Colorectal Cancer
Everything You Need To Know About Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer, also called bowel cancer, colon cancer or rectal cancer, is any cancer that affects the colon and rectum.
According to estimates by the American Cancer Society, in the United States, about 1 in 21 men and 1 in 23 women will develop colorectal cancer in their lifetime.
It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, while men are the third. However, due to advances in screening technology and improved treatment methods, the mortality rate of colorectal cancer has been declining.
Colorectal cancer may be benign, non-cancerous or malignant. Malignant cancer can spread to other parts of the body and cause damage to it.
Symptoms
There are main two types of lung cancer non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer.
- Changes in bowel habits
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Feeling that the intestinal cavity is not empty after defecation
- The blood in the stool makes the stool look black
- Bright red blood from the rectum
- Abdominal pain and bloating
- Even if I don’t eat for a while, I feel full in my abdomen.
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Unexplainable weight loss
- A lump in the abdomen or back passage that the doctor feels
- Unexplained iron deficiency in men or women after menopause
Most of these symptoms may also indicate other possible conditions. If symptoms persist for 4 weeks or longer, be sure to see a doctor.
Treatment
Treatment will depend on several factors, including the size, location and stage of the cancer, whether it has recurred, and the patient’s current general health.
Colon cancer treatment specialist in Delhi. Treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery.
Colorectal Cancer Surgery
This is the most common treatment. The affected malignant tumor and any nearby lymph nodes will be removed to reduce the risk of cancer spreading.
Usually the intestines are sutured together, but sometimes the rectum is completely removed and a colostomy bag is attached for drainage. The colostomy bag collects feces. This is usually a temporary measure, but if the ends of the intestines cannot be connected, it may be permanent.
If the cancer is diagnosed early enough, surgery may successfully remove it. If surgery cannot stop the cancer, it will relieve symptoms.
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Other type of Cancer
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs or chemicals to destroy cancer cells. It is commonly used for colon cancer treatment. Before surgery, it may help shrink the tumor.
Targeted therapy is a type of chemotherapy that specifically targets proteins that promote the development of certain cancers. Compared with other types of chemotherapy, they may have fewer side effects. Drugs that can be used for colorectal cancer include bevacizumab (Avastin) and ramoximab (Cyramza).
A study found that patients with advanced colon cancer who received chemotherapy and had a family history of colorectal cancer had a much lower chance of cancer recurrence and death.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation beams to destroy cancer cells and prevent them from multiplying. This is more commonly used in the treatment of rectal cancer. It can be used before surgery to shrink tumors.
Radiation therapy and chemotherapy can be given at the same time after surgery to help reduce the chance of recurrence.
Ablation
Ablation can destroy the tumor without removing it. It can be performed using radiofrequency, ethanol or cryosurgery. These are delivered using probes or needles guided by ultrasound or CT scanning technology.
Restore
If left untreated, malignant tumors can spread to other parts of the body. The chance of a complete cure depends to a large extent on the early diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
Stage of Diagnosis
Whether the cancer caused a hole or blockage in the colon
The patient’s general health
In some cases, the cancer may recur.
Frequently Asked Questions
The colon or the rectum is where colorectal cancer begins. Depending on where they first appear, these malignancies may also be referred to as colon or rectal cancer. Rectal cancer and colon cancer are frequently combined because they share many characteristics.
Your specific situation, including the location and stage of your cancer as well as any additional health issues you may have, will determine which treatments are most likely to benefit you. Surgery to remove the tumour is typically the first step in treating colon cancer. There may also be a recommendation for additional therapies like chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
- Removing polyps during a colonoscopy (polypectomy).Your doctor might be able to totally remove your cancer during a colonoscopy if it is small, localised, fully contained within a polyp, and in an extremely early stage.
- Endoscopic mucosal resection. In a treatment known as an endoscopic mucosal resection, larger polyps may be removed during colonoscopy using specialised equipment to remove the polyp plus a small portion of the inner lining of the colon.
- Minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopic surgery). Laparoscopic surgery can be used to remove polyps that cannot be eliminated during a colonoscopy. Through a series of tiny incisions in your abdominal wall, your surgeon carries out this treatment while inserting devices with cameras attached, which show your colon on a video monitor. Additionally, the surgeon could remove samples from lymph nodes close to the site of the tumour.
Signs and symptoms of colon cancer include:
- Constipation, diarrhoea, or a change in the stool’s consistency that lasts for a long time are examples of persistent changes in bowel habits.
- Bleeding from the rectum or blood in the stools
- Ongoing abdominal discomfort that includes cramps, gas, or pain
- A sensation that your bowels aren’t completely empty
- Weakness or fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
The risk of colorectal cancer may be increased by certain lifestyle choices, such as—
- Absence of regular exercise.
- A fruit and vegetable-poor diet.
- A diet that is high in processed meats or is low in fibre and high in fat.
- Obesity and overweight.
- Alcohol consumption.
- Tobacco use.
The diagnosis of colorectal cancer is made using a variety of assays. Not every test listed here will be applied to every individual. When selecting a diagnostic test, your doctor may take these things into account:
- The suspected cancer type
- Your symptoms and signs
- Age and general health of you
- Your family’s and medical history
- The results of earlier diagnostic procedures
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