Colon Cancer Genetic Testing - What Is Genetic Counseling?
Information from genetic testing can have a profound impact on your life. Genetic counselors are trained to explain the test and its results, but you make the decision about whether to have the test. A genetic counselor can help you make well-informed decisions. Ask to have genetic counseling before making a decision about testing. Genetic counseling can help you and your family:
- Understand medical facts, including what causes diseases, how a diagnosis is made, and what you may be able to do to help you manage a disease.
- Understand how your family history contributes to the development of a disease.
- Understand what you can do to help prevent colon cancer or a recurrence.
- Learn about caring for a family member with a genetic disease, including getting referrals to specialists or joining support groups.
Genetic counselors are trained to help you and your family make informed decisions. They are sensitive to the physical and emotional aspects of these decisions. Your privacy and confidentiality are carefully protected.
Stage 0 rectal cancer is the most superficial of all rectal lesions and is limited to the mucosa without invasion of the lamina propria. Because of its superficial nature, surgical and other procedures may be limited. Standard treatment options: Local excision or simple polypectomy.[1] Full-thickness rectal resection by the transanal or transcoccygeal route for large lesions not amenable to local excision. Endocavitary radiation therapy.[2,3,4] Local radiation therapy.[2] ...
Read the Stage 0 Rectal Cancer article > >
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