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What Are Some Of The Treatment Options Available For Colon Cancer?
The Prevalence Of Colon CancerIt is estimated that there will be 136,000 new cases of colon cancer this year. It is the third most common form of cancer in the United States. Colon cancer can develop at any age, but it is usually diagnosed in people who are over the age of 50. The number of people being diagnosed with colon cancer is on the rise, but fortunately, there are several treatment options available. Below are some of the treatment options that are available for colon cancer:SurgeryIn many cases, colon cancer can be removed during a colonoscopy if it is localized inside of a polyp and in the early stages. If polyps cannot be removed during a colonoscopy, then laparoscopic surgery may be recommended. Surgery may also be recommended if the cancer has grown through or into the colon. The nearby lymph nodes may be removed alsoAdditionally, surgery may still be performed if the cancer is advanced. The surgery can help alleviate a blockage inside of the colon and improve the symptoms, such as pain and bleedingChemotherapy Chemotherapy, which is a treatment that uses strong drugs to kill cancerous cells, may also be used to treat colon cancer. It is often recommended after surgery if the cancer is affecting the lymph nodes. Chemotherapy can reduce the chances of the cancer returning.Additionally, chemotherapy can be used if the cancer has been spread to other parts of the body. It can help alleviate some of the symptoms of colon cancer. In some cases, chemotherapy is used along with radiation therapy.Radiation TherapyRadiation therapy kills cancer cells by using x-rays or other powerful energy sources. It may be used before surgery in order to shrink a tumor. It can also be used to shrink the cancerous cells that may remain after surgery. Furthermore, radiation therapy may reduce the chances of the cancer returning.
would going to the bathroom often be a sign og colon cancer ?
would going to the bathroom often be a sign of colon cancer
The Signs and Symptoms Of Colon Cancer?
Colon cancer is a slowly progressing but deadly cancer that affects millions of people each year. Unfortunately, there are no obvious signs of colon cancer because the cancer grows internally inside the colon and requires medical procedures for evaluation. Thus, it is important to know about the signs and symptoms that can come from colon cancer.Colon cancer typically affects men and women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. The symptoms are nonspecific and insidious, but are nonetheless concerning. Such symptoms include:Weakness, fatigue more pronounced than usual.Blood seen in the stool.Shortness of breath accompanied with weaknessPencil-thin stoolsTrouble with bowel movements, such as change in bowel habits or worsening constipationNausea and vomitingUnexplained weight lossThe last symptom, unexplained weight loss, is a dire symptom that the cancer has become impressive enough to cause systemic problems. This is typically an alarming sign that a cancer may be present. Some signs that may be seen on an exam by a medical professional that suggests colon cancer include:Positive blood in stool testAnemia, or low blood countsFamily history of colon cancerUltimately, an evaluation by a gastroenterologist is recommended if any of these symptoms are present in a middle-aged person. In fact, national medical guidelines recommends that everyone gets a colonoscopy after the age of 50, with screenings every five to ten years, based on findings from the initial colonoscopy. Those with a family history of colon cancer (parents, cousins, grandparents, etc.) are recommended to get colonoscopies earlier. Early colonoscopies can spot early cancer growths that can be quickly taken out, and prevented from turning into cancer. Thus, though a colonoscopy costs money and can be inconvenient, it is much cheaper and less convenient that being treated for colon cancer.Colon cancer that is found through a colonoscopy warrants immediate treatment by a surgeon and an oncologist. Early colon cancer can be quickly excised or surgically removed. Often, if removed early enough, the prognosis for the patient is very good. However, if it is found too late, surgery and chemotherapy will be required, leading to a much decreased prognosis for an affected individual.
What prevents cancer of the colon?
Here some of the medical and diet preventions for colon cancer. Annual fecal occult blood testing Flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years Colonoscopy every 10 years Virtual colonoscopy (CT colonography) every five years Stool DNA testing - though this is a new screening approach and it's not clear how often it should be repeated Stop smoking Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Exercise most days of the week Maintaining a healthy weight.
