A Brief Account Of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis And Treatment

Cancer that starts in the colon region or the large intestine section including the rectum is colorectal cancer. These two parts are in the lower portion of the abdomen.

With the help of a staging method, the oncologist will be able to tell you about the development of cancer and how far it has spread. The stage of cancer also determines the type of treatments and diagnosis required. After the staging is done, the doctor can also give an idea of the entire colorectal cancer treatment cost.

What Are The Symptoms Of Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer may or may not give you any noticeable signs or symptoms. Not all patients with colon cancer get similar types of symptoms. It depends on the stage of cancer.

Some of the most common symptoms that can be found in patients are:

• Irritable bowel syndrome.
• Changes in stool colour and shape.
• Blood in stool.
• Rectal bleeding.
• Flatulence or excessive gas.
• Abdominal pain and cramps.

Diagnosis For Colorectal Cancer Treatment

Various tests can be performed to find out cancer growth in the colorectal region. The doctor will suggest a test according to the patient’s symptoms and physical conditions. Some of these tests are as follows:

Colonoscopy: This is the most common test suggested by a doctor to understand the entire colon and rectum region. A colonoscopist specializes in this test who performs this on the patient. With the help of this test, the doctor is able to see the inside of the colon and find if there is any cancer development. This test also shows and describes the location of the cancer growth.

Biopsy: With the help of biopsy, the doctor can test a sample tissue of the colon to find if there is any cancer growth. A biopsy is the removal of a small section of tissue of the colon. The sample is then tested under a microscope. The biopsy can be performed during a colonoscopy or colon surgery.

Blood Tests: There are chances of bleeding in colorectal cancer which is why some patients may become anemic. So the doctor may advise for some necessary blood tests such as red blood cell count, CBC (complete blood count) and others.

CT Scan: This test is given to patients to check for the spread of colorectal cancer. In the advanced stage, colorectal cancer may spread to other organs of the body. This CT scan is done and it is generally performed before surgery.

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Treatments For Colorectal Cancer

There are some factors that determine colorectal cancer treatment such as the overall health condition of the patient, previous medical history, stage of cancer and the severity of the disease.

The doctor may suggest a treatment based on the tests reports and treatments vary from patient to patient.

• Surgery

If cancer in the colon or rectum is in the early stage, the doctor may suggest surgery. With the help of surgery, it is possible to remove the cancerous polyps from the colon. When the polyp is removed, the cancer growth can be stopped. In case cancer has not spread into the bowel walls, the recovery is fast with excellent results.

If cancer has already started to spread into the bowel walls, the surgeon may also remove a portion of the colon or rectum. The surgeon may also remove affected lymph nodes to the adjacent area.

• Chemotherapy

This treatment involves drugs that are administered by the oncologists to destroy the cancer cells and stop its further growth. This stage of treatment is done after the surgery when there are still some cancer cells present in the colorectal region. Chemotherapy is one of the best methods to treat cancer growth and control the spread.

• Radiation Therapy

In this treatment, powerful beams are used to destroy the cancer cells. Radiation is done targeting the area that has cancer cells. This treatment is done after surgery and can also go alongside chemotherapy.

The combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy gives successful results in controlling and destroying cancer growth.

Also Read: A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF COLORECTAL CANCER DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

You should consult with your health advisor or contact an oncologist if you want to know more about the treatment options and their results. Also, you should discuss the recovery and complications with colorectal cancer.