Dr. Varun Gupta, MD

Dr. Varun Gupta, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist at TGH Cancer Institute in Tampa, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), he is a trusted partner in preventive health, focused on personalized plans for prevention and crucial screenings. 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. Dr. Gupta serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (813) 844-7585 to schedule. 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. Dr. Gupta earned his medical degree from Christian Medical College, Ludhiana, Baba Farid University Of Health Sciences in 1992, followed by residency training in Gastroenterology at Li College and fellowship training in North Shore University Hospital. He is Board Certified in Medical Oncology by the American Board of Internal Medicine and the Director of Medical Oncology and Director of Genitourinary Oncology at Eisenhower Lucy Curci Cancer Center (ELCCC), an Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine at UCSD, a major collaborative affiliate of ELCCC. He treats patients with a variety of cancers and blood conditions, with special interest in Prostate Cancer and Colon Cancer. Dr. Gupta's philosophy emphasizes personalized treatments tailored to each person's specific cancer, genetics, mutational analysis, and overall needs. He is committed to providing the highest level of care, staying current on the latest cancer research to improve patient outcomes. He enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with his family, and offers consultations in Hindi.

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

• Carcinoid Syndrome: Carcinoid syndrome is a rare condition where tumors in your digestive system release hormones that cause various symptoms, so early detection through regular checkups is crucial for preventing serious complications.
• Rectal Prolapse: By focusing on preventive measures like a high-fiber diet and regular exercise to strengthen your pelvic floor, you can lower your risk of experiencing a rectal prolapse.
• Hemorrhoids: Maintaining a healthy weight and regular physical activity can significantly reduce your risk of developing hemorrhoids, a common yet often preventable anorectal condition.
• Stomach Cancer: Managing risk factors like H. pylori infection and unhealthy diet can help prevent the development of stomach cancer and keep your digestive system healthy.
• Gastroptosis: By maintaining a healthy weight and practicing good posture, you can proactively reduce the risk of developing gastroptosis and minimize potential complications related to digestive health.
• Small Intestine Cancer: While rare, small intestine cancer is more effectively treated when found early, making regular health monitoring a crucial preventative measure.
• Intestinal Diverticulosis: Intestinal diverticulosis involves small pouches forming in your intestines, and while often symptom-free, preventative measures like a high-fiber diet can help avoid complications like infection or bleeding.
• Peritoneal Cancer: Though peritoneal cancer is often diagnosed at later stages, proactive management of potential risk factors and prompt medical attention to suspicious symptoms can prevent advanced disease and increase survival rates.
• Heartburn: Managing heartburn effectively through diet and lifestyle modifications, or medication if necessary, is crucial for preventing damage to your esophagus and promoting better digestive health.
• Diarrhea: Addressing diarrhea promptly can help prevent the spread of infection to others, promoting overall community health and well-being.
• Vomiting Disorders: Persistent vomiting might signal an underlying digestive issue; early detection through regular check-ups can help prevent long-term complications.
• Jejunum Cancer: Protecting your digestive health involves understanding the risks associated with less common cancers like jejunum cancer, allowing for timely intervention should symptoms arise.

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

• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Take a proactive step towards better gut health with a flexible sigmoidoscopy—a screening test that detects early signs of colon cancer and other digestive issues.
• Liver Biopsy: As part of your comprehensive healthcare plan, a liver biopsy is a diagnostic tool used to evaluate the condition of your liver and identify issues such as fatty liver disease or liver cancer.
• Manometry: Manometry is a valuable tool for preventing long-term digestive problems. By accurately measuring pressure in your digestive system, it allows for early diagnosis of conditions like achalasia or gastroparesis, enabling timely treatment and improved quality of life.
• Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: A rigid proctosigmoidoscopy is a brief procedure that allows your doctor to directly examine your rectum and lower colon for polyps, inflammation, or other abnormalities, helping to detect colorectal cancer early.
• Polypectomy: Taking a proactive step towards better gut health, a polypectomy safely removes abnormal growths (polyps) found during a colonoscopy or endoscopy, reducing your cancer risk.
• Hemorrhoid Removal: Taking charge of your digestive health includes considering hemorrhoid removal to resolve bleeding, pain, and discomfort and improve overall well-being.
• Percutaneous Edoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG): A PEG tube is a proactive measure to ensure you receive adequate nutrition if you're unable to eat normally.

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. Varun Gupta 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 adhering to a proactive screening plan, a patient was able to detect early signs of potential carcinoid syndrome, significantly reducing the risk of future complications and gaining peace of mind.
• By incorporating a high-fiber diet and strengthening exercises into their routine, a patient successfully reduced their risk of rectal prolapse, gaining peace of mind about their long-term digestive health.
• By adopting a healthy diet and increasing physical activity, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing hemorrhoids, gaining confidence in their overall 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. Varun Gupta:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Gupta and our team of gastroenterologists are specialists focused on 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. Gupta 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 dietary changes. For persistent internal hemorrhoids, Dr. Gupta can perform simple, painless in-office procedures like hemorrhoid banding.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where consuming gluten, a protein found in wheat, triggers damage to the small intestine. It's different from a simple gluten sensitivity, requiring a proper diagnosis by a gastroenterologist 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 characterized by symptoms like cramping and bloating without the same physical inflammation or damage.

I have frequent heartburn. When should I be concerned?

While occasional heartburn is common, frequent or worsening symptoms (more than twice a week) could signal a more serious issue, such as GERD. If you experience this, Dr. Varun Gupta can diagnose the cause and create an effective treatment plan.

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

A colonoscopy examines the large intestine (colon) to screen for 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 are gallstones?

Gallstones are small, hard deposits that can form in the gallbladder. Many people have gallstones without any problems. They only become a concern if they cause blockages, leading to pain. Dr. Gupta can help diagnose this issue.

TGH Cancer Institute
3 Tampa General Cir
Tampa FL 33606
Phone: (813) 844-7585

Dr. Varun Gupta, 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): 1669433306

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. Varun Gupta 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.