Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer, also known as bowel cancer, is a type of cancer that affects the colon and rectum. The colon is the large intestine, while the rectum is the final part of the digestive system. Colorectal cancer usually starts as a small growth, or polyp, on the lining of the colon or rectum. In most cases, these polyps are harmless. However, some types of polyps can develop into cancer over time.

Risk factors for colorectal cancer include age, family history, inflammatory bowel disease, and lifestyle choices such as smoking and diet. Symptoms of colorectal cancer include blood in the stool, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel habits. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor for a diagnosis. Treatment options for colorectal cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. With early detection and treatment, colorectal cancer is often curable.

The most common type of colorectal cancer is adenocarcinoma. This form accounts for 95% of all cases; it develops in the cells lining the colon and rectum.

Polyps, which can be seen during a colonoscopy, sometimes become cancerous. Colon cancers are often found when they are already large and advanced; however, if the cancer is caught at an early stage before it spreads to other parts of the body (metastasizes), treatment may be possible.

There are two main types of colorectal cancer:

Additionally, there are also some rare types of colorectal cancer:

One of the most common symptoms associated with colorectal cancer is a bloody stool, as the Cleveland Clinic notes. Tumors often bleed when fecal matter passes through them and out of the body, resulting in light to moderate blood loss. However, if tumors are large, patients may experience heavier bleeding.

Although blood in the stool is not always indicative of a serious condition, it is best to err on the side of caution and bring it up with your doctor. Other less harmful conditions such as hemorrhoids or constipation can also cause blood to show in the stool.

If you suspect that you might have colorectal cancer, you should consult your physician regarding taking one or more of the following tests:

Colorectal cancer can be diagnosed via various tests. You or your medical professional may notice symptoms, or an abnormal result might show up on a screening test.

Stage 0: In stage 0, cancerous cells are discovered in either the colon or rectal wall’s innermost layer. These malignant cells may spread and affect normal tissue surrounding it. Stage 0 is also known as carcinoma in situ.

Stage I: Cancer has spread from the innermost layer, called the mucosa, of the colon or rectum wall to either the submucosa (the layer next to the mucosa) or cancer is present in the muscle layer.

Stage II: Cancer has spread to the serosa (outermost layer) of the colon or rectum wall, which is known as perirectal cancer.

Stage III: Cancer has spread to adjacent organs through the serosa (outermost layer) of the colon or rectum wall. Cancer has spread to 1 or more lymph nodes, or cancer cells have formed in tissue near the lymph nodes.

Stage IV: Cancer has infiltrated the abdominal lining and may have metastasized to other organs or areas.

The treatments that will be most successful for you depend on numerous factors, such as where your cancer is located, how advanced it is, and your other health concerns. Surgery to remove the cancer is typically the recommended treatment for colon cancer. However, depending on your individual situation, radiation therapy or chemotherapy might also be advised.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to breast cancer treatment, and the best course of action will be decided by a team of specialists. If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, talk to your doctor about the best treatment options for you.

While colorectal cancer treatment has come a long way in recent years, it can still take a toll on the body. Common side effects of treatment include fatigue, pain, diarrhea, constipation, and nausea. Some patients also experience mouth sores, hair loss, and weight loss. These side effects can be challenging to deal with, but there are ways to manage them.

For example, many patients find that regular exercise helps to reduce fatigue. Pain can be managed with medication, and constipation can be alleviated by eating high-fiber foods and staying hydrated. If side effects are proving to be especially difficult to cope with, it is important to talk to a doctor or nurse for additional support.

Radiation therapy is a common treatment for colorectal cancer. It uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be used alone or in combination with other treatments, such as surgery or chemotherapy. When used alone, radiation therapy is usually given after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells.

It can also be used to relieve symptoms, such as pain or bleeding. Radiation therapy is generally well tolerated, but it can cause side effects, such as fatigue, diarrhea, and skin irritation. Most people who receive radiation therapy are able to continue their normal activities during treatment.

According to the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program, relative survival rates can greatly differ based on cancer stage.

Colorectal cancer occurs when the DNA in cells in the colon or rectum develops mutations. In some cases, these mutated cells die or are attacked by the immune system. But other times, these mutated cells may escape detection and grow out of control, forming a tumor in the colon or rectum.

While the true cause of colorectal cancer is unknown, there are some prominent risk factors that have been linked to the disease. These include diet, tobacco smoking, and heavy alcohol consumption. Additionally, people who have certain hereditary cancer syndromes or a family history of colorectal cancer are at a greater risk of developing the disease themselves.

Here are six methods for maintaining good colorectal health.

Colorectal cancer is a frightening diagnosis to receive, but with the assistance of our experienced team of specialists and nurses, you may feel confident that you’re receiving the best possible care. We think that each patient should have their own particular treatment plan because we believe that everyone is unique, and we will work with you to discover the greatest solution for your situation.

We want to ensure that you have the best possible chance of recovery, so we’ll tailor a plan just for you. It might include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy or targeted therapy—or any combination thereof. If at any point you have questions or need clarification about anything, please reach out to us. We’re here for you every step of the way.

We are here to support you during this stressful time.