If you are experiencing any of the signs of colon cancer, you should visit a doctor to determine the cause. A change in stool frequency may be a sign that you may be developing cancer. If you have had a consistent pattern of bowel movements and now notice that you are not passing stools as often, you may have cancer. While it is normal to have occasional bouts of constipation, a change in bowel frequency may signal a more serious problem.
The onset of a cancer bowel may not have any noticeable symptoms during the initial stages of the disease. The presence of blood in the stool or a darker stool can be an indication that bleeding is occurring inside the rectum. Occult blood is often difficult to detect until a blood test reveals that your red blood cell count is lower than normal. A doctor will be able to diagnose colon cancer more accurately and prescribe the proper treatment.
The next step in the diagnosis and treatment of bowel cancer involves consulting with a bowel specialist. The specialist will discuss the different treatment options with other health professionals during multidisciplinary team meetings. These teams may include a genetic counsellor, stomal therapy nurse, medical oncologist, dietician, and psychologist. The aim of a multidisciplinary team is to provide the best possible treatment for the patient. A multidisciplinary team approach is the most effective way to provide the best possible care.
Treatment for cancer of the bowel will depend on the stage of the disease and how far it has spread. If the cancer has spread to adjacent lymph nodes, surgery may be necessary. Alternatively, surgery may be necessary to remove the cancerous polyps from the bowel. Surgical treatment for bowel cancer may also involve a colostomy, which is a surgical opening through the abdominal wall to remove waste. The colostomy can be temporary or permanent. Chemotherapy, on the other hand, involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. The treatments can control the tumor’s growth, but also come with side effects.
Genetics can play a role in bowel cancer. Known gene mutations increase the chances of developing this type of cancer. There are several types of bowel cancer that run in families. Having a family history of colon cancer increases the risk of developing it. A family history of bowel cancer may also increase your risk. Genetic testing may determine whether or not you carry the mutated gene that causes cancer. You may also want to consider genetic testing to determine if you have any bowel cancer syndromes.
Other symptoms of cancer of the bowel include air bubbles in the urine. If the cancer has spread to the bladder or lungs, you will experience chest pain, fatigue, or shortness of breath. Some people may also experience chest pain or a change in bowel habit. The cancer can also spread to bones. If the tumor has spread to the bones, you may also experience pain in the pelvis. You should visit a doctor to determine whether these symptoms are related to cancer of the colon.
