Dr. Michael Santoro is a Board-certified Internist and Gastroenterologist, who is in clincal practice in Southern California. He did his medical school training at the SUNY-Health and Science Center in Brooklyn. He completed a three-year internal medicine residency at Staton Island University Hospital. This was followed by a three-year fellowship in Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Loma Linda University.
Dr. Lee was born in Shanghai, China, and received his college and medical training in the United States. He is fluent in English and three Chinese dialects. He graduated with chemistry departmental honors from Harvey Mudd College. He was appointed president of AOA society at UCLA School of Medicine. He underwent internal medicine residency and gastroenterology fellowship training at Cedars Sinai Medical Center.
An individual with a first degree relative with an adenomatous
polyp would have a 50% (one and one-half times) greater risk of
developing colonic cancer than an individual without a relative with
polyps. The risk for adenomatous polyps is not known. The current
estimate is that 6% of the general population-which includes
individuals with relatives with and without polyps--will develop
colon cancer.
First of all, there are dietary recommendations that can be made.
We know that diets high in fat and low in fiber predispose an
individual to develop colon polyps. This probably is why the incidence of colon polyps
is much higher in developed countries such as the United
States and Europe where diets are high in fat and low
in fiber. A recent study, however, did not confirm that high fiber prevents colon
polyps or cancer. We know that certain vitamins protect against colon
cancer, namely vitamins C and E. In addition, certain cruciferous
vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower protect against colon
cancer. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as aspirin
reduce the formation of polyps, although non-steroidal medications
are not advocated as a means to prevent colon polyps.
Effort presently is being expended to develop a radiologic
colonoscopic test. This is a means by which CAT scan imaging can be used to evaluate the colon for the presence of colon
polyps. Preliminary studies have shown this to be relatively
accurate in detecting the presence of polyps in the colon.
Obviously, the limitation of this study is that polyps, once found,
cannot be removed immediately but must be done at a later colonoscopy
with a flexible colonoscope. Therefore, the role of the radiologic
colonoscopy may be limited to simply screening populations at lower
risk for the presence of polyps, and only those individuals found to
harbor polyps would be sent for colonoscopic excision of the polyps.
Also on the horizon are blood tests, which may determine the genetic
risk for polyps. If the test discloses genes that are associated
with a high risk for colon cancer, then the individual may enter a
program of colonoscopic screening.
Colon Polyps - Describe Your ExperienceQuestion: Did you have any of the risk factors for colon polyps at the time of your diagnosis? If so, what were they?
Rectal bleeding (hematochezia) refers to the passage of bright red blood from the anus. Rectal bleeding may be moderate to severe and most bleeding comes from the colon, rectum, or anus. Common causes include anal fissures, hemorrhoids, diverticulitis, and more.
Colon cancer is a malignancy that arises from the inner lining of the colon. Most, if not all, of these cancers develop from colonic polyps. Removal of these precancerous polyps can prevent colon cancer.
Inflammation of the inner lining of the colon is referred to as colitis. Symptoms of the inflammation of the colon lining include diarrhea, pain, and blood in the stool. There are several causes of colitis including infection, ischemia of the colon, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, Ulcerative colitis, or microscopic colitis). Treatment depends on the cause of the colitis.
Though it's difficult to say why some people develop cancer while others don't, research shows that certain risk factors increase a person's odds of developing cancer. These risk factors include growing older, family history of cancer, diet, alcohol and tobacco use, and exposure to sunlight, ionizing radiation, certain chemicals, and some viruses and bacteria.
Digestion is the complex process of turning food you eat into the energy you need to survive. The digestive process also involves creating waste to be eliminated, and is made of a series of muscles that coordinate the movement of food.
Gardners' syndrome, or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), is an inherited condition in which cancer of the colon and rectum develop. Colon polyps and growths may develop as early as the teens. If these polyps are not removed, they will become cancerous. There are different inheritance patterns for familial adenomatous polyposis.
Disease prevention in men includes routine screening tests that are part of basic prevention medicine. Take an active role in your own health care and discuss screening tests with your doctor early in life. Age of screening and timing of screening depends upon the condition being assessed.
Disease prevention in women includes screening tests that are a basic part of prevention medicine. All screening tests
are commonly available through your general doctor. Some specialized tests may be available elsewhere.
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