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Colon cancer

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Best Colon cancer Treatment & Diagnostics in Karol Bagh, Delhi

Introduction

Colon cancer is a kind of cancer that starts in your large intestine i.e. colon - the last portion of your digestive tract. While it usually affects older adults, it can happen to a person of any age. Often starting as polyps (small, noncancerous clumps of cells), these growths turn into colon cancer over time. Screening tests can identify these polyps before they turn into cancer. Many treatments options are available for this cancer like surgery, chemotherapy, etc.

About Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is referred to as colorectal cancer as well because this cancer begins in your colon or rectum (found at the end of the colon). To determine how far along the cancer is, doctors make use of staging as a guideline.

The stage allows the doctor to determine the correct treatment plan and estimate the long-term outlook. Colon cancer has 5 stages ranging from Stage 0 to Stage 4. Stage 0 is the earliest one in which the abnormal cells start forming in your colon’s inner lining.

After that, Stage 1 includes penetration of the colon’s lining by cancer. In Stage 2, cancer begins spreading to the colon’s wall or nearby tissues. Stage 3 entails the spreading of cancer to the lymph nodes. Finally, in the most advanced stage, Stage 4, cancer spreads to the other distant organs like the liver or lungs.

What are the Symptoms of Colon Cancer?

Often, there are no noticeable symptoms in the earlier stages of colon cancer. But, as it develops, symptoms may become more evident. Signs and symptoms of colon cancer may include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Varying stool consistency
  • Constipation
  • Blood in the stool
  • Constant urge to have a bowel movement
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Iron deficiency anemia
  • Loose and narrow stools
  • Abdominal pain or bloating
  • Weakness and fatigue
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBD)

What are the Causes of Colon Cancer?

Researchers are still unsure of the causes of colon cancer. However, genetic mutations, either inherited or acquired, may be a cause. With that being said, it is not guaranteed that these mutations will cause cancer but they can increase your chances of developing it.

Sometimes, a few mutations can result in the accumulation of abnormal cells in the lining of the colon which forms polyps. You can get these growths removed as a preventive measure as if they remain untreated, they can become cancerous.

When to See a Doctor?

If you are experiencing any persistent symptoms, it is advisable to consult your doctor. They may recommend a screening test for colon cancer depending on your symptoms. If there are other risk factors involved, like family history, your doctor may recommend more regular screening.

Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Karol Bagh, New Delhi

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment

What are the Treatment Options for Colon Cancer?

The treatment options for colon cancer depend on several factors like your cancer stage, overall health, and more. Your doctor may recommend any of the following treatment plans:

  • Surgery: If you’re in the early stage of colon cancer, surgery can help in removing cancerous polyps. If it has spread to your bowel walls, surgery to remove a portion of the colon or rectum will be needed. A colostomy is also an option in which your surgeon will make an opening in the abdominal wall to remove waste.
  • Chemotherapy: It usually happens after surgery to destroy any remaining cancerous cells. It also helps in controlling the growth of tumors. However, chemotherapy has some side effects for which you will need additional medication.
  • Radiation: This involves using a powerful beam of energy much like the ones used in X-rays. It targets the cancerous cells and destroys them. Radiation therapy usually takes place together with chemotherapy.
  • Other medications: Your doctor may also recommend targeted therapies and immunotherapies. Further, drugs approved by FDA India (Food and Drug Administration) can also be used to treat colon cancer.

Conclusion

If detected early, colon cancer is treatable. What happens with early detection is that it allows the patient to live at least 5 years more after it is diagnosed. If it does not relapse in that time, the chances of recurrence become lower, especially if you were in the early stage of cancer. Thus, make sure to consult your doctor if you notice any symptoms.

References:

https://www.medicinenet.com/colon_cancer/article.htm

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/about/what-is-colorectal-cancer.html

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/colon-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20353669

What causes colon cancer?

The causes are still under study. Generally, cancer happens due to genetic mutations. They can be inherited or acquired. These mutations can increase your chances of developing colon cancer.

I found a little bit of blood in my stool. Could I have colon cancer?

While the earliest sign of colon cancer is bleeding, don’t panic if you find blood in your stool. It may also be because of other conditions. Consult your doctor immediately to get a correct diagnosis and receive proper treatment.

Who is at risk for colon cancer?

People aged 50 or above and with a personal or family history of this cancer are at greater risk of developing colon cancer. Similarly, if you have a long-term personal history of IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease), you’re also at risk.

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