to view your entire colon. The colonoscopy is quite similar to the sigmoidoscopy, and Dr. Alnounou can still remove concerning tissues, but he can go further into the upper regions of your colon.
Also known as a computed tomographic colonography, the virtual colonoscopy utilizes CT scanning technology to gather pictures of your inner colon and rectum from outside of your body. A regular colonoscopy is likely the next step if Dr. Alnounou sees polyps or abnormal growths during this test.
Once Dr. Ilahi gathers any images, labs, and tissue biopsies he may need, it may take a few weeks for the lab to process your specimens and for Dr. Ilahi to analyze your screenings. Dr. Alnounou typically schedules you for a follow-up visit about two to three weeks after your colon cancer screening is complete so he can sit and talk with you about your results and any further screenings or treatments you may need.
Don’t hesitate another day to book your colon cancer screening at Digestive Health Clinic. You can conveniently schedule either online or over the phone.