Colon cancer

Description of colon cancer

Colon cancer – growth of colon cancer cells.

Cancer occurs, when the body's cells start to randomly share. The result is a build-up (weight) of cloth, called a growth or tumor. The term cancer refers to malignant tumors, that can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body.

The causes of colon cancer

The causes of colon cancer are unknown.

Risk factors for colorectal cancer

Studies show, that there are certain risk factors, Related Disease:

• Age: senior 50 years;
• A diet high in fat, low in fiber;
• Polyps (benign) in the colon and rectum;
• Hereditary diseases, such as family polyposis or Lynch syndrome;
• The presence of colorectal cancer in the past;
• Family history of cancer of the colon or rectum, especially parents, brother, sister or child;
• Nespetsificheskiy yazvennыy colitis (inflammation of the mucosa of the colon) or Crohn's disease;
• Other risk factors include:
  • Obesity;
  • A high body mass index (BMI);
  • Lack of physical activity;
  • Diabetes;
  • Smoking;
  • Alcohol abuse;
  • A diet high in red meat and low in fish.

Symptoms of colon cancer

Colon cancer is often asymptomatic. Some of the symptoms, Associated:

• Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation or incomplete bowel movements) lasting more than a few days in people aged 50 and older;
• Blood (bright red or very dark color) stools;
• Abdominal discomfort (gas, pain, abdominal distention);
• Unexplained weight loss;
• Feeling very tired.

These symptoms can also be caused by less serious conditions. Consult your doctor, if you have any of these symptoms.

Diagnosis of colorectal cancer

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical examination.

Screening of cancer or premalignant polyps includes:

• Digital rectal examination – the doctor inserts a gloved finger into the anus to look for tumors or growths in the rectum;
• The test for occult blood – test to verify the presence of occult blood in feces;
• Colonoscopy – examination of the rectum and colon via the tube with a light source at the end, which is called a colonoscope;
• Sigmoidoscopy – Study lower colon via the tube with a light source at the end, It called sigmoidoscope;
• Barium enema – introduction of barium through the anus into the colon and rectum to perform X-rays and produce images of the lower intestine;
• CT colonography – X-ray test, which will examine the large intestine.

Additional tests, which can confirm the presence of cancer, determine its stage and distribution:

• Biopsy – removal of a small amount of tissue for testing for cancer;
• Polypectomy – removal of a polyp during a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy;
• Blood tests, to find in the blood of anemia and cancer markers;
• CT scan – type of X-ray, which uses computer, to take pictures of inside the body and determine the spread of the tumor;
• Positron Emission Tomography (PET) – determination of the functional activity of tissues; shows, whether the disease has spread beyond the pelvis;
• Transrectal ultrasonography – to perform ultrasound ultrasound probe inserted into the rectum.

Treatment of colon cancer

Treatment will depend on the stage of the cancer, the degree of proliferation and overall health.

Surgery for colon cancer

The main treatment for colon cancer is surgery. The tumor and surrounding tissue of the colon is removed. It may also be removed nearby lymph nodes. The operation using the following methods:

• Laparoscopy – Removal at an early stage of cancer;
• Open surgery – It is used for removal of large tumors, healthy tissue, and, perhaps, neighboring lymph nodes.

Sometimes it should be removed straight or healthy tissue of the colon. This procedure is called colectomy. Healthy tissue is removed in case, if there is a risk of further spread of cancer. The remaining healthy part of the colon and rectum are sewn. Sometimes the end of a healthy colon is temporarily or permanently is expelled as a colostomy.

Radiation therapy in colon cancer

Radiation used, to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. It is directed at the tumor from a source outside the body. The procedure is used alone or in combination with chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy for colon cancer

Chemotherapy – the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Preparations for the chemotherapy may be given in various forms: tablets, injection, the introduction of a catheter. The drugs enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body, killing mostly cancer, and also some healthy cells.

Prevention of colon cancer

Screening for colon cancer

In most cases, the causes of colon cancer is unknown. Many cases of cancer of the colon and rectum can be prevented by finding and removing polyps, which may cause cancer. Since the age of 50, men and women at average risk of developing cancer of the colon and rectum must fulfill one of the five screening options:

• Annually – fecal occult blood test or fecal immunochemical test;
• Colonoscopy – every 10 years;
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy – every five years;
• Barium enema (X-rays of the colon and rectum) – every five years;
• CT colonography – every five years.

Individuals with any of the risk factors below should perform screening of colorectal cancer at an early stage (aged 40 years) and / or be screened more often:

• Family history of colorectal cancer or polyps;
• A family history of hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes;
• The history of colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps;
• History of chronic inflammatory bowel disease.

Lifestyle changes

Lifestyle changes, which can reduce the risk of colon cancer:

• Quit smoking;
• Be physically active;
• Reduce your intake of alcohol;
• Maintain a healthy weight;
• Eat a healthy diet (eg, Eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables, fiber and low in red meat).