Experienced Gastroenterologists in Athens, TX
At UT Health Athens we provide comprehensive digestive health treatments for patients with gastrointestinal (GI) disease. Our GI lab is a key part of our success, offering patients comprehensive tests and services, helping us greatly reduce wait times. Our GI disease specialists provide treatment for various conditions, ranging from gastroesophageal reflux and irritable bowel syndrome to pancreatitis and colon cancer. We also offer colonoscopies and colorectal screenings for patients with symptoms and known risk factors, such as a family history of colon cancer. When you need exceptional digestive disorder care delivered by compassionate experts, look no further than UT Health Athens.
GI conditions we treat
Gastroenterology is the study of your digestive system, which includes the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, gallbladder, liver, intestine, colon and rectum. In some cases, such as colonoscopy, it involves standard health screenings. Our GI disease specialists treat a variety of conditions, including:
- Achalasia, dysphasia and other swallowing disorders
- Barrett’s esophagus
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Crohn’s disease and colitis
- Colon cancer
- Colon polyps
- Esophageal cancer
- Gallbladder and biliary tract disease
- Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)
- Hepatitis and liver diseases
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Pancreatitis
- Pancreatic cancer
- Peptic ulcer disease
- Rectal bleeding
- Ulcerative colitis
We provide comprehensive care at our GI lab, which is accredited by The Joint Commission. Our GI lab blends advanced technology with compassionate care, and our board-certified experts are ready to provide exceptional digestive disorder care at a moment’s notice. Our GI lab also participates in the GI Quality Improvement Consortium, a scientific and educational organization that aims to improve the quality of GI care in medical facilities all across the United States.
To learn more about UT Health Athen’s GI lab, please call 903-676-1013.
Colon cancer screenings
Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, but at UT Health Athens, we know that it doesn’t have to be. Colon and rectal cancers can be prevented if detected early, which is why it’s so important to schedule regular colon cancer screenings.
The American Cancer Society recommends patients begin screening for colon cancer at age 45, or age 40 if you have either a family history of colorectal cancer or an inherited condition that makes you more predisposed to develop colorectal cancer. Other factors may contribute to colon cancer, including inflammatory bowel disease, smoking nicotine, drinking alcohol, lack of exercise, and eating a diet rich in fats.
Colonoscopies are the best way to detect colorectal cancer. During this exam, your doctor examines the entire large intestines to detect the presence of polyps (abnormal clump of cells) that could be or become cancerous. When discovered early, colon cancer is highly treatable, so colonoscopy screenings are vital to your continued health.
Colonoscopies are recommended for patients who meet any of the following criteria:
- Aged 40 years or older for those with a family history of colon cancer
- Blood in the stool
- Family history of colon cancer
- Lower abdominal cramping
- Rectal bleeding
- Sudden change of bowel habits
Follow us on Facebook as we spread awareness of colorectal cancer, early detection, and treatment options. To schedule a colonoscopy, please call 903-677-3737.
