Everything you need to know about Colon Cancer - Symptoms and Treatment

Colon cancer may not be discussed as frequently as other cancers such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, or lung cancer, but it is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths. As a result, it’s critical to keep an eye on your colon health.

Over-60-year-olds are more susceptible to the illness, particularly if there is a family history of colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, or obesity. It has also been found that alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking increase the risk of this type of cancer. Consuming processed or red meats may also raise your chances of developing colon cancer. Our doctor will use a fecal sample to screen for colon cancer and may run a few more tests that may include colonoscopy, gastroscopy and scans of your abdomen and chest to achieve an appropriate staging.

Understanding Colon Cancer

Colon (colorectal) cancer commences in the colon (large intestine), the long tube that transports digested food to the rectum and flushes out of the body.

Polyps, which are small clumps of cells that form on the inner lining of your colon, are the most common precursors to colon cancer. Polyps aren’t usually cancerous, but some can develop into colon cancer over time.

So, how can colon cancer be treated? That largely depends on how aggressive your cancer is and how far it has spread, but generally speaking, surgery is the best way to get free of cancer. Sometimes Chemotherapy or Radiotherapy are used prior to or after surgery in order to improve the overall results and avoid the cancer cells to skip the treatment and grow elsewhere.

One good thing about it is that colon cancer counts among the more treatable cancers. It is curable, particularly if detected early, and this is usually in your hands!!!

What is Colon and how does Colon Cancer affect people?

The colon is your large intestine, the long, upside-down U-shaped tube at the end of the waste removal chain in your body. Colon cancer can appear all along the intestine, from its first part, called cecum, to its final part, called rectum.

Your colon wall is built up of layers of muscle, tissue, and mucous membrane. Cancer usually begins in the mucosa, which is the innermost lining of your colon. It is made up of cells that, if mutated or altered, may develop in a colon polyp.

Colon polyps may develop into cancer over time. (A colon polyp typically takes ten years to develop cancer.) The cancer grows throughout your colon’s wall if it is not found or treated. Additionally, colon cancer may spread through your blood vessels or lymph nodes to other areas of your body, in later stages of the disease.

Symptoms of Colon Cancer by stage

Colon cancer symptoms can vary depending on the stage of the disease. It’s important to note that individuals may not experience any symptoms in the early stages, underscoring the significance of regular screenings.

Here are common symptoms associated with different stages of colon cancer:

Early Stage:

• No Symptoms: In many cases, early-stage colon cancer may be asymptomatic.
• Minor Rectal Bleeding: Occasional blood in the stool that may not be noticeable.

Intermediate Stage:

• Persistent Changes in Bowel Habits: For example, diarrhea, constipation, or a change in stool consistency.
• Abdominal Discomfort: Cramps, gas, or pain in the abdomen.
• Anaemia: Resulting from chronic blood loss, leading to weakness and pale skin.
• Fatigue: Extreme tiredness or weakness
• Unexplained Weight Loss: A noticeable and unintentional loss of weight.

Advanced Stage:

• Blood in Stool: Dark or bright red blood may be more evident.
• Obstruction: Blockage of the colon may cause bowel changes, abdominal pain, and vomiting.

Causes of Colon Cancer

Almost all colorectal cancers begin as noncancerous (benign) lumps (polyps) in the colon and rectum lining. These can progress into cancer over time.

Risk factors for colon cancer:

• Are 45 years old or older
• Consume alcoholic beverages
• Tobacco use
• Being overweight or obese
• Too much consumption of red or processed meat
• Consuming a high-fat, low-fiber diet
• Lesser intake of fruits and vegetables
• Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis (inflammatory bowel disease)
• Having a history of colorectal cancer in your family

Colorectal cancer risk is also increased by some inherited syndromes, like Lynch Syndrome or Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, among others.

Also Read: How to prevent colon cancer?

Colon Cancer Treatment

Many factors influence treatment, including the stage of the cancer. Thus, the line of treatments may include:

Surgical Intervention

Surgical treatments aim to remove the cancerous tissue and nearby lymph nodes to prevent the spread of cancer. According to our surgeon, Dr. Daniel Serralta, the choice of surgical approach depends on factors like the location and stage of the disease, as well as the patient’s overall health.

TAMIS (TransAnal Minimally Invasive Surgery):

This is a great option to treat tumors that are located in the last 12-14cm of the intestine, and providing there is not tumor cells outside the wall of the rectum.

Colectomy:

This is the primary surgical intervention for colon cancer. It involves the removal of the affected part of the colon, along with nearby lymph nodes. The remaining healthy portions of the colon are then reconnected to restore normal bowel function. This technique can be performed in a Minimally Invasive Way, using laparoscopy or Robotic surgery in more than 90% of the cases, reducing the trauma to the abdominal area, resulting in shorter recovery times and less postoperative pain compared to traditional open surgery.

Non-Surgical Options

When we talk about non-surgical options we need to understand that they are not an alternative to surgical treatment of the tumor, which is the only way to cure colon and rectal cancer. Any other treatment is aimed to help improving the result of surgical treatment. There is an exception to the above, in the case of rectal cancer, sometimes we can find a full response to Chemo-Radiotherapy prior to surgery with eventual disappearance of all tumoral cells and cancer healing without surgery. In these cases we can consider a close follow-up as an alternative to surgery.

• Chemotherapy: Medications to destroy cancer cells or inhibit their growth. When used before or after the surgery it usually aims to reduce the risk of tumoral cells regrowing after surgery.
• Radiation Therapy: High-energy rays target and kill cancer cells.When used before or after the surgery it usually aims to reduce the risk of tumoral cells regrowing after surgery.
• Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy: Drugs targeting specific molecules involved in cancer growth to block their action or boosting the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. These are usually part of the Chemotherapy scheme treatments.
• Palliative Care: Focuses on improving the quality of life, managing symptoms, and providing emotional support, especially in advanced stages.

Seek regular screening and timely Colon Cancer treatment with Dr. Daniel Serralta

It’s crucial to understand that these symptoms are not exclusive to colon cancer and can be associated with various other conditions. If any of the symptoms persist or if there are concerns, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation.

Dr. Daniel Serralts is a highly skilled specialist and proctologist in Dubai with over 19 years of experience in the field of colon cancer treatment. With his extensive knowledge, cutting-edge techniques, and compassionate care for his patients, he has helped numerous individuals overcome this challenging disease. His dedication to keeping up with the latest advancements in medical technology ensures that his patients receive the best possible care.

For exceptional treatment and care, get in touch with Dr. Daniel today!