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Pilonidal cysts are painful, often recurring skin conditions that form near the tailbone at the top of the buttocks crease. These cysts can become infected and filled with pus, leading to swelling, tenderness, and sometimes drainage. Though more common in men, pilonidal cysts in women do occur and can be just as uncomfortable and disruptive. What Causes Pilonidal Cysts? The exact cause of pilonidal cysts is still debated, but the most widely accepted theory is that they are caused by ingrown hairs. When hair punctures the skin and becomes embedded, the body reacts with inflammation. Over time, this creates a [...]

As a colorectal surgeon, I understand that the prospect of colorectal surgery can be overwhelming. However, there are some exciting advancements in our field that have revolutionized the way we treat colorectal conditions. Thanks to minimally invasive surgical techniques, such as laparoscopic and robotic surgery, surgeons can now offer more efficient, precise, and patient-friendly solutions. In this blog post, I will introduce and explain these innovative procedures, providing you with valuable insights and helping you make informed decisions alongside your healthcare provider. Laparoscopic Surgery Laparoscopic surgery has rapidly gained popularity in the field of colorectal surgery. It involves the use [...]

The main purpose of categorizing or “staging” colon cancer is to provide doctors assistance in making decisions regarding the best treatment methods for their patients. The stage of colon cancer refers to how far the cancer has spread at the time of its identification. There are five main stages of colon cancer, ranging from stage 0 (very early cancer) to stage 4, with the higher numbers indicating a more serious spread of cancer. The stages are differentiated by the degree to which the cancer has spread and are based upon three criteria: Primary tumor - the degree to which the [...]

What are anal warts? Anal warts are a condition affecting the anus and lower rectum. They are a type of genital wart that present first as small spots or growths but can increase in size to large growths that can cover the entire anal area. What are the symptoms of anal warts? Often found in and around the anal area, anal warts may not be noticed at first because their symptoms are often mild and without significant pain or discomfort. However, there are a few symptoms to keep an eye out for including: A cauliflower patterned growth or growths in [...]

You go in for your routine colonoscopy. While there, your doctor mentions that they found some polyps. But what exactly are polyps, and are they normal or dangerous? Colon polyps are small growths of tissue that project from the lining of a section of the large intestine. They can vary in size and number, meaning you may have just one or you could also have several, big or small. It really depends! About 15–40% of adults in the United States have colon polyps. However, they are most common in older adults and men. It is important to get screened because [...]

What is colon cancer? Colon cancer is the presence of cancerous tumors in the large intestine, the final part of the digestive tract. Colon cancer usually begins with the development of precancerous polyps in the colon. If left undiagnosed, these polyps can become malignant. This is why scheduling a colonoscopy is so important. When polyps are detected early, they can be removed, decreasing the risk of colon cancer developing. Let’s dive into some of the top warning signs & symptoms of colon cancer. 1. A change in bowel movements A change in bowel movement includes several different things. It can [...]