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    Last Updated: 01/09/2026

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    MediFind found 95 doctor with experience in Colorectal Cancer near Germantown, MD. Of these, 56 are Experienced, 31 are Advanced and 8 are Distinguished.

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    95 providers found
      Advanced in Colorectal Cancer
      Hematology | Oncology
      Advanced in Colorectal Cancer
      Hematology | Oncology
      19936 Interlachen Cir, 
      Ashburn, VA 
       (14.3 miles away)
      Languages Spoken:
      English
      Offers Telehealth

      . Dr. Khetpal is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. Her top areas of expertise are Smoldering Multiple Myeloma, Colorectal Cancer, Multiple Myeloma, and Familial Colorectal Cancer.

      Shannon C. O'connor
      Advanced in Colorectal Cancer
      Hematology Oncology
      Advanced in Colorectal Cancer
      Hematology Oncology

      Maryland Oncology Hematology PA

      9905 Medical Center Drive, Shady Grove Medical Building Suite200, Suite 200, Shady Grove Medical Building Suite200, Suite 200, 
      Rockville, MD 
       (7.4 miles away)
      Languages Spoken:
      English
      Offers Telehealth

      "Shannon C. O'Connor, M.D., is a medical oncologist with Suburban Hospital. She practices out of Maryland Oncology Hematology. Dr. O'Connor has expertise in hematology and medical oncology with a special focus in women's health, including breast cancer and gynecologic cancers. Dr. O'Connor earned her Master's Degree in Physiology at Georgetown University, followed by her medical degree from St. George's University School of Medicine. She completed a residency at Washington Hospital Center, as well as a fellowship in hematology and oncology. Dr. O'Connor is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the American Society of Hematology, the Montgomery County Medical Society and the American Medical Association. Selected Publications Catlett JP1, Williams SA, O'Connor SC, Krishnan J, Malkovska V. ""Primary lymphoma of bone: an institutional experience."" Leuk Lymphoma. 2008 Nov;49(11):2125-32. doi: 10.1080/10428190802404030.". Dr. O'connor is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. Her top areas of expertise are Paget Disease of the Breast, Cervical Cancer, Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Cervix, and Breast Cancer.

      Advanced in Colorectal Cancer
      Oncology | Hematology Oncology | Hematology
      Advanced in Colorectal Cancer
      Oncology | Hematology Oncology | Hematology

      American Oncology Partners PA

      19520 Doctors Dr, 
      Germantown, MD 
       (0.2 miles away)
      Languages Spoken:
      English, Hindi, Urdu
      Accepting New Patients

      Daya Sharma is an Oncologist and a Hematologist Oncology provider in Germantown, Maryland. Dr. Sharma is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Astrocytoma, Embryonal Tumor with Multilayered Rosettes, Gliosarcoma, and Neuroepithelioma. Dr. Sharma is currently accepting new patients.

      Learn about our expert tiers
      Distinguished in Colorectal Cancer
      Hematology Oncology | Hematology | Oncology
      Distinguished in Colorectal Cancer
      Hematology Oncology | Hematology | Oncology
      9707 Medical Center Dr, Suite 300, 
      Rockville, MD 
       (6.5 miles away)
      Languages Spoken:
      English

      Manish Agrawal is a Hematologist Oncology specialist and a Hematologist in Rockville, Maryland. Dr. Agrawal is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Urothelial Cancer, Familial Colorectal Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, and Familial Prostate Cancer.

      Advanced in Colorectal Cancer
      Hematology Oncology
      Advanced in Colorectal Cancer
      Hematology Oncology

      Maryland Oncology Hematology PA

      Rockville, MD 
       (6.6 miles away)
      Languages Spoken:
      English
      Offers Telehealth

      John Wallmark is a Hematologist Oncology provider in Rockville, Maryland. Dr. Wallmark is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Breast Cancer, Paget Disease of the Breast, Multiple Myeloma, and Colorectal Cancer.

