Bowel Conditions
Dr Aemelia Melloy treats a range of bowel issues. The following provides information on the most common conditions:
Bowel cancer
Rectal bleeding
Small bowel tumours
Small bowel obstruction
Bowel Cancer
Bowel cancer is most common in people over the age of 50 and is the third most common type of cancer in Australia. Depending on where the cancer forms, bowel cancer may also be called, colon cancer or rectal cancer.
Risk factors for bowel cancer include age, genetics, and lifestyle factors such as diet and obesity.
Regular bowel screening tests or colonoscopies can assist with early diagnosis.
Treatment depends on the type and stage of bowel cancer and includes surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy or a combination of these.
More information - https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/bowel-cancer
Rectal Bleeding
Rectal bleeding is a common issue that has many causes including:
Each of these conditions has different causes and treatments. It’s important that you see your GP if you have any concerns.
Small Bowel Obstruction
A small bowel obstruction commonly occurs where a loop of the intestine gets blocked or twisted which stop the flow of food, liquid and gas causing considerable pain.
The most common cause of a bowel obstruction is scar tissue (adhesions) and hernias. There are many other less common causes including tumours, abscess/infection and inflammatory bowel disease.
Symptoms of small bowel obstructions can include:
Severe abdominal pain and cramps
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal swelling
Constipation
Lack of appetite
Fever
This condition can be diagnosed is via a medical examination and CT scan and sometimes will require urgent surgery to correct the obstruction.