Learn Everything About Colon CarcinomaThe colon is a major part of the large intestine, whereas a carcinoma is a malignant cancer that crops up from epithelial cells. Thus, colon carcinoma is a serious disease which is developed due to malignant cells in the epithelium or the lining of the colon. Colon cancer is also known as colorectal cancer or bowel cancer. As malignant cells grow uncontrollably, they invade surrounding local tissues and/or they may spread all through the body and invade other organs as well. Colorectal cancer includes cancerous growths in the rectum, colon, and the appendix. The colon is a very important part of the digestive system which is responsible for processing nutrients, such as minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and water from the foods consumed. Also, it helps pass undigested food and other waste materials out of the body. Any problem in any of the parts of the digestive system would ultimately affect the functioning of the whole body and colon cancer does just that. There are several risk factors that may cause colon cancer. These include poor diet that consists of high processed or refined foods and low intake of natural fibers; physical inactivity; and age of the person. In addition, a family history of cancer of the rectum or colon, ovary, or breast and a history of ulcerative colitis, that is, ulcers in the lining of the large intestine may lead to colon cancer as well. Moreover, polyps of the colon, mainly adenomatous polyps are a major risk factor for the occurrence of colon cancer. Some of the symptoms related to the disease are- change in bowel movements, constipation or diarrhea, unexplained weight loss, and anemia that causes fatigue, dizziness, and palpitations. Blood in the stool, which can either be bright red or dark; feelings of incomplete bowel; regular gastric pains, stomach cramps, bloating or fullness; and vomiting are other signs that may cause cancer of the colon. If you notice the abovementioned symptoms, you should consult your doctor immediately. You may have to undergo some tests to facilitate a thorough check up of the rectum, blood, and rectal tissue. These tests are used to make a complete diagnosis of the colon cancer. Basically, colon cancer takes many years to develop and an early detection of the disease greatly improves the chances of its cure. There are different procedures and tests available to detect and diagnose the cancerous growths in the colon. These consist of physical examination, fecal occult blood test, digital rectal examination, sigmoidoscop, and colonoscopy. Colonoscopy is the common way to detect the localized colon cancer. To treat it you may have to undergo a therapy, such as immunotherapy or a surgery in extreme cases. In many cases, the surgery is followed by chemotherapy. One should keep in mind that the treatment options mainly depend on the stage of the colon carcinoma, its reoccurrence the overall health of the patient. |
