Colon Cancer

Abnormal growth of cells in the colon

Overview

Colon cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the colon or large intestine. It begins with forming a small, noncancerous group of cells called polyps on the inside of the colon. Later on, these polyps develop into colon cancer. They usually show no symptoms that is why screening tests are recommended to help in identifying and removing polyps before they turn cancerous.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of colon cancer are:

Diarrhea

Constipation

Bloody Stools

Weight Loss

Abdominal Pain

Bloating

Causes

Colon cancer can be caused due to:

Diagnosis

Other than the regular physical checkup a doctor may advise one or more than of the following tests to determine the best treatment. Tests can include:

Colonoscopy

Blood Tests

CT Scan

Fecal Testing

When to See a Doctor

Make an appointment right away if any worrisome symptoms appear.

Treatment

Treatment for colon cancer will depend on its stage, location, and patient’s overall health. Usually, surgery is the mainstay of the treatment. If the cancer is at an early stage, polyps can be removed during endoscopy.

Complete Mesocolonic Excision is the latest surgical procedure performed by both open and laparoscopic techniques to remove colon cancer. The laparoscopic technique involves making several small incisions in the abdominal wall to remove the cancer cells. This is later followed by chemotherapy and radiation therapy to kill the remaining cancer cells.

Risks, Complications & Preventions

It is not possible to eliminate the risk of developing colon cancer completely. However, it can be prevented by avoiding excessive smoking, drinking, maintaining a healthy weight, and including lots of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet.