Conditions We Treat

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation and ulcers (sores) in the large intestine (colon) and rectum. Painful and debilitating, there is no cure, but long-term remission and reduced symptoms are possible with treatment.

Indeterminate colitis refers to cases of inflammatory bowel disease in which it is not possible to definitively classify the condition as either Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are two conditions where chronic inflammation develops in the large (colon) or small intestine.

There are two main types of appendiceal cancer: epithelial appendiceal cancer and neuroendocrine appendiceal cancer.

An uncommon cancer, anal cancer appears in the anal canal, the short tube at the end of the rectum through which stool passes out of the body. There are several types of anal cancer categorized by the types of tumors that develop. Squamous cell carcinomas are in the anus caused by squamous cells that line most of the anal canal; basal cell carcinomas are skin cancer that affects areas of the skin exposed to the sun; and gastrointestinal stromal tumors are likely to form in the stomach or small intestines.

Colon cancer is cancer of the large intestine, while rectal cancer is cancer of the last few inches of the colon. These cancers are typically called colorectal cancers. While most colon cancers begin as small, benign groups of cells called polyps, over time these cells can become cancerous.

Dysplasia refers to an abnormal growth that is sometimes pre-cancerous. It is the earliest form of a pre-cancerous lesion that is detected by biopsy or pap smear, but the chances of dysplasia turning into cancers are low. Dysplasia can mean many things depending on where it is diagnosed.

Gastrointestinal lymphoma is a type of cancer that starts in the lymphatic tissue of the digestive tract.

Gastrointestinal (GI) neuroendocrine tumors are a rare type of cancer that grows in the lining of the GI tract. They are also called GI carcinoid tumors. These tumors develop from neuroendocrine cells, a type of cell that makes hormones that support certain bodily functions. Neuroendocrine cells are most common in the GI tract, where they make hormones that help control digestion.

A gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is a type of tumor that occurs in the gastrointestinal tract, most commonly in the stomach or small intestine. This type of tumor is thought to grow from specialized cells found in the gastrointestinal tract. GISTs are usually found in adults between ages 40 and 70; rarely, children and young adults develop this type of tumor.

A presacral tumor is a rare type of tumor that develops in the area between the sacrum - the bone at the base of the spine - and the rectum. They are usually benign.

Rectal cancer occurs when tumors form in the lining of the large intestine. It is common in both men and women. Because there may be no symptoms at first, it is important to have screenings often; including colonoscopy and tests for blood in the stool.

A polyp is a small growth of extra tissue that typically forms on the lining of the colon or large intestine. Most polyps are harmless, but some can develop into cancer.

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a genetic condition that causes hundreds or thousands noncancerous polyps to develop in the colon and rectum, often beginning during teenage years.

Lynch syndrome, also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), is an inherited disorder that significantly increases the risk of various cancers, particularly colorectal cancer.

There are many genetic conditions that can cause the growth of multiple polyps in your gastrointestinal tract and increase your risk of colon cancer. Many, but not all of these conditions are hereditary.

A sphincter injury is when the muscle surrounding the anal canal is damaged or torn. These muscles include the internal and external anal sphincter muscle, which play an important role in controlling bowel movements.

Diverticular disease occurs when small pouches form in the colon. There are several types of diverticular disease.

Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside the uterus. This tissue can grow on any part of the reproductive system or nearby organs.

Both fecal and urinary incontinence issues range in severity from an occasional leak of urine or stool from a cough or sneeze to complete loss of control. Commonly nerve or muscle damage from childbirth, aging or physical disability is the cause, but things like constipation, surgery or illness can also be factors. Medical treatment and lifestyle changes can ease symptoms.

Prolapse, as in rectal, uterine or vaginal prolapse, happens when muscles and ligaments holding the rectum (lower intestine), uterus or vagina in place weaken, allowing that organ to slip out of place. There can be a slight or serious movement, and sometimes surgery is necessary.

An anal fissure is a tear in the lining of the anal canal or anus that may be caused by trauma to the anus and anal canal by chronic constipation, straining to have a bowel movement, prolonged diarrhea, anal sex and anal stretching or insertion of foreign objects into the anus. Anal fissures can be painful and may bleed.

When one of the small glands inside the anus becomes blocked and develops an abscess, that abscess may develop into a fistula which is a small tunnel connecting the infected glad inside the anus to an opening on the skin. While most fistulas result from anal abscess, some may be caused by trauma, cancer, diverticulitis, sexually transmitted disease, tuberculosis or Crohn’s disease.

An abscess is a pus-filled pocket caused by infection. An anorectal abscess forms near the anus or rectum. This happens when glands in the anus become clogged and infected, leading to abscess formation.