Both treatments are effective in reducing tumor size but may have side effects. Survivors often want to know what to expect after surgery and after bowel reconstruction. Listed below are some of the most common cancer treatments.
Screening tests for bowel cancer are a vital part of cancer treatment. During a screening, your doctor will check your bowel for abnormalities that may indicate cancer. Early detection is key, as many forms of bowel cancer have no symptoms in the early stages. A test called the faecal occult blood test, or FOB, can pick up abnormalities early and prompt a colonoscopy. Fortunately, when cancer is detected in its earliest stages, treatment can be successful.
Colorectal cancer symptoms include pain in the abdomen, blood in the stools, and abdominal pain. While these symptoms are indicative of bowel cancer, many other causes of bleeding in the bowel are possible. Hemorrhoids, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis can also cause blood in the stool. While bowel cancer symptoms can be subtle, they should never be ignored. While the most common symptoms of bowel cancer are bloating, abdominal pain, and blood in the stool, they may also be the signs of other conditions.
Colorectal cancer is the most common form of cancer in the bowel. It starts in the colon and spreads to the rectum, the final part of the digestive system. The rectum stores waste matter until the anus is reached. Sphincters are ring-like muscles in the anus that help prevent stool from coming out. Most colorectal cancers start as polyps, which are growths on the inner lining of the colon.
Treatments for bowel cancer are important because they affect your digestive system. Depending on the type of treatment you choose, you may need to change your bowel habits or eat special foods. Your doctor may prescribe a specialized bowel regimen after determining your condition. The alterations in your diet may include changing the type of food and drink that you can consume, and adjusting your exercise routine. Even a simple change in your exercise routine may result in a change in bowel function.
If you suspect you have colon cancer, your doctor may suggest you undergo a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy may reveal tumors that are too large to be detected by conventional methods. The surgery itself can cause complications, including death. Cancer of the bowel is difficult to treat, but the right treatment may cure the disease. However, colon cancer is not the only type of bowel cancer. Several risk factors are associated with colon cancer.
Imaging tests for bowel cancer will show if the tumor has spread throughout the body. A CT scan uses x-rays to examine the entire body, and a PET scan will use special dye with radioactive tracers to see if cancer cells have spread to the intestines. A blood test called the CEA may also be used to diagnose the disease. However, the results of CEA tests will not be conclusive.
