whether the cancer is confined to the colon or has spread to other parts of the body. Several factors may increase the risk for colon cancer, including a diet high in red meat, saturated fats, and processed meat. Inflammatory bowel disease, acromegaly, and radiation therapy for another cancer can also increase your risk. Doctors will look at several factors during the diagnosis process, including your signs and symptoms, your medical history, and any previous tests you have had done.
When colon cancer is detected early, surgeons will use a procedure called anastomosis to reconnect healthy ends of the intestine. This creates a new path for waste to exit the body. Surgeons will create a small opening in the abdominal wall called a stoma, and attach the upper portion of the intestine to the skin. They will then close the other end. After this surgery, a flat bag is placed over the stoma and will collect waste. In some cases, the small intestine is used as an ileostomy, a stoma.
Other signs of colon cancer include rectal bleeding or dark stools that resemble blood. Additionally, colon cancer can affect the walls and lymph nodes of the intestine. It can also spread to other organs, including the lungs. A patient with these symptoms should see their doctor as soon as possible. In some cases, the symptoms of colon cancer are mild, while others can be life-threatening. To determine the exact cause of your symptoms, contact a physician today.
Polyps in the colon are not cancerous, but they can be pre-cancerous and lead to the development of colon cancer. Some of these are benign and remain harmless. Others are cancerous. A biopsy performed during colonoscopy can provide a definitive diagnosis. A pathologist evaluates the cells and organs in the sample to determine if the cancer is present. A biopsy can be done during surgery or during colonoscopy. Another procedure for colon cancer diagnosis is a needle biopsy. This is done with the aid of ultrasound or CT scan.
Colorectal cancer begins in the colon and is the third most common type of cancer in the United States. It is treatable if detected early. Regular screening is recommended, and early detection is the key to survival. Patients with a family history of colon cancer should seek regular screening. Even if you don’t have any symptoms, the disease can spread to other areas of the body. The earlier colon cancer is detected, the more likely it will be cured.
In general, a healthy diet and physical activity can reduce your risk of colorectal cancer. Smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, and an unhealthy diet are also risk factors. Additionally, people who are overweight or obese are at greater risk for colorectal cancer. In addition to a healthy diet and regular physical activity, you should also consider getting regular screenings to detect colon cancer early. You may be eligible for a colonoscopy or a fecal occult blood test.
