1.9K Reviews | 4.7 Star Rating | 20+ years of experience | 72k+ Patients Treated
Colon Cancer Gastroenterologist - Dr. Scott Liu
Dr. Scott provides early screening and diagnosis of colon cancer as well as advanced minimally invasive management of colon cancer at GastroDoxs in Houston. His personalized plans, innovative practices, and helpful advice assist patients to mitigate risks, identify growths at an early stage, and enhance results.
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Being over the age of 50
Colon cancer or polyps in the family.
Possessing a Crohn disease or ulcerative colitis.
Physiological inactivity and overweight.
Consumption of large quantities of red or processed meat.
Smoking and alcohol consumption frequently.
Signs and Symptoms
Often none in early stages
Blood in your diarrhea or toilet paper.
Continuous constipation or diarrhea.
Loss of weight without any evident cause.
Abdominal pain, cramps or bloating.
Feeling tired or weak often
How Dr. Scott Diagnoses This Condition?
Dr. Scott uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Physical Exam
He examines your medical and family history of colon polyps or cancer, inquires about such symptoms as blood in the stool, alteration in bowel habits, unexplainable weight loss or chronic abdominal/epigastric discomfort, and he particularly examines the abdomen and the rectum.
Blood Tests and Stool Studies
He orders a complete blood count to examine the presence of anemia, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels to assess a tumor lesion, and could order a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) or stool DNA test to evaluate the possibility of bradycardia and occult bleeding.
Endoscopic Evaluation
Colonoscopy-Gold-standard which involves visualization of the entire colon and in case of lesions found on the colon, a biopsy and removal of the polyps may be performed during the same procedure.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy-An examination of the lower colon and rectum when examining is necessary as a screening or follow-up.
Imaging Studies
Imaging Studies
CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy)- 3D mapping of the colon, which is a non-invasive procedure, used when colonoscopy is not complete or contraindicated.
Abdominal and pelvic CT or MRI-Staging to determine the size of the tumor, the involvement of lymph nodes and possible spreading to the liver, lungs or other organs.
Advanced Testing (if needed)
In case biopsy proves the malignancy, he could order molecular and genetic profiling to detect particular mutations and prescribe specific therapies.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for colon cancer.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications
Increase your intake of fruits, vegetables and whole grains as a source of fiber.
Select low-fat foods such as fish, chicken and beans.
Red and processed meats should be limited to lower the risk.
Do physical exercises and watch your weight.
Stop smoking and reduce alcohol with an aim of improving the results.
2. Medications
Individualized treatment schemes introduced by tumor markers.
Specified attacks on cancer cells.
Medications to treat the side effects and ensure quality of life.
Minimally invasive/Advanced Procedures.
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
Minimally invasive surgery to excise tumors.
Accurate surgery with the use of robotic assistance.
Removal of endoscopic polyp in colonoscopy.
Stenting or tumor ablation to decompose blockages in advanced cases.
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
But what makes me know whether I have colon cancer?
Polyps or cancer can only be detected in the early stages through a colonoscopy. In case of symptoms or family history, Dr. Scott will order screening and take you through.
What is the survival rate of colon cancer?
The outcomes of survival are based on the diagnosis stage. Colon cancer with an early-stage has a five-year survival of more than 90%. Further developments in treatment have enhanced the treatment of even late stages.
Can diet help lower my risk?
Yes. A high-fiber diet, eating less red and processed meat, and exercise can also reduce the such risk of colon cancer by one third to half. Dr. Scott is able to assist you to create your own nutrition plan.
What will happen in case I have colon cancer of stage 4?
Dr. Scott is a specialist in applying multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of a disease, meaning a combination of chemotherapy, targeted therapies, surgery, and supportive care, to aid in disease management, control, and your maintenance of high quality life.
When should I get screened?
To the majority of individuals the process of screening starts at the age of 45. Dr. Scott can suggest the start of earlier or more frequent exams in case of family history of colon cancer, polyps or inflammatory bowel disease.
Do women differ in the symptoms of colon cancer?
There are some symptoms, such as abdominal pain or bleeding, that may resemble gynecological problems. Notable bleeding, pains or bowel habits should always be reported to your doctor so as to be assessed at the earliest.
What are the additional facts about colon cancer?
For more information on the latest information regarding prevention, screening and treatment of colon cancer, visit the American cancer society at cancer.org.
