Its symptoms can range from changes in bowel habits to bleeding and unusual tiredness. As with all stages of cancer, medical therapies may be required to treat the condition. A pathologist will assess the tumor under a microscope and classify it according to gene changes. The cancerous tissue is collected during surgery or colonoscopy. The results of the biopsy will determine the extent and stage of the colon cancer.
Early-stage colon cancer may not present any symptoms. However, as the tumor grows, it will block gas and stool flow. People suffering from colon cancer will often experience cramps in the abdomen, constipation, or diarrhea. They may also notice that blood stains their stool. This may indicate colon cancer and should be reported to your doctor. Other symptoms of colon cancer include blood in stool or unusual tiredness. The physician will also perform a biopsy to look for the presence of tumors.
Early diagnosis is critical. Studies have shown that 90 percent of patients with colon cancer are curable when it is diagnosed in its early stages. However, most patients wait until the disease has spread or has metastasized before seeking treatment. Fortunately, there are now several treatment options available to patients. The most important thing to remember when choosing a treatment is to make an informed decision. The more you know, the better choices you can make. Whether you choose to take chemotherapy or not, it’s crucial to discuss your options with a doctor.
Having a family member with colon cancer may increase your risk. Therefore, if you think you may have a genetic risk for colon cancer, talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk. Your doctor can recommend ways to reduce your risk, as well as plan an appropriate schedule for checkups. Since colon cancer is mostly preventable, there is no reason to put off getting a screening. Colon cancer screening should be part of routine medical care for adults over 45. People with close family members should begin screening earlier to reduce their chances of developing the disease.
Treatment options for colon cancer depend on the stage of the disease and the extent of the tumor. Surgery will usually remove the cancer and the lymph nodes nearby. Medical treatments include chemotherapy, surgery and ablation or embolization. In some cases, patients may choose to avoid treatment altogether, as colon cancer will spread to other organs. Ultimately, patients with advanced colon cancer may experience complete bowel obstruction, perforation of the intestine, or even death.
Stages I and II of colon cancer will have no symptoms. Symptoms of stage III depend on the size and location of the tumors. Stage 3 colon cancer will have abdominal cramps and changes in bowel habits, and symptoms may be as simple as a dull ache. Imran Ali, MD, physician fellow in geriatric supportive oncology and palliative care, says that pain caused by colon cancer is often not typical, but it is worth seeking medical attention as it may be a sign of colon cancer.