      Advanced in Colorectal Cancer
      Hematology Oncology
      Advanced in Colorectal Cancer
      Hematology Oncology

      Maryland Oncology Hematology PA

      Rockville, MD 
       (6.6 miles away)
      Languages Spoken:
      English
      Offers Telehealth

      "George A. Sotos, M.D., is the chief of hematology and oncology at Suburban Hospital, as well as a member of Suburban's Cancer Committee and the coordinator of Multidisciplinary Cancer Conferences. Dr. Sotos is a partner of Maryland Oncology & Hematology in Rockville, Maryland. Dr. Sotos has expertise in medical oncology and hematology, as well as chemotherapy. Dr. Sotos earned his Master of Science in Physiology from Georgetown University, followed by his medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia. He completed a residency in internal medicine with University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, followed by a fellowship in medical oncology with the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Sotos is a fellow of the American College of Physicians, as well as a member of the Montgomery County Medical Society, the Medical and Chirurgical Faculty of the State of Maryland, and the American Society of Clinical Oncology. He is also a member of the oncology specialty panel for Johns Hopkins Medicine's Formulary Management Committee and previously served as a member of Suburban Hospital's Medical Staff Executive Committee, Provider Quality Committee and Physician Advisory Board. Dr. Sotos has been named a Top Doctor by Washington Consumers' Checkbook and a Super Doctor by the Washington Post magazine. Castle Connolly has also named him a Top Doctor in the Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Washington-Baltimore areas. Dr. Sotos has contributed to numerous publications on medical oncology and hematology topics. Selected Publications Rotello, L, Albrant, D, Nossuli, K, Sotos, G, Samet, C, Rainey, T. ""Impact of a Hospital-Wide Pharmacy Implemented Weight-Based Dosing Protocol for Erythropoietin."" Chest, 124:4 (Suppl):182S (Abstract), 2003. Sotos, George A. ""Ars Brevis."" Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2013; 31:14; 1792-1794; http://jco.ascopubs.org/content/31/14/1792.full.pdf+html". Dr. Sotos is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Lung Cancer, Pleuropulmonary Blastoma, Multiple Myeloma, and Endometrial Cancer.

      Advanced in Colorectal Cancer
      Internal Medicine
      Advanced in Colorectal Cancer
      Internal Medicine

      Maryland Medical Group Inc.

      10110 Molecular Drive, Suite 114, 
      Rockville, MD 
       (7.4 miles away)
      Languages Spoken:
      English, Vietnamese

      Dr. Truong Bao is the Director of Montgomery Medical's Hospital Practices. He completed his bachelor's degree at the University of Maryland, College Park in 1994 with honors Magna Cum Laude. He also earned his MD at the University of Maryland, Baltimore with. Dr. Bao is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. Her top areas of expertise are Osteoarthritis, Familial Colorectal Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Gastrostomy, and Endoscopy.

      Advanced in Colorectal Cancer
      Hematology | Hematology Oncology
      Advanced in Colorectal Cancer
      Hematology | Hematology Oncology

      Maryland Oncology Hematology PA

      9905 Medical Center Drive, Shady Grove Medical Building Suite200, Suite 200, Shady Grove Medical Building Suite200, Suite 200, 
      Rockville, MD 
       (7.4 miles away)
      Languages Spoken:
      English
      Offers Telehealth

      Syed Mahmood is a Hematologist and a Hematologist Oncology provider in Rockville, Maryland. Dr. Mahmood is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Thrombocytopenia, RUNX1 Familial Platelet Disorder, Colorectal Cancer, and Lynch Syndrome.

      Distinguished in Colorectal Cancer
      Colorectal Surgery
      Distinguished in Colorectal Cancer
      Colorectal Surgery

      18109 Prince Philip Drive, Ste. B100

      18109 Prince Philip Dr Ste B100, 
      Olney, MD 
       (10.5 miles away)
      Languages Spoken:
      English
      Offers Telehealth

      Brian Bello is a Colorectal Surgeon in Olney, Maryland. Dr. Bello is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Colorectal Cancer, Familial Colorectal Cancer, Anal Cancer, Bladder Reconstruction, and Ureteroscopy.

