Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is the cancer affecting the large intestine, which forms the lower portion of human digestive system. It is often combined with rectal cancer, also called as colorectal cancer, which affects the end portion of the digestive system, called as rectum. In most cases colon cancer develops as abnormal cell growth in the colon, these are called as adenomatous polyps. In further stages, these growths get converted into cancer. The symptoms, causes and treatment of colon cancer are mentioned below.
The symptoms of colon cancer include unusual, often sudden change in bowel movements, which may include onset of diarrhea, persistent constipation or change in stool density. Blood in stool, stomach cramps, pain and gas may also indicate colon cancer. People with colon cancer may feel fatigued and suffer unusual loss of weight. In early cases none of the symptoms may be visible, thus doctors recommend cancer screening test for people above the age of 40, so it can be detected and treated at the earliest.
The exact cause of colon cancer is not known, however, research has shown that certain people are more at risk of developing colon cancer. Most cases of colon cancer are detected in adults above the age of 50. In case a person has had colon cancer in the past, he is more at risk of developing it in future as well. Apart from this, people with persistent stomach ailments such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis may also develop colon cancer. In some cases colon cancer has also been attributed to diet high in fat and low in fiber. Other risk factors include sedentary lifestyle, alcohol, smoking, obesity, diabetes and prolonged radiation therapy.
Once the doctor has examined the symptoms, he would recommend tests to diagnose the disease. Colonoscopy is generally used to examine the colon; this involves inserting a tube fixed with a video camera inside the colon. In case unusual growth is detected, the doctor may take a tissue sample of suspected area for a biopsy. Other tests may include imaging the colon using x-ray and dye. This involves injecting barium inside the bowels using the process of enema. Barium forms a coating over the colon and other parts of the digestive system, where any abnormality can easily be detected. In case cancer is not diagnosed through these tests, CT scan may be recommended.
Once the type of cancer and its extent has been diagnosed, the doctor would recommend type of treatment. Treatment methods include chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. Surgery is generally performed when the cancer is in early stages, where the precancerous growth or tumors are surgically removed. In advanced stages surgery may be performed to ease the signs and symptoms; however the cancer itself may not be cured. Other treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation are used to destroy the cancer cells, where cancer can be cured in its early stages.
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