An X-ray of the colon takes a picture of what’s inside the body. During a colonoscopy, a radiologist will insert a small tube into the rectum. This allows him to look inside the colon and detect polyps or tumors. A biopsy is also possible when abnormalities are detected during a colonoscopy. If the cancer has spread to other areas of the body, the doctor may order a chest X-ray, ultrasound, or CT scan of the liver and lungs.
Some people may develop bleeding in the rectum or bowel. Blood in the rectum or a stool may be indicative of colorectal cancer. However, bleeding in the digestive tract can be due to hemorrhoids, anal tears, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, or other conditions. Although blood in the rectum is a sign of bowel cancer, it can also be caused by certain foods or iron. It’s always best to consult a doctor if you suspect blood in your stool.
People with cancer in the bowel are often diagnosed by a colorectal surgeon or gastroenterologist. These specialists are experts in detecting and treating bowel cancer. They prescribe chemotherapy or radiation therapy and oversee a patient’s treatment. Other health care professionals involved in the treatment process include cancer nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, social workers, and other allied health professionals. The primary goal of palliative care is to improve the quality of life for patients affected by cancer. Palliative care can also include treatments for pain and other symptoms of cancer.
While there are few symptoms of bowel cancer, these symptoms are usually common in patients. The most common symptoms include blood in the stools and a change in bowel habit. Additionally, patients with cancer of the colon may experience bleeding in the rectum. The pain in the abdomen and blood in the stool are symptoms of bowel cancer in the colon, but these symptoms often appear only during the later stages. Patients should see a doctor if any of these symptoms persists.
In general, most types of colorectal cancer develop in the colon or rectum. There are also other types of colon cancer that develop in this area but are rarer. These cancers usually start as polyps that form on the colon’s inner surface. Some polyps become cancerous when they invade healthy tissue. This is called metastasis. If left untreated, these polyps may lead to the development of colon cancer.
The risks of bowel cancer are higher for those who have a history of it in their family or have a family history of the disease. Smoking and drinking alcohol can increase the risk of colon cancer. Red meat may increase the risk, but lean, unprocessed meat can decrease the risk of colon cancer. People who have cancer of the bowel should reduce their red meat intake, and opt for wholegrain products and five portions of fruit and vegetables daily. Avoiding excess fats and calories will also lower the risk of developing colon cancer.
Early bowel cancer treatment is surgery. A surgeon inserts a flexible tube into the rectum or lower colon. The physician may remove polyps or test tissue samples for cancer. This type of surgery is often performed without sedation. However, if the cancer is not detected early, patients can still perform their daily activities. They may even be able to return to work following a colonoscopy. It is vital that cancer is diagnosed as early as possible, as it will allow the body time to fight the disease.
