Colon Cancer
Cancer of the large intestine is known as colon cancer. The colon is the last part of the digestive tract. Old age people are more susceptible to colon cancer. It develops as a polyp or benign non-cancerous lump later grows into cancer. Regular screening is advised to detect these polyps and remove them before developing further into a cancerous growth. Initial signs and symptoms may comprise of blood in the stool, repeated change in bowel habits, undefined weight loss, and a feeling that the bowel isn't completely empty.
For the treatment of colon cancer, we have many options, in the initial stage surgery is required based on the stage of cancer it can be polypectomy, endoscopic mucosal resection, laparoscopic removal of polyps. However, in advanced cases, partial colectomy with lymph node dissection and sometimes an ostomy is done where a passage is created for passing stool. Later on chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted drug therapy, and immunotherapy are used as adjuvant treatment. Palliative care is important as the body has to accommodate after surgery.
the right doctor for treatment of colon cancer is General surgeon or gastroenterologist with Surgical and radiation oncologist.
Diagnostic tests for the detection of colon cancer are colonoscopy and blood test for tumor marker CEA ( carcinoembryonic antigen). Apart from diagnosis, a screening test for elderly people is suggested so that it can be prevented.
The five-year survival rate for localized colon cancer is around 90%, but in cases of metastasis, it is 63%. The contribution of regular screening is quite high in reducing the death rate and early diagnosis as well.
