Rhea Medical Center

CANCER DETECTION More than 1 million Americans have survived colon cancer because the disease was caught early. Much of the credit goes to exceptional physician care and innovative medical technology, which are both available right here in Rhea County. INCREASINGLY, PEOPLE TREATED for colorectal cancer are returning to their normal activities, thanks to improved testing and surgical techniques. Because early detection is important for treatment success, Rhea Medical Center equips physicians with some of the most advanced endoscopy technology available, with upgrades that provide increased accuracy and improved imaging. Magnetic Positioning Gaining the best results from a colonoscopy depends heavily on the physician's ability to guide the colonoscope into the darkest areas of the colon. This minimally invasive procedure has been enhanced with a new magnetic positioning device equipped with a monitor that gives physicians more control and accuracy during screenings. "The colon is a long, twisting organ," explains Niladri Panda, MD, MRCPM, FACP, Internal Medicine Physician at Rhea Medical. "The magnetic monitor continually communicates the position of the scope and reduces the potential of the scope looping or twisting during the screening. The physician has more information, patient safety is increased, and the screening time is reduced by as much as 20 to 25 minutes." 4 RHEA MEDICAL CENTER | FALL 13 New Light in the Dark In addition to the magnetic scope guide, new light technology offers improved images for the physician. "Typically, a bright white light is used during endoscopy," says Chris Horton, MD, Family Medicine Physician at Rhea Medical. "Narrow band imaging uses a blue light, and as the physician examines the bowel, the blue light will change color if an abnormality is present. This helps draw the physician's attention to tissue that may need closer examination or a biopsy." Among the biggest benefits of these high-definition scopes and video screens is they enable physicians to reach an accurate diagnosis and provide safe treatment—often during the same procedure. "Every colon is a little different, ranging from 60 to 100 centimeters," says Craig Swafford, MD, FACS, General Surgeon at Rhea Medical. "Using three-dimensional imaging adds a level of accuracy. In addition to offering an extra degree of safety for the patient, physicians can feel more comfortable in their diagnosis." Reason for the Screening Colorectal cancer is extremely common; about one person in 20 will be diagnosed with the disease at some point in his or her life. Though colon cancer is among the most treatable—and curable—forms of cancer, it remains the third-leading cause of

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