The main difference between chemotherapy and targeted therapy is that chemotherapy drugs act on the cancer cells throughout the body while targeted therapy drugs target specific molecules within the cells. Cancer cells that are found in the rectum are more difficult to remove surgically. Treatment for advanced cancer of the bowel can be expensive and takes time to work. Here’s what you should expect from treatment.
The early stages of colon cancer do not usually have any symptoms. However, if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, it can lead to more serious complications. Some symptoms of bowel cancer are a blockage in the right side of the colon, but these appear in the later stages. The lining of the colon is thin, so the material passing through it is mostly liquid. Because the bowel wall is so thin, some tumors can be felt outside the body. A person with bowel cancer may have blood in the stool, abdominal discomfort, or even anemia.
If you notice a lump in the anus or other signs of bowel cancer, you should seek medical attention immediately. The first symptoms of bowel cancer are unexplained tiredness, anaemia, and weight loss. There are many other symptoms of bowel cancer, so it’s important to schedule regular tests to ensure that you’re not suffering from any. In addition, your age and inflammatory bowel disease increase your risk of developing bowel cancer.
Once bowel cancer has reached its advanced stages, treatment options will include a combination of treatments. Surgery is the most common treatment for bowel cancer. The surgeon removes the cancerous part of the colon and connects the remaining parts into a stoma. Chemotherapy drugs can also help alleviate the symptoms in later stages of the disease. You may be offered a combination of bowel surgery and chemotherapy drugs.
Having a family history of bowel cancer is another risk factor. While most people with colon cancer are older than 50, the disease can strike anyone. For this reason, screening for bowel cancer is extremely important. Patients with other types of cancer should also undergo a colonoscopy to rule out other causes. This is the best way to determine if you have bowel cancer and its treatment options. You will need to seek professional medical advice to make sure you have the right diagnosis for your particular case.
A fecal DNA test can detect genetic mutations in stool. It works by detecting blood products and genetic material from the stool. Every cell in the body contains DNA. In the colon, genetic material is present in both normal and abnormal cells. A polyp or large colon tumor may have abnormal genetic material. Fortunately, some mutations in stool can be detected through a laboratory analysis. However, a positive fecal test does not guarantee a diagnosis.
