Dr. Mark Hughes, MD

Dr. Mark Hughes, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at his clinic in Melbourne, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), ensuring you receive the highest quality, legally compliant care. Your gastroenterologist is your primary partner in lifelong digestive health, creating personalized plans for prevention, coordinating crucial screenings, and managing the wellness of your entire digestive system—from esophagus to liver—to keep you feeling your best for years to come. He serves all ages, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (321) 434-9560 to schedule.

Dr. Mark Hughes, MD is a gastroenterologist in Melbourne, FL with over 30 years of experience in the medical field. With a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, he brings a strong dedication to Gastrointestinal care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from the University Of Louisville in 1990, and is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Hughes has extensive experience in Pancreatic Disease and Esophageal Disorders and is affiliated with Viera Hospital. He is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He is accepting new patients. Dr. Mark Hughes provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Mark Hughes is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Mark Hughes can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Mark Hughes provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Acute Gastritis: Protecting your stomach lining from acute gastritis involves making healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating a balanced diet and managing stress, to reduce the risk of this painful condition.
• Hepatitis C: Preventing the spread of Hepatitis C relies on understanding and managing risk factors such as sharing needles, promoting safe sexual practices, and avoiding exposure to infected blood.
• Congenital Anomaly Intestine: Addressing congenital anomalies in the intestine early reduces potential for surgeries and lifelong digestive difficulties, promoting overall wellness.
• Nausea: Preventative strategies for digestive health include recognizing that recurrent nausea can signal a serious condition and seeking timely medical evaluation.
• Ischemic Colitis: Maintaining good cardiovascular health is essential in preventing ischemic colitis, as adequate blood flow to your intestines is vital for their proper function and to avoid this condition.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Early recognition of IBS symptoms and seeking medical advice can prevent long-term complications like severe abdominal pain and malnutrition.
• Liver Damage from Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can severely damage your liver, but early detection and lifestyle changes can help prevent further harm and improve your overall digestive health.
• Viral Hepatitis: Practicing safe sex and avoiding sharing needles significantly reduces your risk of contracting viral hepatitis, safeguarding your digestive system's overall health.
• Duodenal Cancer: Protecting your digestive health includes being aware of duodenal cancer; early detection through screenings and lifestyle changes can significantly improve treatment outcomes and reduce complications.
• Reflux Esophagitis: Reflux esophagitis, or heartburn, is a condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing inflammation that can be prevented through lifestyle changes like maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding trigger foods.
• Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome: Prevent severe complications from CVS by seeking medical attention for its characteristic cyclical vomiting patterns; early diagnosis allows for effective management.
• Familial Adenomatous Polyposis: Understanding your family history for FAP is key to proactive healthcare; early detection and management of this inherited condition prevents the development of colorectal cancer and improves your long-term health.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Mark Hughes offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Protecting your future, colorectal cancer screening uses tests to find and remove precancerous growths in your lower digestive tract, significantly reducing your risk of colorectal cancer.
• Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: To safeguard your digestive health, a rigid proctosigmoidoscopy is a procedure used to visually inspect your rectum and lower colon, detecting problems early and helping to prevent more invasive treatments later.
• Manometry: For a comprehensive assessment of your digestive health, consider manometry. This test helps detect motility disorders, ensuring that any issues affecting your ability to swallow, digest food, or move waste are identified and treated promptly, preventing potentially severe consequences.
• Sigmoidoscopy: Taking charge of your colon health starts with a sigmoidoscopy, a simple test that screens for precancerous polyps and colorectal cancer, often preventing these conditions from developing.
• Fecal Impaction Removal: Safe removal of impacted stool helps restore regular bowel movements and improves your overall digestive health.
• pH Probe: Taking a proactive step towards digestive health, a pH probe test helps identify the cause of your heartburn and other reflux symptoms, allowing for early intervention.
• Endoscopy: An endoscopy is a powerful diagnostic tool that allows for early detection of diseases within your digestive system, improving your chances of successful treatment and potentially saving your life.
• Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is a proactive step in maintaining digestive health. This procedure screens for colorectal cancer and other colon conditions, allowing for prompt treatment.
• Wireless pH Testing: Wireless pH testing is a simple procedure that helps detect acid reflux and GERD early, allowing for timely treatment and preventing long-term damage to your esophagus.
• Liver Function Test: Early detection is vital for liver health. A liver function test provides valuable insights into your liver's function, facilitating early diagnosis and treatment of potential issues.
• Liver Biopsy: For early detection and prevention of serious liver problems, a liver biopsy helps your doctor determine the severity of liver disease and tailor a treatment plan to protect your long-term health.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Protecting your digestive health starts with early detection. A flexible sigmoidoscopy screens for polyps and other problems in your lower bowel, enabling prompt treatment.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Gastroenterology in Florida.

Dr. Mark Hughes is dedicated to partnering with Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By adopting a balanced diet and stress-reduction techniques, a patient significantly lowered their risk of acute gastritis, enjoying a healthier and more comfortable lifestyle.
• By understanding and managing potential risk factors, a patient developed a proactive plan to reduce their risk of Hepatitis C, gaining peace of mind and a healthier future.
• By attending regular checkups and following a proactive health plan, a family was reassured that early intervention significantly reduced the potential for future surgeries and ongoing digestive challenges.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Gastrointestinal care with Dr. Mark Hughes:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Mark Hughes and our gastroenterology practice specialize in the health of your digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. We are experts in diagnosing and treating conditions, and performing preventive screenings like colonoscopies.

When should I get my first screening colonoscopy?

For average-risk individuals, routine screening colonoscopies are now recommended to begin at age 45. However, those with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Hughes will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

Yes, most hemorrhoids can be effectively managed with lifestyle and diet changes. For persistent internal hemorrhoids, Dr. Hughes can perform simple, painless in-office procedures like hemorrhoid banding.

How do you manage chronic conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis?

We partner with patients to achieve and maintain remission for chronic conditions like Crohn's or ulcerative colitis. This involves advanced therapies to control inflammation, personalized nutritional guidance, and regular monitoring to prevent flare-ups and improve quality of life.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where consuming gluten, a protein found in wheat, triggers damage to the lining of the small intestine. It's different from a simple gluten sensitivity, and a proper diagnosis from a gastroenterologist is crucial before starting a gluten-free diet.

What is the difference between Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is an autoimmune condition causing inflammation and damage to the gastrointestinal tract. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), on the other hand, is a functional disorder, meaning no visible inflammation or damage is present, but symptoms like cramping and bloating occur.

What is the difference between a colonoscopy and an upper endoscopy (EGD)?

A colonoscopy examines the large intestine (colon) to detect and prevent colon cancer, while an upper endoscopy (EGD) examines the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine to diagnose issues like heartburn, ulcers, or difficulty swallowing.

What is H. pylori?

H. pylori is a common type of bacteria that can live in the stomach. In some people, it can cause gastritis and ulcers. It can be easily detected with breath or stool tests and effectively treated with a course of antibiotics.

8725 N Wickham Rd Ste 200
Melbourne FL 32940
Phone: (321) 434-9560

Dr. Mark Hughes, MD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1700870847

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Gastroenterology like Dr. Mark Hughes are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your gastroenterology about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.