Colorectal Cancer
What Happens In Colorectal Cancer?
Cancer of the colon or rectum, which is found at the lower end of the digestive tract. Non-cancerous polyps might appear in the early stages of the disease. These are frequently asymptomatic but can be found by screening. As a result, doctors advise testing for people who are at high risk or are above the age of 50. Colorectal cancer symptoms vary depending on cancer’s size and location. Changes in bowel patterns, changes in stool consistency, blood in the stool, and stomach discomfort are all typical signs.
Causes
The causes of colorectal cancer are constantly being researched. Cancer can be caused by inherited or acquired genetic alterations. These mutations don’t guarantee that you’ll get colorectal cancer, but they do make it more likely. Mutations in the lining of the colon can cause aberrant cells to collect and form polyps. These are little, harmless tumours. Surgical removal of these growths can be used as a preventative measure. Polyps that go untreated might turn malignant.
Symptoms
Colorectal cancer, especially in its early stages, may not show any signs. If you have symptoms in the early stages of the disease, they may include constipation, diarrhea, color and shape changes in the stool, blood in the faeces, bleeding rectum, excessive gas, cramps in the stomach and pain in the abdomen.
The symptoms of colorectal cancer become increasingly noticeable as the disease progresses (stages 3 and 4). You may also encounter the following symptoms in addition to the ones listed above:
- Excessive tiredness
- Weakness that isn’t explained
- Weight loss that occurs unintentionally
- Stool changes that last for more than a month
- Feeling as if your bowels aren’t going to empty entirely
- Vomiting
If colon cancer spreads to other parts of your body, you may have the following symptoms:
- Yellow eyes and skin are referred to as jaundice
- Hands and feet are swollen
- Having trouble breathing
- Headaches that don’t go away
- Vision is hazy
- Fractures of the bones
Diagnosis
A variety of tests can be used to diagnose colorectal cancer. This illness can be detected if you exhibit symptoms or if your caregiver notices something abnormal during a screening test. Your doctor may do the following tests as part of the diagnosing process:
- Complete blood count, tumour markers, and liver enzymes are among the blood tests available.
- X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, PET scans, ultrasounds, and angiography are examples of imaging tests.
- Biopsy: In order to diagnose it, the doctor may recommend a biopsy.
- Colonoscopy
- Proctoscopy
Diagnosis
A variety of tests can be used to diagnose colorectal cancer. This illness can be detected if you exhibit symptoms or if your caregiver notices something abnormal during a screening test. Your doctor may do the following tests as part of the diagnosing process:
- Complete blood count, tumour markers, and liver enzymes are among the blood tests available.
- X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, PET scans, ultrasounds, and angiography are examples of imaging tests.
- Biopsy: In order to diagnose it, the doctor may recommend a biopsy.
- Colonoscopy
- Proctoscopy
Treatment
Treatment for colorectal cancer is determined by the size, location, and extent of the tumour. Surgery to remove the tumour, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are all common therapies.
Surgeries:
- Left Hemicolectomy
- Right Hemicolectomy
- Anterior Resection
- Abdomino-Perineal Resection for Low Rectal Cancers
- Pelvic Exenteration
- Low Anterior Resection for High Rectal cancers