At St. Clair Health, we understand the uncertainty that comes with colorectal conditions and diagnosis. One of the most advanced colorectal surgical teams in western Pennsylvania is here for you, close to home. Our team of experts, Leigh Nadler, M.D. and Scott Holekamp, M.D. are highly trained and experienced in their field to provide our patients with exceptional and compassionate care. With state-of-the-art technology, treatments and procedures are less severe and bring peace of mind to our community. St. Clair’s Colorectal Surgery team works closely with medical oncologists and radiation oncologists affiliated with UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, gastroenterologists, radiologists, pathologists, and nurse navigators. Frequent collaborative discussions occur with this team of experts to help guide patient care and treatment through every step.

Two of the most common types of adult GI cancers include:

Colon cancer usually begins as small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells called polyps that form on the inside of the colon. Over time some of these polyps can become cancerous.  

Rectal cancer is very similar to colon cancer and the same processes occur in the rectum which is the last portion of the colon.  Malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the rectum and can grow at a rapid pace.