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The Medical Center of Southeast Texas Offering Latest Endoscopy Technology
High-Definition Scopes Just in Time for Colorectal Cancer Month
March 17, 2009
Port Arthur, Texas – The Medical Center of Southeast Texas now uses the latest endoscope technology to help diagnose disease in the upper and lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths for men and women in the U.S.
Compared to conventional systems, high-definition endoscopy combined with Narrow Band Imaging ™ provides doctors with sharper images and better contrast, which in turn may help them to better observe lesions in the colon when using the wide-angle colonoscope. As a result, doctors may provide their patients with more accurate diagnoses. The new technology can also shorten procedure times when used with a new wide-angle scope offered as part of the system.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) projects that colon and rectal cancer will kill 55,170 Americans this year. The ACS also points out that the five-year survival rate for people whose colorectal cancer is treated in an early stage, before it has spread, is greater than 90 percent.
The ACS recommends that beginning at age 50, both men and women should be screened for colon and rectal cancer (CRC). People with CRC risk factors, such as a personal history of CRC or a strong family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, should talk to their doctors about starting CRC screening earlier and/or undergoing screening more often.
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