What Is Colon Cancer ?
A type of a cancer which occur in the lower digestive system i.e., colon (large intestine) is known as Colon Cancer. Whereas, rectal cancer is present in the last inches of the colon and in combination, often they are termed as colorectal cancers.
In colon cancer cases, generally there are small, noncancerous clusters of cells named as adenomatous polyps. As time passes, few such polyps develop into colon cancers. Due to this cause, doctors suggested having regular screening tests to prevent colon cancer by categorizing polyps before their development of colon cancer.
What Are The Symptoms Of Colon Cancer ?
The colon cancer symptoms include:
- Gradual change in bowel habits comprising of constipation diarrhea or a change in the stool consistency.
- There may be rectal bleeding.
- Continuous abdominal distress, for example gas, cramps or pain.
- You may feel that your bowel isn’t completely empty.
- Fatigue or Weakness.
- Weight loss without any reason.
In the early stages of colon cancer, people may experience no symptoms related to disease. But, when symptoms are seen, likely they vary person to person due to the size of the cancer and its location.
What Causes Of Colon Cancer ?
Cancer is the ultimate result of such cells that grow uncontrollably or multiply rapidly and don’t die. But, the normal body cells follow a regular path of cells growth, division, and then death. When there is programmed death of cells (apoptosis), cancer may occur. There is no programmatic death of Colon cancer cells; however they continue to grow and rapidly divide. Even though, the exact cause is not known yet but below mentioned are the several possible risk factors:
- Polyps
Usually, Colon cancer originates from pre-cancerous polyps that are present in the large intestine. The common polyps’ types are:
1. Adenomas
2. Inflammatory polyps
3. Hyperplastic polyps
- Genes – the DNA type
- Age and Diet
How Is Colon Cancer Diagnosis ?
To diagnose or examine colon cancer carefully, doctor will ask to have a physical examination along with family and personal disease histories. Usually, diagnosis is done after the doctor performs a colonoscopy or X-ray named as a “Barium Enema X-ray”.
In colonoscopy, there is a long, elastic tube having a camera on one side which is introduced into the rectum to examine what is inside the colon. If, after biopsy, doctor diagnosed colon cancer, further doctors will suggest doing ultrasounds, chest x-rays, or liver, lungs and abdomen CT scans to confirm it.
How Is Colon Cancer Treatment ?
The treatment type recommended by the doctor largely depends on the cancer stage. There are three primary treatment options, for instance: surgery, drugs and chemotherapy.
Surgery:
1. Early stage Colon cancer surgery
2. Invasive colon cancer surgery.
3. Advanced colon cancer surgery.
Chemotherapy:
It involves the use of such drugs which can destroy abnormal cells. It is usually done after surgery if cancer reaches lymph nodes. It can also diminish further symptoms.
Drug Therapy:
Specific drugs are given to target affected regions, such as
- Bevacizumab (Avastin),
- Cetuximab (Erbitux),
- Panitumumab (Vectibix) and,
- Regorafenib (Stivarga).
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By : Natural Health News
