How would colon cancer be treated in tests are positive.?

What are the specific blood tests for colon cancer?

A CEA is a tumor marker for colon cancer

How do you confirm ovarian cancer?

You can confirm a prognosis of colon cancer by visiting your doctor. Your doctor will order blood tests and perform a physical exam to confirm the prognosis.

What is a colonscopy?

This is an exam that basically tests for colon cancer (butt). Usually you do not need this until you are older.. maybe around your 50s

How fast does colon cancer kill you?

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in men and women in the U.S. When it's caught in its early stages, it's easily treated and often cured. But because it is usually not discovered early, it is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. The exact cause is unknown, but most cases begin as polyps, which are small growths inside the colon or rectum. Colon polyps are very common, and most of them do not turn into cancer. Most polyps are easily found with fairly simple screening tests. Screening tests are tests that look for a certain disease or condition before any symptoms appear. In the case of colon cancer, screening tests can find evidence of polyps in the intestine. Sometimes the doctor can remove any polyps that are found at the same time. You are more likely to get colorectal cancer if you eat a high-fat diet, smoke, or have a history of this type of cancer in your family. However, most people who get colorectal cancer have none of these things in their background. Other, less common symptoms of early-stage colorectal cancer include fatigue and unexplained weight loss. If caught in time the chances of beating colon cancer is very high.

Understanding Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer occurs when cancerous cells grow within the large intestine. The condition is also called colorectal cancer when it affects the rectum, or the last portion of the colon. Colon cancer occurs when cells begin growing out of control and spreading into the wall of the large intestine. Depending on how many cells are growing in the area or where they have spread, colon cancer may need to be treated with surgery, medications or both.Colon cancer may initially develop through polyps, which are growths on the interior lining of the large intestine. Polyps are groups of cells that are considered pre-cancerous, meaning they have the potential to turn into cancerous cells. Polyps may grow, undetected, within the large intestine, causing few symptoms. For this reason, doctors recommend that everyone over the age of 50 receive regular screenings for colon cancer to rule out the presence of excess cell growth.Initial symptoms of colon cancer include abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, fatigue and weight loss. Additionally, a person may complain of changes in bowel habits, such as consistent diarrhea or constipation. Most cases of colon cancer occur in people who are over 50. Other risk factors include African American race, smoking, obesity, or a history of gastrointestinal diseases, including Crohn's disease.Colon cancer is treated depending on how much it has spread. Doctors may initially stage colon cancer according to the types of cells they find and if the cells are in other parts of the body, such as in the lymph nodes. This type of cancer is staged between Stage 0, meaning the cancerous cells remain in the lining of the colon to Stage 4, where the cancer has spread to other organs.If the cancer is within the early stages, it may be treated by surgically removing affected portions of the colon. Cancerous cells that have spread to other areas may require surgery and chemotherapy or radiation. Some of the best prevention for colon cancer is regular screenings for polyps and monitoring for symptoms. Patients may also make healthy lifestyle choices, such as quitting smoking, moderating alcohol intake and eating diets that are high in fiber and low in fat, to reduce their overall risks of developing this serious illness.

Are there blood tests for colon cancer What are suspicious symptoms?

a C124 blood test will report any cancer cells then they do further investigation to see where it is blood and mucus in stool What are suspicious symptoms?” how do i know a loved one has colon cancer what about if there is no blood in uour occult bloted stomoc and pain in right side under the brest and in the back of right black taary stolltested for definite blood

What are the costs and effects of colon cancer?

A few of the effects of colon cancer include anemia, fatigue, change in stools (IBS), and weight loss. Some of the costs include X-rays and other types of imaging, laboratory tests, and other procedures including initial diagnosis, initial treatment, follow-up and maintenance treatment.

What tests for bladder cancer are there?

There are several tests to find out whether bladder cancer is present.

What tests are done after colon cancer has been diagnosed?

Blood studies include a complete blood count, liver function tests, and a CEA. Imaging studies will include a chest x ray and a CAT scan (computed tomography scan) of the abdomen.

