OVERVIEW
Colon cancer is a type of cancer affected in large intestine. It arising in inner wall of large intestine. Colon cancer usually begins as small and noncancerous clumps of cells. It is called adenomatous polyps. These polyps are later become cancer.
According to studies colon cancer is the most common type of cancer in US. The colon, body extracts water and salt from solid wastes. That wastes then moves through the rectum and exits the body through anus. Colon cancer affects the large intestine and it starts with polyps in the intestine wall. It will shows symptoms like gastrointestinal problems but in later stage. Until later stage it will not shown any symptoms. We can prevent colon cancer only through a healthy lifestyle.
SYMPTOMS
There will not be any symptoms at the early stage of colon cancer. Symptoms will shown only in the later stage of the cancer. That includes,
- Constipation
- Changes in consistency of stool
- Loose or thin stools
- Rectal bleeding
- Blood in the stool
- Abdominal pain, cramps, bloating, and gastric
- Severe pain during bowel movements
- Weakness and fatigue
- weight loss
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Symptoms of anemia
DIAGNOSIS
Screening for colon cancer
Usually doctors recommend some screening tests for healthy people with symptoms in order to find for early colon cancer. Finding colon cancer at earliest stage has higher probability to cure.
If your test results and symptoms indicate that you could have colon cancer, then the doctor will suggest you some tests and procedures, including:
- Using a scope to examine inside of colon
In colonoscopy doctors are using a long flexible and slender tube attached with a camera and monitor to view the entire colon and rectum. If any affected areas are found doctors can pass surgical tools through the tube to take tissue samples
- Blood testing
Doctors will suggest blood tests for determine the overall health of the patient like organ functions and all.
Blood test will also helps a doctor to identify that the cancer is responding to the treatment. Through Carcinoembryonic antigen or CEA in blood doctors track these information.
TREATMENT
Like any other cancer there is no single treatment for colon cancer. Common treatments for colon cancer are,
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation Therapy
- Surgery
These treatments seek to remove the cancer and relieve the pain. Treatment will mainly depends on, The type and stage of the cancer, Age, Health status.
SURGERY
Patient who has colon cancer may spread to other part of the body. Surgery to remove the colon is called a colectomy.
The surgery for colon cancer means there should be colostomy. Colostomy is a procedure that brings out one end of the large intestine through abdominal wall. In colostomy the surgeon removes, The part of the colon that affected cancer, Surrounding area, and Lymph nodes. Then the healthy part of the colon will be reattached to the rectum or stoma depending on colectomy.
Some small cancers can be removed using endoscopy.
Laparoscopic surgery, it is an another option to remove larger polyps.
Palliative surgery is an another surgery, it will relieve symptoms in cases of untreatable or advanced cancers. It will relieve the blockage of the colon and relief pain, bleeding, etc.