Stomach specialists, also known as gastroenterologists, are experts who diagnose and treat digestive disorders. Dr. Miguel Arenas at Mesquite Gastroenterology and Surgery Center in Tucson, AZ, provides a wide range of GI services, including diagnosis and treatment of digestive disorders.
What You Need to Know about Digestive Disorders
A stomach specialist uses precise diagnostic testing to identify and treat digestive disorders. Some of the diagnostic tools a stomach specialist uses include:
An upper endoscopy or EGD, which is an excellent diagnostic test to identify:
- Causes of bleeding in your gastrointestinal system
- Celiac or peptic ulcer disease
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD
- Esophageal inflammation, growths, or cancer
A colonoscopy, which is an excellent diagnostic tool to identify:
- Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease
- Causes of constipation or diarrhea
- Causes of gastrointestinal bleeding and anemia
- Polyps and other growths in your colon
A colonoscopy is an important diagnostic test to check for colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is one of the main causes of cancer-related deaths in the United States. You should have a colon cancer screening if you are over age 50, or if you have a family history of colon cancer. Regular colonoscopies as recommended by your gastroenterologist can reduce your risk of colon cancer by as much as 90 percent.
Your stomach specialist may also use flexible sigmoidoscopy to examine your lower colon and the lining of your rectum for signs of colorectal cancer.
You should visit a stomach specialist for diagnostic testing if you are experiencing:
- Abdominal cramping and pain that doesn’t go away
- Weakness, fatigue, and rapid weight loss
- Chronic constipation, diarrhea, or change in your stool consistency
- Dark, tarry stools, which may indicate blood in your stool
Want to Know More about Digestive Disorders?
To learn more about how a stomach specialist can diagnose and treat stomach disorders, talk with an expert. Call Dr. Miguel Arenas at Mesquite Gastroenterology and Surgery Center in Tucson, AZ. You can reach his office by calling (520) 722-0744, so call today!