Various Symptoms of Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer symptoms are not always recognizable in the early stages of the disease. Symptoms do not usually become noticeable until the disease has gone into an advanced stage. So it is very important to get colon cancer screening before symptoms do appear.ConstipationWhile not a specific symptom of colon cancer, frequent constipation can be the symptom of many ailments, colon cancer being one of the more serious ailments of them. Chronic constipation can be very serious so it is always a good idea to see a doctor to find out what the problem may be. If it is from colon cancer, the cause is from a tumor causing an obstruction in the colon.Constant Feeling of Having to Empty Your BowelIf there is a feeling of having to empty your bowels, even after already doing so or that there is something in there, this symptom is the cause of a tumor making the bowels feel full.Thin StoolsThin or ribbon stools can be a sign of an obstruction, like a tumor, that is blocking the passage of the stool. A thin stool is considered to be thinner than a pencil, if thin stools are consistent, this could be a sign of colon cancer or another condition.Feeling Constantly FatiguedConstantly feeling fatigued can be caused by anemia due to blood loss in stool. Like the other symptoms of colon cancer, it is a vague symptom.Blood in StoolThis is a common sign of colon cancer, but sometimes the blood can't always be seen within the stool. There are tests that can be run, such as the fecal occult blood test to detect blood within the stool that cannot be seen with the naked eye.Abdominal DistensionAnother sign of colon cancer is when your belly sticks out more than it did before without gaining any weight giving a persistent bloated feeling.While all of these are common symptoms of colon cancer, remember that it is best to check with a doctor and get the right tests done to determine the problem.

how old can you be to have colon cancer?

Colon cancer can occur at any age, but the risk increases with age. The majority of colon cancer cases are diagnosed in individuals over the age of 50. However, recent trends have shown an increase in the incidence of colon cancer in younger adults. Here are some key points regarding age and colon cancer: Age 50 and Older: Screening guidelines from organizations like the American Cancer Society recommend regular screening for colon cancer starting at age 50 for individuals at average risk. Common screening methods include colonoscopies, fecal occult blood tests, and sigmoidoscopies. Increasing Incidence in Younger Adults: While the overall rates of colon cancer have been declining in older adults, there has been an observed increase in the incidence of colon cancer in individuals under the age of 50. This trend has led to updated recommendations for earlier screening in some cases. Risk Factors: Certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing colon cancer, including a family history of the disease, a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis), certain genetic conditions, and lifestyle factors like a diet high in red or processed meats, low physical activity, and smoking. Young-Onset Colon Cancer: Colon cancer diagnosed in individuals under the age of 50 is often referred to as young-onset colon cancer. Some cases may have a genetic component, while others may be linked to lifestyle factors. Awareness of symptoms and risk factors is essential for early detection. Symptoms and Vigilance: Regardless of age, it's crucial to be vigilant about potential symptoms of colon cancer, which can include changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue. If these symptoms occur, it's important to seek prompt medical attention. Genetic Factors: In some families, there may be a hereditary predisposition to colon cancer. Individuals with a family history of the disease or certain genetic conditions may need earlier and more frequent screenings.

Colon cancer?

