Blog Articles

Michael H Tarlowe MD PA Blog View all posts

Soft-Tissue Tumors vs. Skin Cysts: What Is the Difference?
Skin lumps are common, and they’re usually nothing to worry about. Sometimes, though, they can be cancerous. Here’s how to tell the difference between two of the most common types of skin lumps — cysts and soft-tissue tumors.
Jan 1st, 2023

Anal Fistula Signs and Treatment
Anal fistulas are infected passageways that form between your anus and outside skin. They’re sometimes painful, and an infection can lead to other health complications. Learn to recognize the signs of an anal fistula and find the treatment you need.
Dec 1st, 2022

Four Tips to Prepare for Your First Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is the gold standard when it comes to screening for — and helping prevent — colon cancer. Getting ready ahead of time helps you stay relaxed and comfortable during prep and recovery, too. Here’s what to do.
Nov 1st, 2022

Why You Shouldn't Ignore an Anal Wart
There’s no reason to be embarrassed by your anal warts — they’re more common than you think. If you let embarrassment prevent you from seeking treatment, you could wind up with a far more serious problem. Here’s why you shouldn’t ignore your warts.
Oct 1st, 2022

Healthy Gut Habits You Should Embrace Today
Keeping your gut healthy is an important step toward enjoying better overall health, too. Adopting these eight simple tips can give your gut the support it needs to function well and keep the rest of your body healthy.
Sep 1st, 2022

How Staying Hydrated Can Help You Avoid Common Anal Issues
Most people know that getting plenty of fluid is important for overall health — but did you know staying hydrated can help with colon and anal health, too? It’s true. Here’s how hydration can help you avoid common — and often painful — problems.
Jun 1st, 2022

Tips for Preparing for Your Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is the most accurate way to diagnose colon cancer in its earliest stages. While the procedure itself is straightforward, there are some things you’ll need to do ahead of time to prepare. Here’s what you need to know.
May 1st, 2022

5 Simple Ways You Can Prevent Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids affect millions of Americans — but you don’t have to be one of them. These five tips can help you prevent hemorrhoids and the uncomfortable symptoms they cause.
Apr 8th, 2022

Diet Changes That Help Your Colon
Colon problems can wreak havoc on your digestion, your health, and your quality of life. The good news: Eating a healthy diet can help. Here are four easy ways to support colon health through smart food choices.
Mar 1st, 2022

What's Causing My Anal Fissure?
Anal fissures are a relatively common cause of rectal bleeding, especially if you’re frequently constipated. If you have an anal fissure — or if you routinely have them — here’s what could be causing them.
Jan 1st, 2022

What Can Be Done for My Painful Pilonidal Cyst?
A pilonidal cyst is a sometimes painful lump that forms at the base of your tailbone. If you have one, prompt treatment can relieve symptoms while preventing a serious infection. Here’s how our practice can help.
Dec 1st, 2021

Causes of Anal Warts (and What to Do About Them)
If you have anal warts, it’s not unusual to feel self-conscious. But guess what? Anal warts are common, caused by the same virus that causes genital warts. Best of all, they’re treatable. Here’s how we can help.
Oct 1st, 2021

What Happens During a Colonoscopy?
Having a colonoscopy is one of the best things you can do to prevent colon cancer. Still, plenty of people hesitate and delay having a screening because they’re worried about what it entails. Sound familiar? Here’s what you need to know.
Sep 1st, 2021

Warning Signs of an Anal Fissure
Painful bowel movements? It could be an anal fissure. Learn the most common signs of anal fissures so you can get the care you need to heal quickly.
Aug 2nd, 2021

The Link Between Your Diet and Hemorrhoids
Painful, itching, burning hemorrhoids can take a big toll on your comfort and quality of life. The good news: There are plenty of treatment options that could help — including some pretty simple changes to your diet. Here’s what to do.
Jul 13th, 2021

How to Alleviate the Presence and Pain of Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids can cause a lot of painful symptoms, along with rectal bleeding, itching, burning, and swelling. Fortunately, today there are lots of treatment options to help you find relief. Here are some home remedies and medical options to consider.
May 17th, 2021

Causes of a Pilonidal Cyst and How to Remove It
Pilonidal cysts can be extremely painful, and without prompt medical care, they can develop into significant infections. Here’s what you should know about how these relatively common cysts form and how they’re treated.
Apr 12th, 2021

When Should I Get a Colonoscopy?
Most people know it’s important to have a colonoscopy to detect and even prevent colorectal cancer. But do you know when you should have your first colonoscopy and how often you should be screened? We have the answers.
Mar 11th, 2021

Treatment for Your Soft Tissue Tumors

Most benign soft tissue tumors are asymptomatic, meaning they don’t cause pain or other problems. But when they do, treatment is essential for relieving those symptoms and preventing them from getting worse. Here’s how we can help.
Feb 10th, 2021

Help for Your Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are a common complaint, and they become even more common with age. If you’re suffering from the pain, burning, and itching hemorrhoids can cause, here’s how you can find relief — and keep them from coming back.
Nov 3rd, 2020

Does a Hernia Always Require Surgery?
Hernias can cause a lot of pain, and without proper treatment, they can lead to major medical problems. But do all hernias need surgery? Here’s what you should know.
Oct 15th, 2020

The Most Common Causes of Anal Fissures
Anal fissures are a common cause of painful bowel movements, and they can cause bleeding, too. If you have anal fissures, here’s what could be causing them — and how to stop those painful symptoms from recurring.
Sep 1st, 2020