Colon Cancer

Colon Cancer

Cancer can be characterized as any abnormal growth of cells in the body regions and there are more than 100 types of cancers including breast cancer, brain cancer, skin cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, and lymphoma etc. Colon cancer is the cancer of large intestine that is generally termed as “colon”. It is also known as colorectal cancer when it occurs with the signs of rectal cancer.

Signs and Symptoms

When the colorectal cancer develops in the cells of large intestine, usually it has no prominent symptoms. With the growth and advancement of cancer cells, it causes abrupt changes in the body like change in the frequency of bowel movements, constipation, gas pains, bloating and fullness with cramps, constant tiredness, and vomiting and excessive weight loss. In some cases, Diarrhea, constipation and blood in the stool can also be the signs of colon cancer.

Diagnosis Tests of Colon Cancer

For any type of cancer, screening is the most reliable test to detect the presence of abnormal cells. Screening is done to confirm the presence of colon cancer in the intestine along with physical exam analysis. Once you got sure about the presence of colon cancer, then further tests like CT or MRI scans of the abdomen, pelvic area, chest, or brain may be used to stage the spread of cancer. In some severe cases, Lymph node biopsy, Chest x-ray, PET scan and blood tests are also used to diagnose colon cancer.

Treatment Therapies

Generally, treatment procedure of colon cancer depends on the location, size, and extent of cancer spread as well as the health of the patient. Surgery is the most common and effective therapy for this type of cancer growth. At first stage, surgery is carried out to remove the cancer cells then followed by the Chemotherapy to further kill cancerous cells. Chemotherapy is usually done after 6-8 months of surgery. After this, for the destruction of all cancerous tissues, radiation therapy is used.

Prevention is better than Cure

Although cancer is thought to be highly dangerous disease with increase number of deaths but it is a treatable disease. It can be easily treated and controlled when early diagnosed so before entering into the complex and risky stage of cancer, consult your physician. Awareness and colonoscopy has decreased the death rate caused by colon cancer every year. This goal has been achieved through proper prevention methods and awareness campaigns against this destructive cancer. Along with treatment, balanced diet and a healthy and positive lifestyle is also very important to defeat the colon and colorectal cancers.

Concluding Remarks

Normally cancer begins its journey by growth of cells along with the building blocks of body cells. It is the case with colon and rectal cancers; they arouse their mark in the region of large intestine part of digestive system and start its growth there. Colon cancer can be diagnosed and treated by various tests and procedures depending on the medical history of the infected person. After successful treatment, patient can enjoy his normal routine activities without fearing of any harm.