DefinitionColon, or colorectal, cancer is cancer that starts in the large intestine (colon) or the rectum (end of the colon).Other types of cancer can affect the colon, such as lymphoma, carcinoid tumors, melanoma, and sarcomas. These are rare. In this article, use of the term "colon cancer" refers to colon carcinoma only.Alternative NamesColorectal cancer; Cancer - colon; Rectal cancer; Cancer-rectum; Adenocarcinoma- colon; Colon -adenocarcinomaCauses, incidence, and risk factorsAccording to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the United States. However, early diagnosis often leads to a complete cure.Almost all colon cancer starts in glands in the lining of the colon and rectum. When most people and when doctors talk about colorectal cancer, this is generally what they are referring to.There is no single cause for colon cancer. Nearly all colon cancers begin as noncancerous (benign) polyps, which slowly develop into cancer.You have a higher risk for colon cancer if you:Are older than 60Are African American and eastern European descentEat a diet high in red or processed meatHave cancer elsewhere in the bodyHave colorectal polypsHave inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis)Have a family history of colon cancerHave a personal history of breast cancerCertain genetic syndromes also increase the risk of developing colon cancer. Two of the most common are hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), also known as Lynch syndrome, and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).What you eat may play a role in your risk of colon cancer. Colon cancer may be associated with a high-fat, low-fiber diet and red meat. However, some studies found that the risk does not drop if you switch to a high-fiber diet, so the cause of the link is not yet clear.Smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol are other risk factors for colorectal cancer.SymptomsMany cases of colon cancer have no symptoms. The following symptoms, however, may indicate colon cancer:Abdominal pain and tenderness in the lower abdomenBlood in the stoolDiarrhea, constipation, or other change in bowel habitsIntestinal obstructionNarrow stoolsUnexplained anemiaWeight losswith no known reasonSigns and testsWith proper screening, colon cancer can be detected before symptoms develop, when it is most curable.Your doctor will perform a physical exam and press on your belly area. The physical exam rarely shows any problems, although the doctor may feel a mass in the abdomen. A rectal exam may reveal a mass in patients with rectal cancer, but not colon cancer.A fecal occult blood test (FOBT) may detect small amounts of blood in the stool, which could suggest colon cancer. However, this test is often negative in patients with colon cancer. For this reason, a FOBT must be done along with colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. It is also important to note that a positive FOBT doesn't necessarily mean you have cancer.Imaging tests to diagnose colorectal cancer include:ColonoscopySigmoidoscopyNote: Only colonoscopy can see the entire colon.Blood tests that may be done include:Complete blood count (CBC) to check for anemiaLiver function testsIf your doctor learns that you do have colorectal cancer, more tests will be done to see if the cancer has spread. This is called staging. CT or MRI scans of the abdomen, pelvic area, chest, or brain may be used to stage the cancer. Sometimes, PET scans are also used.Stages of colon cancer are:Stage 0: Very early cancer on the innermost layer of the intestineStage I: Cancer is in the inner layers of the colonStage II: Cancer has spread through the muscle wall of the colonStage III: Cancer has spread to the lymph nodesStage IV: Cancer has spread to other organsBlood tests to detect tumor markers, including carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and CA 19-9, may help your physician follow you after treatment.TreatmentTreatment depends partly on the stage of the cancer. In general, treatments may include:Chemotherapy to kill cancer cellsSurgery (most often a colectomy) to remove cancer cellsRadiation therapy to destroy cancerous tissueStage 0 colon cancer may be treated by removing the cancer cells, often during a colonoscopy. For stages I, II, and III cancer, more extensive surgery is needed to remove the part of the colon that is cancerous. (See: Colon resection)There is some debate as to whether patients with stage II colon cancer should receive chemotherapy after surgery. You should discuss this with your oncologist.Almost all patients with stage III colon cancer should receive chemotherapy after surgery for approximately 6 - 8 months. The chemotherapy drug 5-fluorouracil has been shown to increase the chance of a cure in certain patients.Chemotherapy is also used to treat patients with stage IV colon cancer to improve symptoms and prolong survival.Irinotecan, oxaliplatin, capecitabine, and 5-fluorouracil are the three most commonly used drugs.Monoclonal antibodies, including cetuximab (Erbitux), panitumumab (Vectibix), and bevacizumab (Avastin) have been used alone or in combination with chemotherapy.You may receive just one type, or a combination of the drugs.For patients with stage IV disease that has spread to the liver, various treatments directed specifically at the liver can be used. This may include:Burning the cancer (ablation)Cutting out the cancerDelivering chemotherapy or radiation directly into the liverFreezing the cancer (cryotherapy)Although radiation therapy is occasionally used in patients with colon cancer, it is usually used in combination with chemotherapy for patients with stage III rectal cancer.Support GroupsFor additional resources and information, see colon cancer support groups.Expectations (prognosis)Colon cancer is, in many cases, a treatable disease if caught early.How well you do depends on many things, including the stage of the cancer. In general, when treated at an early stage, the vast majority of patients survive at least 5 years after their diagnosis. (This is called the 5-year survival rate.) However, the 5-year survival rate drops considerably once the cancer has spread.If the colon cancer does not come back (recur) within 5 years, it is considered cured. Stage I, II, and III cancers are considered potentially curable. In most cases, stage IV cancer is not curable.ComplicationsBlockage of the colonCancer returning in the colonCancer spreading to other organs or tissues (metastasis)Development of a second primary colorectal cancerCalling your health care providerCall your health care provider if you have:Black, tar-like stoolsBlood during a bowel movementChange in bowel habitsPreventionThe death rate for colon cancer has dropped in the last 15 years. This may be due to increased awareness and screening by colonoscopy.Colon cancer can almost always be caught in its earliest and most curable stages by colonoscopy. Almost all men and women age 50 and older should have a colon cancer screening. Patients at risk may need screening earlier.Colon cancer screening can find precancerous polyps. Removing these polyps may prevent colon cancer.For information, see:Colon cancer screeningColonoscopyDietary and lifestyle modifications are important. Some evidence suggests that low-fat and high-fiber diets may reduce your risk of colon cancer.Several studies have reported that NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib) may help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. However, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and the American Cancer Society recommends against taking aspirin or other anti-inflammatory medicines to prevent colon cancer if you have an average risk of the disease -- even if someone in your family has had the condition. Taking more than 300 mg a day of aspirin and similar drugs may cause dangerous gastrointestinal bleeding and heart problems in some people.Although low-dose aspirin may help reduce your risk of other conditions, such as heart disease, it does not lower the rate of colon cancer.ReferencesNational Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology: Colon Cancer. V3.2009.Cuzick J, Otto F, Baron JA, et al. Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for cancer prevention: an international consensus statement. Lancet Oncol. 2009 May;10(5):501-7.Lieberman DA. Clinical practice. Screening for colorectal cancer. N Engl JMed. 2009 Sep 17;361(12):1179-87.Cappell MS. Pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and management of colon cancer. Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2008;37:1-24.