Colon Cancer Symptoms & Treatments?
Colon cancer typically affects mens more than women, not to mention its causes are basically liquor, cigarettes and other junk. It is the growth of the cells in large intestine , our digestive system , they aren’t really considered cancerous but overtime it starts to form small clumps called polyps and can turn into colon cancer , Its symptoms are: Rectal bleeding or in the stool Weakness or tiredness Sudden weight loss Ongoing discomfort or cramps around the belly area or abdomen. if we talk about colon cancer treatments it performs a surgery to remove the cancer. At first Colonoscopy is performed then biopsy then blood tests. Colon cancer stage ranges from 0-4
Does colon cancer occur most often in the large or small intestines?
Colon cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the large intestine (colon), which is the final part of the digestive tract12. The large intestine is about 5 feet long and absorbs water and salt from the food that passes through it. The small intestine, also called the small bowel, is a long tube that connects the stomach and the large intestine. It is about 20 feet long and is responsible for digesting and absorbing nutrients from the food that enters it. Cancer of the small intestine is much less common than cancer of the large intestine. There are different types of small bowel cancer, such as adenocarcinoma, neuroendocrine tumors, lymphoma, and sarcoma. Therefore, colon cancer occurs most often in the large intestine, not the small intestine.
Watch for Colon Cancer Symptoms?
Colon cancer is one of the more common types of cancer in the United States. Doctors are still not sure exactly what causes colon cancer, although certain genes can increase the risk for colon cancer. However, if you catch colon cancer early it can often be cured. Many cases of colon cancer are detected each year even before patients experience symptoms through routine colon cancer screenings. The symptoms of colon cancer vary depending on the patient, the location of the tumor and the size of the tumor. More common symptoms include diarrhea, blood in your stool, rectal bleeding, black or tarry stools, narrow stools, constipation, abdominal pain or cramps, gas, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, weakness, unexplained iron deficiency anemia and a feeling that your bowel is not completely emptying. Many patients do not experience any of these symptoms until they have very advanced colon cancer, making routine colon cancer screening very important for catching these cancers while there is still a good chance of curing them. People who are at higher risk for colon cancer should speak with their doctor if they experience colon cancer symptoms, as early detection is important. This includes people over 50 years old, people with a family history of colon or breast cancer, people who are obese or follow a sedentary lifestyle, people with chronic inflammatory diseases of the colon or diabetes, and people who drink or consume a diet high in fat and low in fiber. The best test for detecting whether you actually have colon cancer is a colonoscopy, as it is the only test that examines the whole colon for polyps and other possible cancerous masses. Making lifestyle changes may help to lower you colon cancer risk. Consider losing weight if you are overweight or maintaining a healthy weight, stopping smoking, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, exercising most days of the week and avoiding alcohol or only drinking alcohol in moderation.
Where can one get cancer surgery done?
Cancer surgery is often offered at most major hospitals. You must have medical insurance, and if you choose you can also have it done at various cancer clinics.
Difference between right sided and left sided colon cancer?
Right sided colon cancer takes place in the ascending and transverse colon, as left sided colon cancer is found in the descending and sigmoid colon. Right sided colon cancer is associated with more advanced disease when found and can spread more readily to LNs or peritoneal carcinomatosis. These tumors show more K-RAS mutations and microsatellite instability. Overall survival is lower in right sided colon cancer. Left sided colon cancer tend to cause more obstructive problems, often develop from polyps in early stages and tend to become metastatic to lung and liver sites. More information on the differences of right and left colon cancer can be found at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20010352
Is stage 4 colon cancer deadly?
Colon cancer has reached stage 4 after metastasizing to distant organs. The liver is often an area where the cancer tends to migrate per a National Cancer Institute's article noting 50% of cases.
What is an antigen tumor marker that is often elevated in patients with colon cancer?
carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)
What happens when you have a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is often used to see the inside of the colon and intestines. First, IV fluids are started and the patient is sedated. The scope is then inserted into the anus and the doctor does the testing.
