Colorectal Cancer

Introduction
Cancer of large intestine (colon) and rectum is the third most frequently
diagnosed cancer in men and women. This type of cancer occurs because of
the abnormal cell growth in the lining of colon or rectum. A benign growths on
the inside surface of the colon or rectum known as polyps are formed in the
initial stage of colorectal cancer which usually remains localized, but some
polyps have potential to turn malignant causing cancer. Removing these polyps
on early stage prevents colorectal cancer. If it is diagnosed in early stage it can
be completely cured therefore it is very important to get screening on regular
basis.

Signs & Symptoms

There are usually no early signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer, but as the
disease progresses, one may notice below signs and symptoms:

Blood in stool
Abdominal pain
Constipation or diarrhea
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue
Loss of appetite

Causes
The main causes of colorectal cancer are lifestyle habits and hereditary.

Risk Factors
The risk of colorectal cancer is mainly dependant on lifestyle habits and genetic
factors. The non modifiable risk factors include:

Age (people older than 50 years are more likely to develop colorectal cancer)
Inflammatory bowel diseases
Family history of colorectal cancer
History of ovarian or breast cancer

The risk factors that can be modified are:

Diet high in red meat or processed meat

Obesity
Sedentary lifestyle
Smoking

Dr. Sanjiv Haribhakti

Gisurgery.info

 Heavy alcohol use

Complications
Possible complications of colorectal cancer are listed below:
Blockage of the colon, causing bowel obstruction
Cancer may spread to other organs or tissues
Recurrent colon cancer

Diagnosis
Because of the absence of signs and symptoms in early stage of colorectal
cancer, screening is the key to early detection of colorectal cancer.
Colonoscopy: this procedure uses a tiny camera to examine the entire colon
and rectum. Colonoscopy can not only help find the tumors easily but can also
help prevent colorectal cancer by removing benign polyps before it becomes
malignant. During colonoscopy a tissue sample can be removed from any part
of colon that looks unusual. This removed tissue is examined under microscope
to look for cancerous changes.
CT scan: Computerised Tomographic Scan is a diagnostic imaging procedure
that uses combination of x ray and computer technology to produce horizontal
or axial images of the body. CT scans are more detailed compared to general x
rays. A 3D model of colon can be constructed with CT scan which can reveal
polyps or other abnormalities without actually inserting a camera inside the
body.
X Ray of lower GI tract: a chalky liquid known as barium is used as a
contrast agent and the x-ray is taken, that will allow the doctor to glimpse at
the interior of colon and rectum. This test can detect changes in the intestinal
tissue such as polyps, tumors etc.

Treatment
The usual treatment of colorectal cancer is surgery to remove the tumor and
surrounding tissue. If the tumors are spread in larger area or is big in size it
might necessitate taking out an entire section of colon and/or rectum. The
chances of cure are very high if performed in early stage of cancer.
If the colorectal cancer has spread to one or more lymph nodes it requires
extensive treatment involving a combination of surgery, radiation and
chemotherapy. Radiation and chemotherapy relieve symptoms and help
patients live longer.
Lifestyle modifications can dramatically reduce the chances of developing
colorectal cancer. Eating nutritious diet, adequate exercise and controlling body
fat can help prevent colorectal cancer.

Dr. Sanjiv Haribhakti

Gisurgery.info