The first is surgery, and this is used to remove all or part of the cancerous tissue. In addition, nearby lymph nodes are removed and tested for cancer cells. After this procedure, your doctor will reconnect the healthy sections of the colon. This treatment involves surgery and requires the use of a colostomy bag. However, it is not an option for all patients, and you should discuss all treatment options with your doctor.
Stage 3 colon cancer has spread to lymph nodes. It requires partial colectomy and removal of the cancerous lymph nodes. In addition, chemotherapy is needed. In cases where surgery is not feasible, radiation is also an option. Stage 4 colon cancer has spread to multiple organs in the body, making it nearly impossible to cure. Treatment options are limited, but there are several different treatment options available. Patients may also undergo targeted therapies to help control symptoms.
If detected early, colon cancer can be cured. Screening is the key to finding this disease. Regular screenings are recommended for those over the age of 45, but anyone can do what they can to avoid it. Dietary changes, including eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, wheat bran, and avoiding excessive amounts of alcohol, can help prevent colon cancer. If you’re worried that you’re at risk for colon cancer, talk to your primary care provider to learn more about your health. You can also talk to a gastroenterologist, such as Dr. Mukund Venu.
A second treatment for colon cancer is screening. Screening tests look for precancerous lesions. These tests can detect the disease before it progresses to the stage where it becomes dangerous. Diagnosis is necessary if you have any symptoms. A biopsy can reveal the exact diagnosis. If you are in doubt about whether you’re at risk, your primary care physician will recommend additional testing. Then, he or she can perform a biopsy.
A polyp in your large intestine may mimic colon cancer. Some patients have swollen abdomen, abdominal pain, fatigue, and loss of appetite. If you’ve had these symptoms for a long time, talk to a physician who specializes in colon cancer. Diverticulitis, or a growth in your digestive tract, is also a risk factor. If it persists, you may have diverticulitis, a condition wherein the growths are not cancerous but continue to grow even after they’ve been removed.
The first and most obvious symptom of colon cancer is blood in your stool. When you’re constipated, this can be a sign of colon cancer. If you can’t stop fecal bleeding, you may have colon cancer. In addition to bleeding in your stool, your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy and a specialized procedure. Depending on your individual circumstances, you may need a biopsy. The process of surgery may be painful and requires surgery.
