There are a few types of diseases in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of both upper and lower parts. One of the diseases that no one wants to be is cancer. In fact, everyone has a chance of having cancer, especially ones with a history of GI cancers in the family.
Dr. Suthisit Likitlersuang, our specialist in gastroenterology at Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin, shares that most people with upper abdominal pain are mainly having conditions of gastritis. However, patients should be careful of having other diseases of the liver, pancreas or gallbladder. If patients are older than 50 years with the abdomen pain in the middle of the stomach or epigastric pain should have an examination of gastroscopy, especially ones with history of gastrointestinal bleeding such as vomiting blood, passing black stool or with weight loss without known causes and difficulty of swallowing,
To prepare for the gastroscopy, the patient is required to fast (no food or drink) for at least 8 hours before the procedure. During the endoscopic procedure, the doctor will use local anesthetic to numb the throat before inserting the endoscope camera passing the esophagus and into the stomach, respectively. For those who do not want to have gastritis, they should avoid spicy food. Some medications such as pain-relieving muscle pain or anti-inflammatory which can destroy the lining of the stomach.
For colorectal cancer, patients who are at risk mostly are ones who are more than 50 years old with or without symptoms especially ones with the family history. The history of family members having colorectal cancer at the very young age is significant. The symptoms such as bloody defecation, weight loss, distension, constipation, diarrhea especially chronic form are important and ones with such symptoms should receive colonoscopy which is a colorectal cancer screening procedure.
Dr. Suthisit also shares that there are 3 methods of early detection of colorectal cancer. The simple method is stool examination. Other than that is a radiological examination using opaque material to see the lining of the intestines but the most popular and most effective method which is colonoscopy. The risks for cancer increases with consumption of fatty diet and it is more recommended to eat a lot of fiber and exercises regularly for good health.
At Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin, we provided modern technology and safe endoscopy to early detect GI cancer. The technique called Narrow Band Imaging (NBI) promote thorough view of the lining of our intestines. This technology helps doctors to diagnose the disease and without the use of chemicals injected into the patient’s body. Moreover, it can help detect the abnormal tissues of the initial stage that can help patient receive treatment as soon as possible.
*********************************************************************************
For more information, please contact :
GI & Liver Clinic, Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin, 1st floor Tel. 032-616-880
