If you’re having pain in your stomach or notice bloody stools when you use the restroom, your primary doctor may refer you to a gastroenterologist for testing. There can be various causes of your problem, including a peptic ulcer, colitis, or, more seriously, colorectal cancer. The gastroenterologist, you consult will probably run diagnostic procedures in Allentown, PA to find the source of the bleeding.
Types of Diagnostic Procedures
There are several diagnostic tests that can be done to find problems in the gastrointestinal tract. The tract includes the esophagus, the stomach, pancreas, intestines, liver, colon, and rectum. Diagnostic procedures often used include endoscopies to search for ulcers and then if one is found, tissue samples are taken to find the cause of the ulcer.
A colonoscopy is often done to check inside the large intestine or colon to test for colorectal cancer for people over the age of 50, especially men. It can also be done to determine the cause of rectal bleeding or find the causes of changes in bowel movements. the website to find out which diagnostic services are provided by Gastroenterology Associates.
Scans and X-rays
Gastroenterologists also use various scans, ultrasounds, and x-rays to check the stomach, intestines, pancreas and gallbladder to check the health of these organs when patients have pain or other problems involving the gastrointestinal tract. Sometimes pain in and around the stomach area can be hard to diagnose, but these diagnostic procedures can be used to pinpoint the problem.
Whether it is a bad gallbladder, pancreatic cancer, or an ulcer, finding out what is wrong with a patient is important so that he or she can be properly treated. If you have pain, blood in your stools, or other indications of a gastrointestinal problem, you need to make an appointment to have your condition diagnosed. Browse the website for more information.