      Distinguished in Colorectal Cancer
      Colorectal Surgery
      Distinguished in Colorectal Cancer
      Colorectal Surgery

      Colorectal Surgery Of Maryland And Washington DC

      Bethesda, MD 
       (13.7 miles away)
      Languages Spoken:
      English

      Dr. Vivek A. Patil is a colorectal surgeon affiliated with Sibley Memorial Hospital and Suburban Hospital, where he serves as chairman of colorectal surgery, as well as Shady Grove Adventist Hospital and Holy Cross Hospital. He practices out of Colorectal Surgery of Maryland and Washington, D.C., located in Bethesda, Maryland. Dr. Patil has an expertise minimally-invasive surgery, including laparoscopy and robotic surgery, to treat benign and malignant conditions of the colon and rectum. He has special interests in anorectal conditions, inflammatory bowel disease and pelvic floor disorders. Dr. Patil earned his medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine. He completed a residency in general surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital, where he participated in surgical research and received the John O. Vieta, M.D. Award for Surgical Excellence and Compassionate Care. Dr. Patil also completed a fellowship in colorectal surgery at Washington Hospital Center. Dr. Patil is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. Dr. Patil has been consistently named one of Washingtonian Magazine’s Top Doctors. Dr. Patil is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Hemorrhoids, Rectal Prolapse, Colorectal Cancer, Hemorrhoidectomy, and Ileostomy.

      Experienced in Colorectal Cancer
      Gastroenterology
      Experienced in Colorectal Cancer
      Gastroenterology

      Digestive Disease Solutions LLC

      19801 Observation Dr, 
      Germantown, MD 
       (1.6 miles away)
      Languages Spoken:
      English

      Moustafa Ahmed is a Gastroenterologist in Germantown, Maryland. Dr. Ahmed is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Gastric Dysmotility, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Diarrhea, Gastrectomy, and Colonoscopy.

      Experienced in Colorectal Cancer
      Gastroenterology
      Experienced in Colorectal Cancer
      Gastroenterology

      Digestive Care Specialists LLC

      19851 Observation Dr, Suite 245, 
      Germantown, MD 
       (1.7 miles away)
      Experience:
      10+ years
      Languages Spoken:
      English

      Reza Hashemipour is a Gastroenterologist in Germantown, Maryland. Dr. Hashemipour has been practicing medicine for over 10 years and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Cholecystitis, Cholangitis, Gallbladder Disease, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy.

      Experienced in Colorectal Cancer
      Radiology | Interventional Radiology
      Experienced in Colorectal Cancer
      Radiology | Interventional Radiology

      Community Radiology Associates Inc

      19851 Observation Dr, Suite 155, 
      Germantown, MD 
       (1.7 miles away)
      Languages Spoken:
      English

      Ajay Sufi is a Radiologist and an Interventional Radiologist in Germantown, Maryland. Dr. Sufi is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Osteoarthritis, Visceromegaly, and Angiomyoma.

      Experienced in Colorectal Cancer
      Family Medicine
      Experienced in Colorectal Cancer
      Family Medicine

      Maryland Medical Group Inc.

      10110 Molecular Drive, Suite 114, 
      Rockville, MD 
       (7.4 miles away)
      Languages Spoken:
      English, Arabic

      "Dr. Sayed Elsayyad joined Montgomery Medical Associates in 2005. Dr. Elsayyad attended medical school and completed his residency in Internal Medicine in Cairo, Egypt and moved to the United States where he earned his degree in Family Practice from the Louisiana State University. Since joining Montgomery Medical Associates, Dr. Elsayyad has contributed significantly to the expansion of the practice in Geriatric Medicine. Dr. Elsayyad is the Chief Medical Officer and a Partner at Montgomery Medical Associates. He is also the Chair of Family Practice at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital in Rockville, Maryland. Dr. Elsayyad office offers personalized service, delivering medical care consistent with the standards of the medical community and expected by patients. Selected Publications Mehan R., Dangas G., Hong M., Deible R., Faraj H., Elsayyad S., Negotia M., Okubagzi P., Astatkie M., Pichard A., Stone G., Leon M., : Femoral vascular access complications following Arteriotomy Closure Devices : A Comparison with manual compression after percutaneous coronary intervention. JACC Vol 35-33A-1085-82. Mehran R., Gruberg L., Nigoita M., Faraj H., Elsayyad S., Curry B., Hong M., Kent K., Repeat stenting for treatment of in-stent restenosis: selective therapy vs. complete lesion coverage. AHA-circulation Vol 100, No 18, 1-307:1607. Mintz G., Hong MK., Jackson M., Folescu M., Kipp, N. Elsayyad S., Merrit A., Laird J., Kent K. The number of stents does not increase target lesion revascularization during intravascular ultrasound guided stent implantation procedures. AHA-circulation Vol 100, No 18, 1-788:4163. Waksman R., Elsayyad S., Mehran R., Lawrence White R., Chan R., Rosales O., Bhargava B., Deible R., Purser A., Okubagzi P., Lansky A.,: High Dose Intracoronary Gamma Radiation for patients with diffuse In-Stent Restenosis. Waksman R., Bhargava B., Taaffe M., Lawrence White R., Satler L., Mehran R., Kent K., Pichard A., Elsayyad S., Okubagzi P., Lansky A., Nigoita M.,: Prolonged Antiplatelet Therapy to reduce Late Thrombosis after Intracoronary Gamma Radiation in patient with in-Stent Restenosis ""Plavix WRIST"". AHA-circulation Vol 102, No 18, 11-570:2762. Lectures & Presentations Gender specific differences after Saphenous Vein Graft Stenting, Gender specific differences in actue and long-term outcome, International Cardiology Conference, Cairo, Egypt, 2/23/01 High Dose Intracoronary Gamma Radiation for patients with diffuse In-Stent Restenosis, Stent Restenosis, International Cardiology Conference, Cairo, Egypt, 2/23/01". Dr. Elsayyad is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Osteoarthritis, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), Dementia, Gastrostomy, and Hip Replacement.

