Oxaliplatin is approved for use as an adjuvant therapy in patients with stage III Cca. This drug is administered in a bolus form as part of a weekly FU infusion. After the chemotherapy drug has been given, patients are given 85 mg/m daily for a further six months. After completing the therapy, patients can undergo a second surgery.
To diagnose colon cancer, doctors perform a variety of tests to evaluate the severity of the disease. First, a stool sample is collected from the patient and sent to a laboratory. The stool sample is examined for signs of blood. If it contains blood, it may indicate the need for a colonoscopy. The FIT results are able to pinpoint whether colorectal cancer has spread to other organs. However, it should be noted that the cancer is curable only if detected early.
The earliest treatment for stage 3 colon cancer is a partial colectomy. This procedure removes all or part of the colon but leaves some of the colon intact. If cancer has spread to nearby organs, radiation therapy may be beneficial. Surgical removal of metastases may also improve survival. The treatment for stage 4 colon cancer is a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Sometimes, targeted therapies may be used to relieve symptoms. However, it is important to note that surgery does not cure colon cancer.
Genetic testing is another way to discover if you have a genetic mutation that increases your risk for colon cancer. This is an effective way to prevent the disease and may also minimize the psychological effects of knowing that you are genetically predisposed to the disease. Genetic testing is also useful for those whose family history suggests a high risk of colon cancer. So, if you think you have a risk factor for colorectal cancer, you should seek early diagnosis.
There are three major molecular pathways that have been linked to colon cancer. One is chromosomal instability, and it results from the accumulation of mutations unbalancing oncogenes. Adenomatous polyposis coli is another form of CRC. A deficiency in DNA mismatch repair (dMMR) results in accumulation of errors in the genome. Eventually, these mutations lead to colon cancer.
Colorectal cancer screening can reduce death rates by 90 percent. When done early, this test can identify precancerous polyps. Early detection of colorectal cancer also improves treatment outcomes. However, colorectal cancer screening is recommended for people aged forty years and older, and 10 years before the youngest member of the family was diagnosed. Therefore, it is vital to discuss the family history with your doctor or health care professional.
Colorectal cancer is more common in non-Hispanic African Americans and people of eastern and central European descent. People with a history of inflammatory bowel disease also have a higher risk. Those with large polyps, abnormal cells, or dysplasia are also at higher risk for developing colorectal cancer. However, there is no link between having irritable bowel syndrome and developing colon cancer. The disease may be hereditary or inherited.