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Top Rectal Cancer  Doctor

Top Rectal Cancer Doctor

Dr. Scott provides expertise and caring treatment of rectal cancer at GastroDoxs in Houston. We apply both the latest diagnostics, minimally invasive procedures and personalized care to enhance the outcomes, minimize the adverse events and allow you to recover in the quickest possible time and restore your health and confidence. Early detection matters.

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Texas Medical Board
Harris County Medical Society
American College of Gastroenterology
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Memorial hermann
Houston Methodist leading Medicine
HCA Houston Healthcare
Scott Liu

About the Expert

Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

  • Age 50 or older
  • Family history of colorectal or rectal cancer
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's)
  • High-fat, low-fiber diet
  • Physical inactivity
  • Smoking or heavy alcohol use
  • Inherited syndromes (Lynch syndrome, FAP)

Signs and Symptoms

  • Often no symptoms in early stages
  • Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
  • Narrow or pencil-thin stools
  • Abdominal pain, cramps or discomfort
  • Frequent or urgent need to have a bowel movement
  • Unintended weight loss
  • Fatigue or weakness

How Dr. Scott Diagnoses Rectal Cancer?

Dr. Scott uses a step-by-step approach:

Medical History and Physical Exam

He examines your symptoms (rectal bleeding, stool caliber change, pain), family history of colorectal cancer, and does a digital rectal examination.

Colonoscopy and Biopsy

Full colonoscopy is capable of visualizing the rectum directly and biopsying in case of any suspicious growths.

Imaging Studies

  • Pelvic MRI to evaluate tumor size, local invasion, and relationship to surrounding structures.
  • CT scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis to check for lymph node involvement or distant metastases.
  • Endorectal ultrasound (ERUS) to assess the depth of tumor penetration and nodal status.

Laboratory Tests

The CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) tumor marker is measured and it acts as a marker of staging and treating response.

Advanced Testing (if needed)

PET/CT, or genetic profiling (e.g., MSI testing) are used to narrow-down staging and direct individual therapy, in select cases.

Dr. Scott
Treatment

Our Team offers a full range of care for rectal cancer.

Lifestyle and Dietary Interventions

  • Consume more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
  • Reduce intake of processed and red meat.
  • Whenever you can, take small walks.
  • Tame stress through support groups or counseling.

Medications

  • Killing the cancerous cells through chemotherapy.
  • Personalized treatment to tumors.
  • Painkillers, nausea causes, and side effects control.

Surgical Minimal and hi tech Procedures

  • Laparoscopic robotic surgery or removal of tumors.
  • Small growths using transanal endoscopy surgery (TEM).
  • As a pill when used to reduce tumors.
Scott Liu

About the Expert

Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ICD-10 of rectal cancer?

The ICD-10 code is C20 that is of rectal cancer.

What is the prognosis of survival of rectal cancer?

The general survival rate over a period of 5 years is approximately at 64%. Early (stage I or II) detection guarantees a survival rate of over 90.

Is the stage 4 rectal cancer treatable?

Yes. Stage 4 rectal cancer-chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and surgery-can be treated and can be prolonged and improve the quality of life, although the 5-year survival rate is less (approximately 14-20%).

What is the best way to diagnose the early rectal cancer?

The gold standard of early detection is a colonoscopy. Yearly or every other two-year FIT (fecal immunochemical test) feces tests can also assist in malignancy detection in an early stage of treatment.

Is diet useful in the prevention of rectal cancer recurrence?

Yes. A diet rich in fiber (fruits, vegetables, whole grains) and poor in red or processed meat could reduce chances of relapse. Healthy weight and exercise are also helpful.

Is Dr. Scott a minimum invasive surgeon?

No. Dr. Scott does laparoscopy, robotic resections, and transanal endoscopy of a few selected tumors at the early stage to reduce the side effects and accelerate the recovery.

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