      Nikhil Bhagat
      Advanced in Colorectal Cancer
      Advanced in Colorectal Cancer

      Suburban Hospital

      8600 Old Georgetown Road, 
      Bethesda, MD 
       (14.9 miles away)
      Languages Spoken:
      English

      Dr. Bhagat is an interventional radiologist serving as the director of Vascular and Interventional Radiology of the National Capital Region. His primary areas of clinical expertise are interventional oncology (chemoembolization, radioembolization, and ablation), women's interventions, and vascular interventions (venous and arterial). Dr. Bhagat sees patients at both Suburban Hospital and Sibley Memorial Hospital. His research interests include interventional oncology, especially device development and software assistance for complex procedures. Dr. Bhagat successfully completed his Vascular and Interventional Radiology fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco in 2009. He joined the staff as an Assistant Professor of Radiology and Surgery at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. While there, he authored more than 5 book chapters and 20 peer-reviewed manuscripts as well as giving many lectures at national and international meetings. In his second year at Johns Hopkins, he received a NIH R01 grant. Videos Nikhil Bhagat, M.D. Dr. Bhagat is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Ascites, Familial Pancreatic Cancer, Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC), Liver Embolization, and Gastrostomy.

      Advanced in Colorectal Cancer
      Internal Medicine
      Advanced in Colorectal Cancer
      Internal Medicine
      15225 Shady Grove Rd, Suite 103, 
      Rockville, MD 
       (6.4 miles away)
      Languages Spoken:
      English, Amharic
      Accepting New Patients

      Fisehatsion Mehari is a primary care provider, practicing in Internal Medicine in Rockville, Maryland. Dr. Mehari is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Stroke, Gastrointestinal Bleeding, Sepsis, Hemorrhoidectomy, and Colonoscopy. Dr. Mehari is currently accepting new patients.

      Advanced in Colorectal Cancer
      Hematology Oncology | Hematology | Oncology
      Advanced in Colorectal Cancer
      Hematology Oncology | Hematology | Oncology

      Maryland Oncology Hematology PA

      9905 Medical Ctr Dr, Suite 200, 
      Rockville, MD 
       (7.4 miles away)
      Languages Spoken:
      English
      Accepting New Patients
      Offers Telehealth

      Shreya Sinha is a Hematologist Oncology specialist and a Hematologist in Rockville, Maryland. Dr. Sinha is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. Her top areas of expertise are Colorectal Cancer, Appendix Cancer, Familial Colorectal Cancer, and Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer. Dr. Sinha is currently accepting new patients.

