Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer, also known as colon cancer or rectal cancer, is the second leading cause of death due to cancer in the United States.
But with early and regular screenings, the precancerous polyps that lead to colorectal cancer can be removed before they turn into cancer.
Colon & Rectal Surgical Specialists of New York in East Setauket, Garden City, and Long Island, NY, provides complete care for colon cancer.
Rectal Cancer
Rectal cancer is a tumor growth in the final 15 centimeters of the large bowel. We perform a sophisticated ultrasound to determine the stage that the cancer has reached. Treatment typically involves a combination of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery to remove the growth.
Treating Cancer
Cancers of the colon, rectum and anus require the attention of specialists. Colon and rectal cancer are similar, but anal cancer growths are a different type. One of the most important issues with these types of cancer is the stage it has reached. The staging will depend upon how the disease has progressed and if the cancer cells have spread.
Anal Cancer
We offer advanced anal cancer treatment. Anal cancer is a very rare form of cancer, with about 6,000 cases per year. It is a difficult condition to treat because it is often diagnosed late. Anal cancer typically arises from the human papillomavirus.
Colorectal Cancer Rates
There are consistently high colorectal cancer rates in the U.S., and the condition is responsible for over 50,000 deaths per year. Colorectal cancer is also completely preventable by undergoing regular colonoscopies. Our practice specializes in colorectal cancer from diagnosis through your recovery.
What Are the Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer?
As you age, your risk for colorectal cancer increases. Approximately 90 percent of colon cancer treated at our offices in Long Island, Garden City, and East Setauket occur in patients over the age of 50. Our doctors recommend that anyone aged 45 or older undergo a colorectal cancer screening in order to minimize the risk of developing cancer in their bowel. Besides age, other risk factors include:
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract due to an abnormal response of the body's immune system puts you at an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. The two most common inflammatory diseases affecting the bowel are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Family History
A family history of colorectal polyps or colon cancer is a significant risk factor that can contribute to you developing cancer. Genetic syndromes such as hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome) or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) also increase the likelihood of developing colon cancer.
Lifestyle
A diet low in fruits and vegetables but high in fat or processed meats, a lack of regular physical activity, alcohol consumption, and tobacco use are all significant contributing factors that can lead to cancer. Obesity or being overweight also puts you at a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Leaders in the Field of Colorectal Cancer Colon & Rectal Surgical Specialists of New York
Our doctors have been featured in Castle Connolly's Top Doctors, New York Magazine's Best Doctors, and the Guide to America's Top Surgeons. Associated with Mount Sinai Health System, each of our physicians is a respected leader in their field, an expert in advanced minimally invasive treatments, including robotic surgery, and is certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery. Other professional affiliations and fellowships include:
- American Medical Association
- American College of Surgeons
- New York Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
To schedule an appointment at one of our six offices including Long Island, Garden City, and East Setauket, NY, contact our team online or call:
(516) 248-2422
"Understanding and Compassionate" 5-Star Google Reviews
Renee Revan
2020
Dr. Balakumar is the best she has been taking excellent care of my son which is a difficult patient but she is so understanding and compassionate with him and the care she has given him is excellent he is now so much better and loves her.
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Irene Madeo
2020
It’s has been a year since Dr.Mala Balakumar did my surgery. Dr.Mala Balakumar is very attentive, pleasant to talk to and very knowledgeable doctor.She explained me my medical problems in the lay language, so everything was very clear to me and made sense. The office is very nice and clean. The staff is very pleasant. Dr.Mala Balakumar demonstrated high professionalism! I highly recommend Dr.Mala Balakumar to anybody who is looking for a good proctologist.
View On GoogleUnderstanding Rates of Colorectal Cancer
There are consistently high colorectal cancer rates in the U.S., and the condition is responsible for over 50,000 deaths per year. Colorectal cancer is also completely preventable by undergoing regular colonoscopies. Our practice specializes in colorectal cancer from diagnosis through your recovery.
The Importance of Colorectal Cancer Screening
Many patients who are diagnosed with colorectal cancer do not experience symptoms. Nearly all colorectal cancers begin as abnormal growths known as precancerous polyps in the large intestine or rectum, so the importance of rectal cancer screening cannot be understated. These polyps can be present for years before developing into cancer.
Identifying precancerous polyps and removing them before they become rectal cancer can help patients avoid the stress and anxiety of a cancer diagnosis as well as more invasive colorectal procedures. Screenings of the bowel can also identify colon cancer in its earliest stages when treatment is most effective.
There is no such thing as normal rectal bleeding. If you are experiencing any amount of rectal bleeding, you need to be evaluated by a colorectal surgeon immediately. With this in mind, anyone 45 or older should schedule a colorectal cancer screening to protect their health.
How Do Colorectal Cancer Screenings Work?
A colonoscopy should be scheduled every 10 years for patients who do not have any increased risk factors for colon cancer. Each one of our convenient offices can perform a screening for colorectal cancer during a colonoscopy. At Colon & Rectal Surgical Specialists of New York, we use the gold-standard endoscopic devices by Olympus for all of our colonoscopy procedures. These colonoscopy tools allow our specialists to identify any abnormal growths with incredible precision.
During a colonoscopy, one of our doctors will inspect the rectum and greater large intestine for polyps and growths identified as cancer. If growths are found in any portion of the large intestine, rectum, or bowel structure, they will be removed. If any cells indicating rectal cancer are identified, they will be removed and a follow-up colonoscopy will be scheduled to ensure any cancer has not reappeared.
"THE BEST" Learn Why Patients Choose Us
"Dr. Dean P. Pappas is the best Gastro./Surgical doctor I have ever met. I havery had multiple procedures done by him and his expertise is beyond compare and a terrific bedside manner! ....I HIGHLY RECOMMEND HIM! He is THE BEST!" Francis M. Lucivero - 5 Star Google Review
We Use Only the Most Sophisticated Techniques
Laparoscopic surgery and transanal endoscopic microsurgery are sophisticated techniques we use at CRSSNY. Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive method of performing many different surgeries, including colon resection. Transanal endoscopic microsurgery is a variation on laparoscopic procedures, where we will operate through the anus. We are able to remove growths within the rectum without having to make any incisions in the abdominal wall.
State-of-the-Art Treatment for Colorectal Cancer
We make every effort to avoid surgery and most cases of rectum and colon cancer can be treated non-operatively. If our doctors identify a cancerous growth that requires surgery beyond what we can perform during your screening, we will work with you to schedule colorectal surgery.
Treatment for colorectal cancer can be quite complex and requires a multidisciplinary approach to ensure optimal results. By choosing the team at Colon & Rectal Surgical Specialists of New York, you will be supported by surgeons that work hand-in-hand with advanced specialists in the fields of medical and radiation oncology, radiology, pathology, and nutrition experts. You can expect the finest care from a team of world-class health care providers working with you every step of the way.
da Vinci Xi
Robotic Surgical System
Our surgeons use the revolutionary da Vinci® Xi Robotic Surgical System. The da Vinci Xi system gives our surgeons enhanced 3D visualization capabilities as well as maximum dexterity levels not available in traditional colorectal surgery. This incredible technology allows our surgeons to minimize the length of the incision, which is usually only two inches. Patients experience a reduced recovery time with typical hospital stays of only two to three days.
We are pioneers in the field of robotic surgery and have performed more robotic colorectal cancer resections than any other institution on Long Island. In fact, surgeons from all over the country train under our team to learn their advanced techniques.
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