FLORIDA,None — BACKGROUND: Colon cancer is cancer of the large intestine, colon, and the lower part of the digestive system. Rectal cancer is cancer of the last several inches of the colon. Together they are often referred to as colorectal cancer. Most cases of colon cancer begin as small, noncancerous, clumps of cells called adenomatous polyps. Overtime some of these polyps become colon cancers. For this reason, doctors recommend regular screening tests to help prevent colon cancer by identifying polyps before they become colon cancer. (www.mayoclinic.com)
CAUSES: In most cases, it is not clear what causes colon cancer. Doctors know that colon cancer occurs when healthy cells in the colon become altered. Healthy cells grow and divide in an orderly way to keep your body functioning normally. However, sometimes this growth gets out of control. Cells continue dividing even when new cells are not needed. In the colon and rectum, this exaggerated growth may cause precancerous cells to form in the lining of your intestine. Over a long period of time, spanning up to several years, some of these areas of abnormal cells may become cancerous. (www.mayoclinic.com)
SYMPTOMS: Many people with colon cancer experience no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. When symptoms appear, they will likely vary depending on the cancer's size and location in the large intestine. Symptoms can include: a change in bowel habits, diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of the stool; rectal bleeding or blood in the stool; persistent abdominal discomfort such as cramps, gas or pain; a feeling that the bowel does not empty completely; weakness or fatigue; and unexplained weight loss. (www.mayoclinic.com)
SCREENING: The Third Eye Retroscope is an imaging device that illuminates and delivers a continuous retrograde view of the colon. When used in conjunction with a colonoscope, it allows the physician to look behind the folds to find hidden lesions and potentially increases diagnostic yield without significantly impacting procedural time. (www.thirdeyeretroscope.com)
APPLICATION: The Third Eye Retroscope is passed through the working channel of the standard colonoscope until it extends beyond its distal tip. As it emerges, the device automatically turns around 180 degrees to aim back toward the tip of the colonscope and the endoscopist locks it into place. Then, as the colonoscope is withdrawn from the colon, the Third Eye comes along with it, providing a continuous retrograde view to complement the forward view of the colonoscope. When a lesion has been detected in the retrograde view, quick and easy removal of the Third Eye Retroscope frees up the working channel for polypectomy snare or biopsy forcep. (www.thirdeyeretroscope.com)
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