      Advanced in Colorectal Cancer
      Oncology | Hematology
      Advanced in Colorectal Cancer
      Oncology | Hematology

      Maryland Oncology Hematology PA

      9905 Medical Ctr Dr, Suite 200, 
      Rockville, MD 
       (7.4 miles away)
      Languages Spoken:
      English
      Accepting New Patients
      Offers Telehealth

      Shruti Murali is an Oncologist and a Hematologist in Rockville, Maryland. Dr. Murali is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. Her top areas of expertise are HER-2 Positive Breast Cancer, Triple-Negative Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer, and Paget Disease of the Breast. Dr. Murali is currently accepting new patients.

      Advanced in Colorectal Cancer
      General Surgery
      Advanced in Colorectal Cancer
      General Surgery

      Metro Colon And Rectal Surgery PC

      4701 Randolph Rd Ste 203, 
      Rockville, MD 
       (11.6 miles away)
      Languages Spoken:
      English

      Rami Makhoul is a General Surgeon in Rockville, Maryland. Dr. Makhoul is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Levator Syndrome, Hemorrhoids, Anal Fissure, Colostomy, and Bladder Reconstruction.

      Distinguished in Colorectal Cancer
      Hematology Oncology | Oncology
      Distinguished in Colorectal Cancer
      Hematology Oncology | Oncology

      Inova Health Care Services

      44055 Riverside Pkwy, Suite 108, 
      Leesburg, VA 
       (12.9 miles away)
      Languages Spoken:
      English
      Accepting New Patients
      Offers Telehealth

      Raymond Wadlow is a Hematologist Oncology specialist and an Oncologist in Leesburg, Virginia. Dr. Wadlow is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Colorectal Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, Familial Colorectal Cancer, Familial Pancreatic Cancer, and Pancreaticoduodenectomy. Dr. Wadlow is currently accepting new patients.

      Showing 1-20 of 95

      Last Updated: 01/09/2026

      What is the definition of Colorectal Cancer?

      Colorectal cancer (CRC), also known as colon cancer, is a cancer that occurs in the large intestine (colon) or rectum and is the third most diagnosed cancer in the U.S., appearing more frequently in older men and women over the age of 50. Colorectal cancer often begins with appearance of small, non-cancerous (benign) growths (polyps) in the lining of the colon that are without symptoms. Some of these polyps can eventually develop into tumors and become colorectal cancer. Not all polyps become cancerous. The risk of polyps developing into cancer depends on the type of polyps, of which there are two main types:   1) Adenomas are considered pre-cancerous because they sometimes become adenocarcinomas, which represent 96% of colorectal cancers. 2) Hyperplastic and inflammatory polyps occur more often and are usually non-cancerous. Additional risks for polyps becoming cancerous include their size, number, or whether they have abnormal cells. If a polyp does become cancerous, the cancer can spread into the lining of the colon or rectum, and eventually through other layers. Once inside the wall of the colon or rectum, the cancer can then spread into the blood vessels and lymph system (nodes) or other, distant parts of the body (metastasis).  A few other, less common colorectal cancers include: Carcinoid Tumors that arise from hormone-producing cells in the colon. Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs) that arise from special cells in the lining of the colon, and which can be either cancerous or non-cancerous (benign); however, GISTs do not commonly appear in the colon. Lymphomas, which are cancers that begin in lymph nodes. Sarcomas, which begin in the blood vessels, muscles, or connective tissues, and rarely appear as colorectal cancers. Colorectal cancer is classified based on the following stages: Stage 0 – Carcinoma in Situ: abnormal cells may be found in the lining (mucosa) of the colon or rectum. Stage I – Cancer has formed in the lining (mucosa) of the colon or rectal wall and has spread to the submucosa (outer layer) or the muscle layer. Stage II (IIA, IIB, IIC) – Cancer has spread through the muscle of the colon or rectum to the outer layer (serosa); Cancer has spread through the outer layer (serosa) to the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum); Cancer has spread through the outer layer (serosa) to other organs. Stage III (IIA, IIIB, IIIC) – Cancer has spread through the mucosa (inner layer), submucosa (outer layer), or muscle layer of colon or rectum, or through the colon or rectal wall to four-to-six lymph nodes; Cancer has spread through the mucosa (inner layer), submucosa (outer layer), or muscle layer of colon or rectum, or through the colon or rectal wall to the mucosa that lines the abdomen (peritoneum) and one-to-three lymph nodes, or four-to six lymph nodes, or seven or more lymph nodes; Cancer has spread to the mucosa lining the abdomen (peritoneum) and four-to six lymph nodes, or seven or more lymph nodes, or to nearby organs. Stage IV (IVA, IVB, IVC) – Cancer has spread to one area or organ not near the colon or rectum, such as liver, lung, ovary, or distant lymph node; Cancer has spread to more than one area or organ, such as liver, lung, ovary, or distant lymph node; Cancer has spread to the lining of the wall of the abdomen (peritoneum) and may have spread to other organs. The level of staging for colorectal cancer determines its treatment and outcomes (prognosis).

