It is a serious health problem caused by abnormal cell growth in the colon or rectum. It usually begins with small, benign tumors called polyps that turn into cancer over time. It may not cause symptoms in the early stages. Therefore, regular screenings and colonoscopies are vital. In advanced stages, symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloody stools, weight loss and changes in bowel habits may be seen. Colon cancer To reduce the risk, a healthy diet, regular exercise and avoiding smoking are recommended. Early diagnosis greatly increases the success of treatment.
Colon Cancer Symptoms
Colon cancer (colorectal cancer) is a type of cancer that occurs in the large intestine, that is, the colon or rectum. It may not show any symptoms at first. However, some common symptoms can be observed as it progresses. Early diagnosis can greatly increase the success of treatment, so it is very important to pay attention to the following symptoms.
One of the most common symptoms of colon cancer is a change in bowel habits. These changes include diarrhea or constipation, a change in the shape or texture of stool, and a feeling that the bowels have not completely emptied.
Rectal bleeding, or blood in the stool, is one of the most common symptoms of colon cancer. The blood may be bright red or dark (black or dark red). This may indicate that the bleeding is coming from higher up in the intestines.
Abdominal pain, bloating, cramping, or constant discomfort may also be signs of this cancer. Some patients may experience a feeling of fullness or pressure in the lower abdomen.
Unintentional weight loss can be a symptom of many types of cancer, including colorectal cancer. If you are losing weight for no apparent reason and cannot explain it with another health problem, it is recommended that you consult a doctor.
Colon cancer can affect the body's overall energy level. In this case, a person may feel constantly tired. This fatigue can also occur due to anemia, as the tumor can cause blood loss.
The constant blood loss caused by cancer can lead to iron deficiency in the body. This can be a warning sign, especially for postmenopausal women and older men. People with iron deficiency may experience symptoms such as pale skin, shortness of breath, and dizziness.
A growing tumor can cause an obstruction in the intestines, which can cause symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, bloating, difficulty passing gas, and nausea/vomiting.
Colon cancer symptoms can be confused with symptoms of other digestive disorders. Therefore, it is important to consult a health care professional, especially if you experience persistent or severe symptoms. Early detection and treatment are the best way to combat colon cancer.
Colon Cancer Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made through regular screening tests as it does not show any obvious symptoms in the early stages. The most common method of diagnosis Colonoscopy During this procedure, the inside of the intestine is directly visualized and suspicious polyps are removed for biopsy. Fecal occult blood test, is used to detect bleeding in the intestines at an early stage. In addition, imaging methods such as CT colonography can be effective in the diagnosis process. Early diagnosis greatly increases the chance of cancer being cured. Those with a family history and high-risk groups should be screened more frequently. Screening and early diagnosis can significantly reduce mortality rates.
Colon Cancer Treatment
Colon cancer, medically known as colorectal cancer, is a type of cancer that begins in the colon or rectum. The treatment process varies depending on the stage of the disease, the location of the tumor, and the general health of the patient. Various methods are used in the treatment of colon cancer.
With polypectomy, if the cancer is confined to the polyp, it can be treated by removing the polyp. This is usually done during a colonoscopy.
In a segmental colectomy, the cancerous part of the colon and surrounding healthy tissue are removed. Nearby lymph nodes may also be removed during this procedure.
With abdominoperineal resection, if the cancer is in the rectum and has spread near the anus, the entire rectum and anus may be removed. In this case, the patient may have to live with a permanent colostomy (moving the bowel outlet to the abdominal wall).
Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy cancer cells or stop their growth. It is done to destroy cancer cells or reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. In advanced-stage colon cancer, it helps keep the cancer under control.
Radiotherapy is a treatment method that uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. In the treatment of colon cancer, radiotherapy is usually used for rectal cancer. The treatment is used to shrink the tumor and destroy any remaining cancer cells before or after surgery.
Targeted therapies attack only cancer cells and do not harm healthy cells. They target genetic mutations or proteins that cause cancer cells to grow. The main targeted therapies used for colon cancer include:
Immunotherapy is a treatment that encourages the immune system to attack cancer cells. Immunotherapy is effective for some people with colorectal cancer, such as those with MSI-H or dMMR.
The success rate in the treatment of colon cancer depends on the stage of the cancer, its spread and the treatment method. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment increase the chances of patients living a long-term healthy life. It is important to have regular screening tests to prevent colon cancer and to diagnose it early.
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