Contact Our Gastroenterologists In Atlanta
Schedule a Colonoscopy Screening at GI Specialists of Georgia
Patients come to GI Specialists of Georgia to receive high-quality treatment for various diseases, disorders, and infections involving the digestive tract, small and large intestines, esophagus, liver, stomach, gallbladder, and pancreas. Our board-certified gastroenterologist in the Douglasville and Northwest Atlanta area can provide everything from general and advanced gastrointestinal procedures requiring anesthesia to endoscopic ultrasounds, pathology labs, and colonoscopies (colon cancer screenings). If it’s time you scheduled a colonoscopy, please reach out to us.
How Is a Colonoscopy Performed at GI Specialists of Georgia?
If you’re over the age of 45, we recommend you schedule a colonoscopy to ensure everything’s functioning as it should be in your colon and other parts of your digestive tract. This is especially important because individuals with colon cancer often do not exhibit any symptoms in the early stages. Moreover, early diagnosis and treatment of colon cancer give you a better prognosis. During a colonoscopy, our gastroenterologists will examine the inside of your colon (large intestine) by inserting a tiny endoscopic tube into your rectum. You won’t feel the endoscopic tube because we’ll administer sedation – usually in the form of an intravenous (IV) line – to keep you comfortable during the procedure. Once the exam is complete, we’ll keep you under observation until the effects of the sedation subside. At this time, we’ll provide any additional instructions for follow-up care.
What Are the Symptoms of Colon Cancer in Women & Men?
Colon cancer can develop at any age, but it’s more commonly found among adults over the age of 45. Colon cancer begins with polyps, or clusters of noncancerous cells, inside your colon. Over time, these polyps can turn into cancerous cells. While there isn’t a single cause for colon cancer, factors thought to increase your risk of developing colon cancer include age, diet, lifestyle, genetics, and certain inflammatory intestinal conditions, such as Crohn’s disease. Although symptoms will vary by patient, common symptoms of colon cancer in women and men can include any of the following:
- Changes in bowel movements, such as frequent diarrhea or constipation
- Blood in your stool, indicative of rectal bleeding
- Persistent abdominal pains, cramps, or gas
- Bowels that don’t seem to empty completely
- Weakness or fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
What Are Common Digestive Disorder Symptoms?
Digestive disorders run the gamut of mild to severe, including anything from irritable bowel syndrome, lactose intolerance, and acid reflux to cirrhosis of the liver, pancreatitis, and colon cancer. While we see many types of digestive disorders at GI Specialists of Georgia, common symptoms that indicate you may have a digestive system problem requiring immediate treatment include:
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Bloating
- Bleeding
- Heartburn
- Incontinence
- Nausea or vomiting
- Abdominal pains or cramps
- Unexplained weight loss or gain
- Difficulty swallowing
Nine Offices and Three Endoscopy Centers to Serve Your Needs
As one of the leading gastroenterology practices in Georgia, GI Specialists of Georgia has nine offices in the Northwest Atlanta area, including locations in Acworth, Kennestone/Marietta, Vinings/Smyrna, Canton, East Cobb, Woodstock, Douglasville, Paulding, and North Fulton. We also have three endoscopy centers, which are licensed and regularly inspected by the State of Georgia for our patients’ safety. Patients with symptoms of colon problems or digestive disorders are encouraged to contact us to schedule a colonoscopy screening at their earliest convenience. You may give us a call or use the form found below. A member of our friendly staff will respond as quickly as possible.