      What type of doctors treat colorectal cancer?  

      Colorectal cancer is treated by a team of specialists who collaborate to create the best care plan. Key doctors include: 

      • Colorectal surgeons: These specialists perform surgeries to remove cancerous tissues from the colon or rectum. They also handle complications or follow-up surgeries if needed. 
      • Medical oncologists: These doctors use treatments like chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy to manage cancer, especially if it has spread. 
      • Radiation oncologists: They use radiation therapy to shrink tumors or destroy cancer cells. Radiation is often used for rectal cancer. 
      • Gastroenterologists: These doctors focus on diagnosing and treating digestive system disorders. While they perform colonoscopies to detect cancer, they do not treat it. 

      A colorectal doctor typically refers to a colorectal surgeon, while a gastroenterologist focuses on diagnosing and managing digestive disorders. 

      What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer? 

      Colorectal cancer can cause different symptoms that vary from person to person. Common symptoms include: 

      • Persistent changes in bowel habits, like diarrhea, constipation, or stools that are narrower than usual 
      • Blood in the stool, which may appear bright red or dark 
      • Abdominal pain, cramping, or discomfort that doesn’t go away 
      • A feeling that the bowel doesn’t empty completely after a bowel movement 
      • Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite 
      • Fatigue or weakness 

      Blood in the stool or subtle changes in bowel habits may be early warning signs of colorectal cancer. However, most people do not notice their symptoms until the cancer has progressed. That’s why regular screenings, such as colonoscopies starting at age 45 or earlier for high-risk individuals, are important for early detection.  

      How is colorectal cancer diagnosed?  

      Colorectal cancer diagnosis involves a combination of screening tools and diagnostic tests

      • Colonoscopy: A thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the colon to check for abnormalities. If polyps or suspicious areas are found, a biopsy can be taken for testing. 
      • Stool-based tests: These include fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) or fecal immunochemical tests (FIT), which check for hidden blood, and stool DNA tests, which look for abnormal DNA changes. 
      • CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy): A less invasive imaging test that uses CT scans to create detailed pictures of the colon and rectum. 
      • Blood tests: While blood work, such as a carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) test, can suggest cancer, it cannot confirm the diagnosis. Blood tests are often used to monitor the cancer’s progress or recurrence. 

      What can colorectal cancer be mistaken for?  

      Colorectal cancer can develop over many years without obvious symptoms. Some patients were misdiagnosed in the early stages of their cancer because their symptoms were similar to those of common health conditions, such as: 

      • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): A disorder causing abdominal discomfort, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. 
      • Hemorrhoids: Swollen blood vessels in the rectum or anus that can cause rectal bleeding. 
      • Diverticulitis: Inflammation or infection of small pouches in the colon. 
      • Infections: Intestinal infections can mimic symptoms like diarrhea or abdominal pain. 

      What is the life expectancy for someone with colorectal cancer?  

      The life expectancy for colorectal cancer depends on several factors, including the stage at diagnosis, overall health, and response to treatment.  

      The survival rates based on cancer stages are: 

      • Localized (early stage): If the cancer is confined to the colon or rectum, the 5-year survival rate is about 91%. Early detection offers the best chance for successful treatment. 
      • Regional spread: When cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or tissues, the 5-year survival rate drops to about 72%. 
      • Distant spread (metastatic cancer): If the cancer has spread to distant organs, such as the liver or lungs, the 5-year survival rate is approximately 15%. 

      These survival rates are averages, and outcomes will vary from person to person. Advances in treatment options, including targeted therapies and immunotherapy, continue to improve prognosis for many patients. 

      When should I see a Colorectal Cancer doctor near Germantown, MD?

