Colon Cancer

Dr. Ismail Shafik’s Methodology for Diagnosing Colon Cancer

Dr. Ismail Shafik’s approach to diagnosing colon cancer is characterized by a comprehensive and multidisciplinary methodology that prioritizes early detection, patient education, and personalized care

Blood-Based Tests

Shield is a non-invasive, blood-based screening test that detects alterations associated with colorectal cancer in the blood. It is intended as a screening test for individuals at average risk for the disease, age 45 or older, and is not intended for individuals at high risk for colorectal cancer.

Epi proColon is a blood-based screening test for colorectal cancer (CRC) that offers a convenient and non-invasive alternative for CRC screening in average-risk adults aged 50 years and older who typically do not adhere to recommended screening guidelines.

Stool-Based Tests

Fecal Immunochemical Test

• The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is a widely utilized procedure for detecting concealed blood in the lower intestines and is recommended to be performed annually. Should the test yield a positive result, a colonoscopy will be required for further examination, as the presence of blood in the stool may also be attributed to benign conditions such as ulcers or hemorrhoids.

Guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT)

• The guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) detects hidden blood in stool through a chemical reaction. It differs from the fecal immunochemical test (FIT), but the source of the bleeding cannot be determined. The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends using susceptible versions for colorectal screening.

Stool DNA Test

Multi-Target Stool DNA (mt-sDNA)

• The multitarget stool DNA test, known as MT-sDNA, FIT-DNA, or sDNA-FIT, is designed to detect specific abnormal DNA segments associated with cancer or polyp cells, as well as hidden blood in the stool. Colorectal cancer and polyp cells frequently exhibit mutations in particular genes. These mutated cells can be present in the stool, allowing for their identification through testing. Cologuard is the sole test available in the United States that simultaneously screens for both DNA alterations and blood in the stool (FIT).

Visual (Structural) Exams

Colonoscopy

• For this test, Dr. Ismail Shafik looks at the entire length of the colon and rectum with a colonoscope, a flexible tube about the width of a finger with a light and small video camera on the end. It’s put in through the anus and into the rectum and colon. Special instruments can be passed through the colonoscope to biopsy (take a sample) or remove any suspicious-looking areas such as polyps, if needed.

CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy)

• This test is an advanced type of computed tomography (CT) scan of the colon and rectum that can show abnormal areas, like polyps or cancer. Special computer programs use both X-rays and a CT scan to make 3-dimensional pictures of the inside of the colon and rectum. It does not require scope to be put into the rectum or colon. A small catheter is placed into your rectum to fill your colon with air or carbon dioxide. This allows for clearer CT pictures.

Sigmoidoscopy

• A sigmoidoscopy is similar to a colonoscopy except it doesn’t examine the entire colon. A sigmoidoscope (a flexible, lighted tube about the thickness of a finger with a small video camera on the end) is put in through the anus, into the rectum, and then moved into the lower part of the colon. However, the sigmoidoscope is only about 2 feet (60cm) long. Images from the scope are seen on a video screen so Dr. Ismail Sahfik can find and possibly remove any abnormal areas.

Dr. Ismail Shafik’s Approach to Colon Cancer Treatment

Dr. Ismail Shafik is recognized for his patient-centered and comprehensive approach to colon cancer treatment, focusing on early diagnosis, personalized care, and the use of the latest medical advancements

Treatment Option Overview

1- Surgery

2- Chemotherapy

3- Radiation therapy

4- Targeted therapy

5- Immunotherapy

Surgery

• Early-stage colon cancers and polyps can be excised during a colonoscopy using techniques such as polypectomy or local excision. If the cancer continues to exist or spreads, a colectomy may be necessary, which can be performed either as an open surgery or laparoscopically, with both methods demonstrating comparable survival rates. In situations involving colon obstruction, a stent or emergency surgery may be needed, and a colostomy or ileostomy could be performed either temporarily or permanently. Surgical intervention might also be required for metastasis to the liver or lungs.

Chemotherapy

• Chemotherapy is used in the treatment of various forms of cancer. In certain cases, it may serve as the sole therapeutic intervention for individuals. However, it is more common for chemotherapy to be administered in conjunction with other cancer treatments. The specific treatments required are determined by the type of cancer diagnosed, its extent of spread, the locations affected, and the presence of any additional health concerns.

Radiation therapy

• Radiation therapy employs high-energy X-rays or various forms of radiation to eliminate cancer cells or inhibit their growth. In the treatment of colon cancer, two distinct types of radiation therapy are occasionally utilized.
• Internal radiation therapy uses a radioactive substance sealed in needles, seeds, wires, or catheters that are placed directly into or near the cancer. Internal radiation therapy may be used to treat colon cancer that has spread to the liver.
• External radiation therapy uses a machine outside the body to send radiation toward the area of the body with cancer.

Targeted therapy

• Targeted therapy uses drugs or other substances to identify and attack specific cancer cells. Dr. Ismail Shafik may suggest biomarker tests to help predict your response to certain targeted therapy drugs.

Immunotherapy

• Immunotherapy helps a person’s immune system fight cancer. Dr. Ismail Shafik may suggest biomarker tests to help predict your response to certain immunotherapy drugs.