Colon Cancer

Why choose us for Colon Cancer care?

What you need to know about Colon Cancer

Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer when it affects both the colon and rectum, is a type of cancer that starts in the large intestine (colon) or the rectum. It typically begins as benign clumps of cells called polyps, which can become cancerous over time. Understanding colon cancer involves knowing its risk factors, symptoms, diagnostic methods, stages, and treatment options.

Stages

Colon cancer is staged from I to IV, indicating the progression of the disease:

Stage I: Cancer has grown into the mucosa and submucosa of the colon or rectum.
Stage II: Cancer has spread into the muscle layer or through the wall of the colon or rectum but hasn’t spread to nearby lymph nodes.
Stage III: Cancer has spread to one or more nearby lymph nodes but not to other parts of the body.
Stage IV: Cancer has spread to other distant organs, such as the liver, lungs, or distant lymph nodes

How to talk to your doctor about Colon Cancer

Preparation

Research and Note Symptoms: List symptoms like changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss.
Family History: Gather information on family history of colon or other cancers.
Personal Medical History: Note any previous diagnoses like polyps or inflammatory bowel disease.
Questions: Prepare a list of questions for your doctor.

During the Appointment

Be Honest and Direct: Clearly describe your symptoms and concerns.
Discuss Risk Factors: Share family history and any risk factors like diet, smoking, or alcohol use.
Ask Questions:
- Causes of symptoms?
- Recommended screening tests?
- Frequency of screenings?
- Risks and benefits of screening options?
- Next steps if abnormalities are found?
- Lifestyle changes to reduce risk?

Specific Questions to Consider

Screening Tests:
- Best screening test for me?
- Test preparation details?
- What will the test involve?
- Potential side effects or risks?
Follow-Up:
- Treatment options if polyps or cancer are found?
- How will my treatment plan be determined?
- Prognosis based on current findings?
- Available support resources?

After the Appointment

Follow Through: Schedule recommended tests or follow-up appointments.
Lifestyle Changes: Implement suggested changes to lower risk.
Stay Informed: Continue educating yourself and maintain regular contact with your healthcare provider.

Tips for Effective Communication

Bring a Companion: Have a friend or family member for support and to help remember details.
Take Notes: Write down important points from the discussion.
Ask for Clarification: Request simpler explanations if needed.

Emotional Support

Express Concerns: Share feelings and fears with your doctor for reassurance and support services.
Seek Support Groups: Join groups for emotional support and practical advice.

Types

Histological Types

Adenocarcinoma: Most common, originating in the inner lining of the colon or rectum.
Mucinous Adenocarcinoma: Produces mucus, a subtype of adenocarcinoma.
Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma: Rare subtype with cancer cells containing mucin vacuoles.
Medullary Carcinoma: Uncommon, with distinct histological features and often associated with microsatellite instability (MSI).

Location-Based Types

Colon Cancer: Develops in the colon, the longest part of the large intestine.
Rectal Cancer: Arises in the last few inches of the colon, known as the rectum.

Genetic Types

Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP): Rare inherited condition leading to numerous polyps in the colon and rectum, increasing the risk of colon cancer.
Lynch Syndrome (HNPCC): Inherited genetic condition predisposing individuals to colorectal cancer due to DNA mismatch repair gene mutations.
Sporadic Colon Cancer: Most common, occurring without a clear genetic predisposition.

Other Subtypes

Carcinoid Tumors: Neuroendocrine tumors occasionally found in the colon.
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs): Rare tumors originating from specialized cells in the gastrointestinal tract wall, including the colon.

Each type of colon cancer has distinct characteristics that affect treatment decisions and prognosis./

Symptoms

Symptoms of colon cancer may include:

Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool)
Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
Persistent abdominal discomfort (cramps, gas, pain)
A feeling that the bowel does not empty completely
Weakness or fatigue
Unexplained weight loss

Diagnosis

Colon cancer is diagnosed through several methods, including:

Screening Tests: Colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, and stool-based tests (like fecal immunochemical tests or FIT, and stool DNA tests).
Imaging: CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) and barium enema.
Biopsy: Tissue samples taken during a colonoscopy can be examined for cancer cells.
Blood Tests: Tests for specific markers like carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) that might suggest cancer.

Treatment

Treatment for colon cancer depends on the stage and may include:

Surgery: Removal of the cancerous section of the colon (colectomy) and nearby lymph nodes.
Radiation Therapy: Often used for rectal cancer or in advanced stages.
Chemotherapy: Drugs that kill cancer cells, usually used after surgery for advanced stages.
Targeted Therapy: Drugs that target specific abnormalities in cancer cells, like bevacizumab (Avastin) or cetuximab (Erbitux).
Immunotherapy: Uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer, suitable for certain genetic types of cancer.

Causes

Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, develops in the colon or rectum and is influenced by various factors. Here are the primary causes and risk factors:

Genetic Factors

Family History: A family history of colorectal cancer increases the risk.
Inherited Syndromes: Certain genetic mutations, such as Lynch syndrome (hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer) and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), significantly raise the risk.

Lifestyle Factors

Diet: Diets high in red and processed meats and low in fruits, vegetables, and fiber are linked to a higher risk.
Physical Inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of colon cancer.
Obesity: Excess body weight is a known risk factor.
Smoking: Long-term smokers are more likely to develop and die from colorectal cancer.
Alcohol: Heavy alcohol consumption increases the risk.

Medical Factors

Age: The risk of colorectal cancer increases with age, particularly after 50.
History of Polyps: Previous colorectal polyps (adenomas) can develop into cancer.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis raise the risk due to chronic inflammation of the colon.
Type 2 Diabetes: People with type 2 diabetes have an increased risk, potentially due to insulin resistance and high insulin levels.

Environmental Factors

Radiation Exposure: Previous radiation therapy directed at the abdomen or pelvic area for another cancer can increase the risk.

Biological Mechanisms

Mutations and Genetic Changes: Colon cancer often starts as a benign polyp that undergoes genetic changes over time, leading to malignancy. Mutations in genes such as APC, KRAS, and TP53 are commonly involved.
Inflammation: Chronic inflammation can lead to changes in the cells lining the colon, increasing the risk of cancer.

Prevention and Early Detection

Regular screening, such as colonoscopy, can detect precancerous polyps and early-stage colorectal cancer, significantly improving the chances of successful treatment. Lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption, can also reduce the risk of colon cancer.

Understanding these factors can help in taking preventive measures and seeking timely medical advice for early detection and treatment.