CentraState - Healthy Directions

Kunal Gupta, MD, board-certified gastroenterologist Two Men. Two Colorectal Cancers. Zero Symptoms. By Kunal Gupta, MD A s a central New Jersey-based gastroenterologist, I perform hundreds of colonoscopies each year. Depending on your family and personal medical history, it's one of those tests you need to undergo because colon and rectal cancers are highly prevalent and particularly sneaky. They often start as painless and symptomless polyps in the lower GI tract, but over time, these polyps can grow quite large and become cancerous. Finally, when symptoms eventually occur, the cancer has already reached a more advanced stage or moved into other parts of the body. A SECOND-DEGREE FAMILY MEMBER HAS COLON CANCER In 2013, a 44-year-old male from Parlin, with a second-degree relative (uncle) who had colon cancer, wisely took it upon himself to schedule a colonoscopy with me. He had no pain or other symptoms but was concerned about his increased risk. As a result of his colonoscopy, I discovered and biopsied a suspicious mass, which was then diagnosed as stage 3 colon cancer. Partnering promptly with an oncologist and a colorectal surgeon, he underwent chemotherapy and surgery to remove the tumor. Three years later, he continues to be cancer free. NO FAMILY HISTORY OF COLON CANCER Recently, a 52-year-old man from Roosevelt came in to see me with unusual changes in his bowel habits and ongoing rectal pressure. He did not suspect cancer as he had no family history, but knew "something wasn't right." Again, I performed a colonoscopy, eventually diagnosing stage 2 cancer. In order to evaluate the complete extent of his disease and help guide the choice of treatment, I performed a specialized procedure called endoscopic ultrasound, which obtains highly accurate images and information about the digestive tract and the surrounding tissue and organs. This allows me to clearly visualize the digestive tract and any tumors for further diagnosis and cancer staging. Based on these tests, I referred the patient to Bhavesh Balar, MD, board-certified oncologist, Neesha Rodrigues, MD, board-certified oncologist, and Thomas Kayal, MD, board-certified colorectal surgeon, all on staff at CentraState, for treatment and eventual surgery. The patient completed preoperative chemotherapy and radiation and is scheduled for curative surgery to remove the malignant (cancerous) tissue. COMMUNITY-BASED CANCER PREVENTION AND TREATMENT Today's minimally invasive screenings and surgical advancements for colon and rectal cancer treatment can save lives. But patients cannot be helped if their cancer is not diagnosed. Talk with your family doctor or GI specialist about your personal risk. Then play it safe—if screening is recommended, get it done and ensure you are not one of nearly 50,000 Americans who will lose the battle against colorectal cancer this year alone. The Colon and Rectal Cancer Program at CentraState offers a full range of preventative, diagnostic and treatment services, including advanced robotic surgical technology. The program team is led by doctors and clinicians who specialize in diagnosing and treating colon and rectal cancer. To request an appointment with Dr. Gupta, visit www.centrastate.com/appointmentrequest. Once you receive your prescription, you can visit the same page to request your colonoscopy appointment. Dr. Kunal Gupta is board-certified in internal medicine and gastroenterology and is chief of gastroenterology at CentraState Medical Center. For more information, call 866-CENTRA7 (866-236-8727). HD www.centrastate.com Spring 2016 3

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