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Colon cancer:

Large intestine is known as colon. It is a lower part of our digestive system. It is an approximately four feet long and tube shaped organ. Colon cancer is a disease in which cancer cells generates in the colon. The rectum is the last part of the colon adjoining to the anus. The large intestine (colon) is part of the body's digestive system. The digestive system removes and process nutrients from foods and passes waste substance out of the body. The digestive systems have four parts: esophagus, stomach, small intestine and large intestine (colon). First four to six feet long part of large intestine is called Colon. The last 6 inches are the rectum and the anal canal. The anal canal ends at the anus.

Symptoms of Colon Cancer:

Colon

Colon cancer in primary stage, don’t show the any symptom. Symptoms of the colon cancer depend on the types, stage and location. Signs and symptoms of Colon cancer include:

  • A change in the constancy of stool

  • Blood in stool

  • Cramps, gas or pain

  • Pain with a bowel movement

  • A sensitivity that your bowel doesn't vacant completely

  • Weakness or tiredness

  • Weight loss

 

Causes for Colon Cancer:

  • Age: Generally colon cancer occurs after the age of 50. But it may be occur in any age.
  • Colorectal cancer: If you've previously had colon cancer, you have a larger risk of colon cancer in the upcoming.
  • Inflammatory intestinal conditions: Very old provocative diseases of the colon, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease increase the risk of colon cancer.
  • Inherited: Genetic syndromes passed throughout generations of your family can increase your risk of colon cancer.
  • Diet: Colon cancer and rectal cancer possibly will be linked with a diet little in fiber and high in fat and calories.
  • An inactive standard of living: If you're inactive, you're more possible to develop colon cancer.
  • Diabetes: Diabetes and insulin resistance may have a bigger risk of colon cancer.
  • Weight: People who are overweight have an increased risk of colon cancer.
  • Smoke: Smoke cigarettes may have an increased risk of colon cancer.
  • Alcohol: Use of alcohol may increase the risk of colon cancer.
  • Radiation therapy for cancer: Radiation therapy to treat earlier cancers may raise the risk of colon cancer.

Colon Cancer Diagnosis:

Doctor may recommend one or more of the following diagnostic tests:

  • Digital rectal exam:  In this exam doctor inserting a finger with gloved, into the rectum to feel for any abnormalities.

  • Barium enema: In this test doctor take an X-Rays of the colon (Large intestine).  

  • Fecal occult blood test: It is a noninvasive test. This test detects the presence of hidden blood in stool.

  • Sigmoidoscopy: This test used to see inside the rectum and the lower colon and remove abnormal tissue for examination under a microscope.

  • Colonoscopy: This test used to see inside the rectum and the entire colon and remove abnormal tissue for examination under a microscope.

  • Polypectomy:  This test is used to remove polyps during Sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy.

  • Biopsy : In this test tissue remove from suspected area and examine by pathologist.

Colon Cancer Treatment:

Doctor can use the surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy or all of these for treatment in colon cancer.

  • Surgery – Surgery depend on the stage, type and size of cancer. Doctor can remove the cancer by using the surgery. It is most common treatment for colon cancer.

  • Radiation therapy – In this treatment doctor use a high energy rays to kill the cancer cells. High Energy rays may come from a machine out side the body (external therapy) or from putting material that contain radiation through thin plastic tubes in the intestine area (internal therapy). Radiation therapy may be used after surgery or before surgery.

  • Chemotherapy – In this therapy doctor used drug to kill the cancer cells. Doctor may give the drug to patient through a tube into a vein, needle into a vein or a capsule. Chemotherapy may be used after the surgery.

  • Biological treatment – Biological treatment is known as immunotherapy. In this therapy make patient body fight against cancer cells. It this treatment doctor boost body’s natural defenses against disease.  

  • Radiofrequency ablation – In this treatment using a special probe with tiny electrodes to kill cancer cells.

  • Cryosurgery – In this therapy uses an instrument to solidify and obliterate cancer cells.

 

 



 

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