It’s easy to focus on the basics when evaluating your doctor. Did they go to medical school? Are they in your insurance plan’s network? Do they have a good reputation with patients and the medical community? These questions are an important part of choosing and building a relationship with your physician, but we also believe knowing more […]
Colorectal Cancer: The Importance of Screening and Early Detection
Screening and Early Detection is Key to Effective Treatment Colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon and rectum) is the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women in the United States after lung cancer. Colorectal cancer develops from precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon or rectum. Finding and removing polyps reduces the […]
CSA Colorectal Cancer Awareness
At age 52, Rick Sterling did not have any symptoms of colorectal cancer but he did have a family history, so Mr. Sterling scheduled a colonoscopy. That screening resulted in a diagnosis of cancer and he was referred to board certified Colorectal Surgeon Dr. Erik Grossmann and his team at Columbia Surgical Associates. As of […]
Understanding Dialysis Access: FAQ
What is an arteriovenous fistula and why do I need it for dialysis? An arteriovenous (AV) fistula simply means a vein and an artery are connected to one another. It is formed, usually in your arm, when a vein and an artery are surgically sewn together to create a dialysis access. An AV Fistula is the best […]
Melanoma FAQ
What is melanoma and what causes it? Melanoma is a cancer of melanocytes, which are cells that produce melanin, the pigment that is primarily responsible for giving skin its color. What are the signs of melanoma, and what do I do if I find a funny spot or mole? The first sign of melanoma is usually […]