Colon cancer, also called large bowel cancer or colorectal cancer, when it affects the rectum, which is the last part of the colon, occurs when the polyps cells inside the colon begin to multiply differently than any of the others, doubling in size and becoming inflamed., causing symptoms such as constipation, abdominal pain and blood in the stool in advanced cases.
On suspicion of this disease, it is important for the person to look for a gastroenterologist so that the diagnosis can be made by tests such as colonoscopy, for example, which will tell you the location and stage of the disease, then the most appropriate treatment.It will be introduced, which may be surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy in some cases.
- Colon cancer is most common in people over age 50 or those in at-risk groups.
- Such as those with a family history of ulcerative colitis.
- Large colorectal polyps.
- Crohn’s disease.
- Smokers.
- And obese people.
- If this condition is suspected.
- Select the symptoms that may be present below:.
In addition, symptoms such as thin stools, nausea or vomiting may also occur.For example, if you have 4 or more symptoms, it’s a good idea to see a family doctor or gastroenterologist to confirm the diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
A diagnosis of colon cancer can be done using tests such as colonoscopy, biopsy, CEA testing, and stool-hidden blood.These tests involve making observations on areas affected by cancer, including the severity of the disease, which can occur in 4 stages, and looking for signs of cancer cells in the body.Better understand how colon cancer is diagnosed.
Colon cancer has several treatment options and, when identified at an early stage, offers great chances of healing.
The most widely used treatment option is surgery, which removes the part of the colon that has been affected by cancer; however, when it is suspected that cancer cells have migrated to other parts of the intestine, or could not be completely eliminated Remove the affected part, it may be necessary and appropriate to use chemotherapy in combination with or without radiation therapy, to ensure that cancer cells have been killed. See how chemotherapy is done and what the side effects are.
The duration and success of treatment depends exactly on the location of the cancer in the colon, its size, its depth or not in the intestinal tissue and even if it has not spread to other organs, when these factors are present, the chances of recovery may be reduced.
At the end of treatment, the person changes their lifestyle, adopting a balanced diet, physical exercises and relaxation techniques, as well as remaining under medical supervision, with regular visits for a few years, to ensure that the cancer does not return.