Digestive disease treatment in Jacksonville, TX
At UT Health Jacksonville, our doctors provide comprehensive digestive health treatments for patients with gastrointestinal (GI) disease. Our GI disease specialists provide treatment for various conditions, ranging from gastroesophageal reflux and Barrett’s esophagus to pancreatitis and irritable bowel syndrome. 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 high-quality digestive disorder care delivered by board-certified experts, trust UT Health Jacksonville for your needs.
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. The GI disease specialists at our digestive health clinic 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
Should you require care for a condition not listed above, our GI doctors will work diligently to ensure you receive the comprehensive care you need.
Colon cancer screenings
Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, but it doesn’t have to be. If detected early, colon and rectal cancers can be prevented, 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 earlier 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
- Blood in the stool
- Family history of colon cancer
- Lower abdominal cramping
- Rectal bleeding
- Sudden change of bowel habits
To schedule a colonoscopy, please call 903-531-8950.