      There are various reasons why you may want to see a specialist, such as: 

      • Your primary care provider recommends it. 
      • Your condition requires expert knowledge and specialized care. 
      • Your symptoms persist or worsen despite treatment. 
      • You need specialized testing or procedures. 
      • You want a second opinion.  

      What should I consider when choosing a Colorectal Cancer doctor near Germantown, MD?

      It’s important to see a provider with expertise in your specific condition. Each provider profile in MediFind’s doctor database includes information on which conditions they treat, years of experience, research contributions, languages spoken, insurance plans accepted, and more.  

      How does MediFind rank Colorectal Cancer doctors near Germantown, MD?

      MediFind’s rankings are based on a variety of data sources, such as the number of articles a doctor has published in medical journals, participation in clinical trials and industry conferences, as well as the number of patients that provider sees for a given condition. Note that MediFind’s provider database is not based on user reviews, and providers do not pay to be included in the database. 

      What types of insurance are accepted by Colorectal Cancer doctors near Germantown, MD?

      Most profiles in MediFind’s doctor database include a list of insurance plans accepted by that provider. However, it’s a good idea to contact the provider’s office to make sure they still accept your insurance, then doublecheck by contacting your insurance plan to confirm they’re in network. 

      How can I book an appointment online with a Colorectal Cancer doctor near Germantown, MD?

      MediFind offers direct scheduling for certain providers using the “Request Appointment” button on that provider’s profile. If the schedule option is not available for a provider, tap the red “Show Phone Number” button on their profile to get their contact information. If you prefer to find providers who offer online scheduling, select “Schedules online” under the “Availability” category of the filter feature on the left side of the Colorectal Cancer doctor search results page. 

      Why is it important to get a second opinion from a different Colorectal Cancer doctor?

      Second opinions are an opportunity to confirm a diagnosis and its root cause, learn about alternative treatment options, or simply gain peace of mind. Many people, especially those with serious diagnoses, get second opinions so they can understand all their options and make informed decisions, so don’t hesitate to get one if you have any doubts or need more information or clarification regarding your care. Note that some insurance plans require second opinions, while others don’t cover second opinions, so be sure to confirm with your insurance provider first.   

      How can I prepare for my appointment with a Colorectal Cancer doctor near Germantown, MD?

      Prepare for your appointment by gathering the following items: 

      • Copies of medical records (dating back at least one year) 
      • Your medical history, including illnesses, medical conditions, surgeries, and other doctors you see 
      • Family history of disease 
      • List of current prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal remedies or supplements including names and doses 
      • Allergies to medications, food, latex, insects, etc.  
      • List of questions and concerns 
      • Your insurance card 

      You might also contact the provider’s office to see if they offer transportation or childcare services or if you’re allowed to bring a loved one for support or to take notes during your visit. 

      What questions should I ask my Colorectal Cancer doctor?

      Here are some sample questions: 

      • Can you explain in simple terms what this condition is and how it’s treated? 
      • What symptoms or side effects should I watch for? 
      • What tests will be involved, and when can I expect results? 
      • Are there other specialists I need to see? 
      • What’s the best way to reach you if I have follow-up questions? 

      How can I learn about the latest clinical trials and research advances my Colorectal Cancer doctor may know about?

      MediFind’s Clinical Trials tool asks you a series of questions to help you narrow down your search by health condition, age, gender, location, how far you’re willing to travel, and more. Each question you answer filters down the number of trials until you find the ones that are most relevant to you. 

      MediFind’s Latest Advances tool features summaries of recent articles published in medical journals. We use cutting-edge technology to scour medical publication databases for the latest research advancements on any given condition, then we simplify this information in a way that’s useful and easy to understand. 

      Can I filter my search to show male or female Colorectal Cancer doctors near Germantown, MD?

      Look for the filter feature on the left side of the Colorectal Cancer doctor search results page. Select “Female” or “Male” under the “Gender” category to search for female or male providers exclusively. If the “Any” option is selected, it will pull results for both male and female providers. 

      Can I filter my search to find a Colorectal Cancer doctor that offers video calls?

      Look for the filter feature on the left-side of the Colorectal Cancer doctor search results page. Select “Offers telehealth visits” under the Availability category to search for providers who offer virtual appointments (video calls). 

      Reviewed on: 11/11/24  

      By: MediFind Medical Staff 

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