Medical Advices Blog

Archive for the ‘Gastrointestinal Cancer’ Category

Study techniques in high-risk patients are endoscopy (examination of the inside of the esophagus with a telescope) and biopsy (removal of a small sample of tissue for microscopic study). Patients with long-standing gastroesophageal reflux, manifested as heartburn are at greater risk of developing esophageal cancer if stomach acid damages the inner lining (mucosa) of the lower third of the esophagus.

In normal situation, the inner layer is composed of squamous cells, similar to the skin. With the ebb these cells are replaced by mucus-secreting and are similar to those of the intestine. This change in the cell types is called Barrett’s esophagus (by the British surgeon who first described it). Unfortunately, this injury increases the risk of cancer. Read the rest of this entry »

Cancer Hereditary non-polyposis colon

This type of colorectal cancer develops within family groups. Most of the genes responsible for HNPCC have been identified recently and therefore today can be identified in the laboratory by DNA studies. This identification can be performed on tumor tissue removed by surgery. If the mutation is found, you can make the determination of the mutation in blood samples from relatives. Those who submitted will undergo colonoscopies for early diagnosis. However, this type of genetic research is not available in all centers.

One of the most important is related to increased risk of HNPCC patients presenting with other cancers such as stomach, uterus, ovaries and breast. It is therefore reasonable that these individuals are subjected to diagnostic studies aimed at exploring these organs, such as gastroscopy (stomach), mammography (breast), uterine cytology and gynecologic ultrasound. But there is no evidence that such intensive diagnostic program offers benefits over risks and would cause discomfort to patients. Read the rest of this entry »

Early diagnosis for high-risk individuals

The diagnostic tests are necessary in patients with higher risk of disease than the general population. Therefore, the study of high-risk patients will improve the results of screening tests for having a higher diagnostic yield in these people in which individual risk is considerable. There are two groups of patients considered candidates for early diagnosis required:

- Those who have a first degree relative (parent, brother/son/daughter) who developed colorectal cancer before age 45. The risk of colorectal cancer in these individuals is estimated at 1 in 10.

- Those who have two (or more) first degree relatives with colorectal cancer. The risk of colorectal cancer in these individuals is 1 in 6. Read the rest of this entry »