Symptoms of colon cancer include blood in the stools, stomach pain, and changes in bowel habits. However, many people may not have any of these symptoms, and if they do, it is possible to miss the tumors altogether. However, screening tests can help detect colon cancer. A test for polyps can detect a small tumor that can develop into colon cancer over time. Here are some signs to look for when you suspect colon cancer.
Surgery to remove the tumor and some of the surrounding healthy tissue is often performed in the course of treatment. The surgeon may reattach the colon to the rectum or create an opening in the abdominal wall for waste removal. This procedure may be temporary or permanent, depending on the extent of the cancer. Alternatively, chemotherapy, which involves using drugs to kill cancer cells, may also be used. Nevertheless, chemotherapy is expensive and has a high risk of side effects.
The symptoms of colon cancer vary, depending on the type and location of the tumor, its extent of spread, and whether the tumor is localized or systemic. Typically, bowel movements are normal or have changed, and there are no obvious symptoms until later stages. Often, a patient will experience bleeding at the rectal area, although this is usually infrequent. Furthermore, colon cancer often recurs after treatment, spreading to other organs like the liver and lungs.
If colon cancer is detected in an early stage, it can be removed without cutting the abdominal wall. During this procedure, a doctor will insert a tube containing a cutting tool into the colon. Once the cancer has been removed, the doctor may recommend surgery to remove the remaining cancer. These procedures are known as polypectomy and local excision. They can also be combined, though, to remove cancer. These procedures are performed on patients with stage I and II disease.
Further tests may be necessary to diagnose colon cancer. CT scans and MRIs help doctors to visualize the entire body and determine the extent of the tumor. PET scans use radioactive tracers to identify cancer cells, and can detect cancer cells both inside and outside the colon. The CEA blood test can also identify cancer cells, but it is not definitive. This test is generally used in conjunction with other diagnostic tests, including biopsy. So, you need to seek medical help right away.
The stages of colon cancer vary. Early stages are known as carcinoma in situ, and they are easy to treat. In situ means that the tumor is located in the inner layer of the colon. The cancer has not yet spread to nearby tissues, including lymph nodes, but it has already spread to distant organs. If you experience any of these symptoms, it may be a sign of colon cancer. This is why it is important to undergo routine screening tests.
In the early stages of colon cancer, many people will have no symptoms. In addition, many people diagnosed with colon cancer have no symptoms at all. The best way to prevent colon cancer is to avoid drinking alcohol and smoking, as they increase the risk of developing colon cancer. In addition, getting regular screenings will help doctors detect the disease while it is still small, and therefore easier to treat. If you think you might have colon cancer, make an appointment with your doctor right away.
