Verified By Apollo Gynecologist November 11, 2023
4029The digestive tract consists of several parts, with each of them having specific functions. The large intestine, known as the colon, is largely concerned with the absorption of essential fluids and the processing of waste materials to be eliminated from the body. The cells lining the colon may become cancerous .
What is colon cancer?
The condition begins with formation of polyps, which are small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells that form on the inside of the colon. The polyps may grow in size eventually and turn cancerous. It is usually difficult to diagnose the condition very early due to a lack of symptoms. This is why doctors recommend screening tests for the elderly to identify and remove the polyps before they become malignant (cancerous).
Colon cancer can be treated in several ways. The procedures include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, along with immunotherapy. Colon cancer is frequently referred to as colorectal cancer when the cancerous cells encompass both the colon and rectum.
Different types of colon cancer
The cancers affecting the colon and/or rectum are usually classified as adenocarcinomas. They are found in the mucosal lining of the colon. Some of the other varieties of cancers diagnosed in this part of the gastrointestinal tract may include:-
Associated symptoms of colon cancer
However, most patients do not have any symptoms during the early stages. The indications vary substantially and are dependent on the size of the tumor and its location.
The right time to visit a doctor for suspected colon cancer
Do not wait endlessly, hoping that the symptoms will go away on its own. Instead, visit a qualified and experienced doctor and get yourself diagnosed. The medical professional is sure to advise screening for colon cancer. While it is usually done for patients above the age of 50, a screening may be advised earlier based on your family history and existing medical conditions.
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What are the causes of colon cancer?
It is difficult to pinpoint the cause of colon cancer. The exact reason remains unknown. However, research studies reveal that DNA mutations are responsible for cancerous changes that affect the body’s normal functioning.
Risk factors for developing colon cancer
Treatment options for colon cancer
The cancer specialists (Oncologists) will diagnose cancerous cells in the colon with a variety of tests and then proceed with the treatment based on its stage.
Your doctor may suggest a minimally invasive approach to surgery, such as endoscopic removal, laparascopic surgery or a polypectomy during a colonoscopy, if your colon cancer is very small.
If the cancer has grown into or through your colon, your doctor may recommend:
Also Read About: Solitary Rectal Ulcer Syndrome
How to prevent colon cancer?
Some preventive measures include:
Colonoscopy is a method used to screen for colon cancer. In this method, a long, flexible and slim tube that is attached to a video camera and monitor is used to view your entire colon and rectum. If there are any suspicious areas found, your physician may pass surgical tools through this tube to take tissue samples (biopsies) for analysis and remove the polyps.
Colon cancer is likely to begin as polyps or non-cancerous growths in the colon. Regular screening can help you to diagnose the condition early. This will help you to be cured completely.
FAQs
Colonoscopy is a screening procedure that helps your doctor to discover cancerous growths early. The presence of polyps in the colon is believed to be a precursor to cancer and can be removed easily. This will help you to prevent colon cancer effectively.
It is the fourth most common form of cancer across the USA. The incidence of occurrence is the same for men and women. In India, the incidence of colorectal cancer is lower compared to that in the western countries. However, it is the seventh leading cancer in India. It is on the rise due to sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, obesity, excessive alcohol and smoking.
Polyps look similar to mushrooms and are found in the lining of the colon during the screening process. It is usually removed as polyps are thought to be precancerous, with the cells becoming malignant if left untreated.
Not really! You need specialized treatment and intervention by qualified oncologists as well as other GI tract specialists. You need to be treated by a group of doctors, namely:-
A Gastroenterologist- digestive system specialist who will also perform colonoscopy for diagnosing the condition. The cancer specialists will treat the cancer through surgery , chemotherapy and radiation therapy .
Immunotherapy is a drug treatment that makes use of your immune system to fight cancer. The disease-fighting immune system in your body may not attack the cancer as ancer cells produce proteins that blind your immune system cells from recognizing cancer cells. Immunotherapy works by meddling with this process. Generally, immunotherapy is reserved for advanced colon cancer. Your doctor may have your cancer cells tested to see if they are likely to respond to this treatment.
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