Dr. Steven Caras, MD

Dr. Steven Caras, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist at Health First Medical Group 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). His commitment extends beyond immediate treatment; 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. Please call (321) 725-4500 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Steven Caras, MD is a gastroenterologist in Melbourne, FL and has over 30 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in 1990. With over 30 years of dedicated experience in Gastrointestinal care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. His approach to care is deeply rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He is committed to preventative care and comprehensive patient management.

Dr. Caras's expertise is built on a strong foundation of medical education and experience. He earned his medical degree from University Of Miami Miller School Of Medicine in 1990. He prioritizes open communication and a patient-centered approach to ensure every patient receives personalized care. Dr. Steven Caras provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Steven Caras 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. Steven Caras 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. Steven Caras 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:

• Biliary Atresia, Intrahepatic, Syndromic Form: Because syndromic biliary atresia involves both liver and other system issues, early intervention is key for minimizing its impact on overall health and preventing severe complications.
• Anorectal Stenosis: Preventing complications from anorectal stenosis involves regular check-ups with your doctor to monitor symptoms and ensure timely treatment.
• Odynophagia: Managing odynophagia is key to preventing further complications within your digestive system. Early intervention can help maintain overall digestive health and wellbeing.
• Vesicocolic Fistula: Understanding your risk factors for conditions that can lead to a vesicocolic fistula, such as inflammatory bowel disease, is key to preventing this abnormal connection between your bladder and colon.
• Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS): Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) is a rare condition where a ligament in your abdomen compresses your celiac artery, impacting blood flow to your digestive organs; early diagnosis and treatment can prevent long-term digestive issues.
• Microscopic Collagenous Colitis: Microscopic colitis causes chronic inflammation in the colon, but proactive steps like regular colonoscopies can lead to early detection, enabling timely intervention and preventing severe complications and long-term health issues.
• MSI-H Colorectal Cancer: Understanding your family history and genetic predisposition can help identify your risk for MSI-H colorectal cancer, enabling proactive steps like increased screening frequency to prevent complications.

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. Steven Caras offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Esophageal Dilatation: This procedure helps detect and treat a narrowed esophagus, easing swallowing difficulties and allowing for better nutrient absorption to improve overall health and well-being.
• GERD Treatment: Effective GERD treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and improving your quality of life by promoting a healthy digestive system.
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test: An oral glucose tolerance test is a simple blood test that helps assess how well your body processes sugar, aiding in the early detection of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, which can have significant long-term effects on your digestive system and overall health.
• CRH Hemorrhoid Banding: CRH Hemorrhoid Banding offers a proactive solution for managing hemorrhoids, improving quality of life and preventing further issues.
• Endoscopic Billiary Stone Removal: Endoscopic biliary stone removal is a procedure that proactively addresses gallstones lodged in the bile ducts, preventing serious complications like infections and liver damage.
• Hemorrhoidectomy or Excision of Anal Tags: This procedure offers a proactive solution for persistent hemorrhoid symptoms, preventing potential infections or worsening discomfort in the anal area.
• Ultrasound, Esophageal: An esophageal ultrasound is a non-invasive procedure that provides detailed images of your esophagus, helping your doctor assess its health and rule out conditions like esophageal cancer.

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. Steven Caras 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 proactively managing their care plan, a family found peace of mind knowing they were taking steps to minimize the potential impact of biliary atresia on their child's overall health. Early intervention allowed for a more positive outlook and reduced the risk of serious complications.
• By consistently attending check-ups and following a personalized care plan, a patient proactively managed potential anorectal stenosis issues, ensuring a comfortable and healthy lifestyle. This proactive approach significantly reduced the risk of future complications.
• By understanding and addressing odynophagia early, a patient was able to maintain a healthy digestive system and avoid more serious complications down the road. This proactive approach ensured their ongoing comfort and well-being.

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. Steven Caras:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Caras and our team are gastroenterologists, meaning we are specialists trained to care for the health of your digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. We are experts in diagnosing and treating digestive conditions, and in 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, individuals with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Caras will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

Are there non-colonoscopy options for colon cancer screening?

Yes, there are other options like at-home stool-based tests. However, if these tests are positive, a colonoscopy is still necessary to thoroughly evaluate and remove any suspicious growths. Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for both detecting and preventing colon cancer.

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 causing symptoms like cramping and bloating without visible inflammation or damage.

What is 'fatty liver disease' and is it serious?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a very common condition often linked to metabolic issues like obesity and diabetes. Fortunately, in its early stages, it can often be reversed with lifestyle changes. However, managing NAFLD is important to prevent potential progression to more serious liver damage.

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

Diet plays a crucial role in managing IBS. Dr. Caras can help identify your trigger foods and recommend dietary approaches, such as the low FODMAP diet, to significantly reduce symptoms like bloating, gas, and abdominal pain.

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 and ulcerative colitis. This involves advanced therapies to control inflammation, personalized nutritional guidance, and regular monitoring to prevent flare-ups and improve quality of life long-term.

What are colon polyps, and are they dangerous?

Colon polyps are small, non-cancerous growths in the colon. However, some types can develop into cancer over time. A colonoscopy is crucial to find and remove these polyps before they become cancerous, preventing the disease.

Health First Medical Group
1223 Gateway Dr
Melbourne FL 32901
Phone: (321) 725-4500

Dr. Steven Caras, 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): 1437510443

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. Steven Caras 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.