This page is educational in nature. Diagnosing and treating colon diseases often requires several specialties working together. Dr. Hasanova performs the proctological examination and, if there is a suspicion, refers the patient for colonoscopy (performed by an endoscopist at Modern Hospital) and to a gastroenterologist. She herself treats anal and perianal problems that require surgical treatment.
Colon polyps
Polyps are growths that extend from the lining (mucous membrane) of the bowel into the bowel cavity. They often cause no symptoms at all. Sometimes they cause bleeding, mucous discharge and a change in bowel habits. Some polyps (adenomas) can turn into cancer over the years. Most colon cancers develop from such polyps. Removing a polyp in time during colonoscopy helps prevent cancer.
Colon cancer and screening
Colon cancer often gives no signs in its early stage. When it is detected at an early stage, treatment options are considerably broader. For this reason, examination (screening) is recommended even for people with no symptoms.
- Average-risk group: according to many international guidelines, screening starts at age 45 (at age 50 in some countries). The method is colonoscopy or a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) for hidden blood in the stool. The doctor sets the intervals according to the result.
- High-risk group: people who have colon cancer or an advanced adenoma (a large polyp or a polyp with dysplasia) in a first-degree relative, people with inflammatory bowel disease, and people with a hereditary syndrome. In this group, examination starts earlier and is done more often.
- Signs that need attention: rectal bleeding, a change in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, anemia, long-term abdominal pain.
Colon cancer screening
- Average-risk group: screening starts at age 45 (at age 50 in some countries); the method is colonoscopy or a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) for hidden blood in the stool.
- High-risk group: examination starts earlier and is done more often.
Hereditary syndromes
In some bowel diseases, heredity plays an important role: familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), Lynch syndrome, Peutz–Jeghers syndrome, juvenile polyposis. A genetic predisposition may also play a role in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Having these diseases in your family does not mean you will necessarily develop them too, but it is important to know your risk and to start examinations earlier. Read more: Can bowel diseases be inherited?
Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease (inflammatory bowel diseases)
- Ulcerative colitis is chronic inflammation of the lining of the colon. Its signs: diarrhea with blood and mucus, a frequent urge to have a bowel movement, abdominal pain, weakness, weight loss.
- Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammation that can damage any part of the digestive system. It shows up as abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss and, sometimes, fistulas and abscesses around the anus.
- Diagnosis: blood tests (CRP and other inflammation markers), calprotectin in the stool, colonoscopy and biopsy, and imaging methods when needed.
- Treatment: it is mainly medication treatment and is carried out by a gastroenterologist. These diseases have a chronic course; the aim of treatment is to achieve remission (a quiet period) and maintain it. In some cases, surgical treatment is required.
If inflammatory bowel disease is suspected during the proctological examination, Dr. Hasanova arranges for the diagnosis to be confirmed by colonoscopy and biopsy. Perianal fistulas and abscesses related to Crohn's disease may require surgical treatment.