The Answer

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of new cancer cases and deaths for both men and women in Maine. In 2010, nearly 800 Mainers were diagnosed with colon cancer and 270 died from the disease. If you do not have insurance or your insurance will not pay for a colonscopy, call The Maine Colorectal Cancer Control Program Colon Screening Hotline at 1-877-320-6800.

The Answer

Ischemic colitis

Ischemic Colitis is a transient reduction in blood flow to the colon.Necrosis may occur but is usually limited to the mucosa and submucosa, only occasionally causing full-thickness necrosis necessitating surgery. It occurs mainly in older people (> 60) and is thought to be caused by small-vessel atherosclerosis. Symptoms are milder and of slower onset than those of acute mesenteric ischemia and consist of left lower quadrant pain followed by rectal bleeding. Diagnosis is made by colonoscopy; angiography or magnetic resonance angiography is not indicated. Treatment is supportive with IV fluids, bowel rest, and antibiotics. Surgery is rarely required. About 5% of patients have a recurrence. Occasionally, strictures develop at the site of the ischemia several weeks later, necessitating surgical resection.