Colorectal Cancer Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Colorectal cancer or colon cancer is cancer that begins in the colon (large intestine) or rectum (the end of the large intestine). Both parts are the final part of the digestive system.
Colorectal cancer is divided into four stages. Knowing the stage is important for determining treatment.
The stages of colorectal cancer include:
- Stage I: cancer has penetrated the inner lining or mucosa of the colon or rectum, but has not spread to the organ walls.
- Stage II: the cancer has spread to the organ walls but has not yet invaded the lymph nodes or surrounding tissue.
- Stage III: cancer has spread to the lymph nodes (usually one to three), but has not reached other parts of the body.
- Stage IV: cancer has spread to other organs such as the lungs or liver.
Symptoms
Colorectal cancer at an early stage sometimes does not show specific symptoms. But be aware of the varied symptoms which usually include:
- constipation
- diarrhea
- change in stool color
- change in stool shape
- bloody stools
- bleeding from the anus
- unclear weakness
- remove excess air
- unwanted weight loss
- abdominal pain
- stomach cramps
Reason
The exact cause of colorectal cancer is still unknown. However, as is generally known, cancer is a condition when normal cells change to become abnormal. These cells divide and multiply quickly and do not die when they are old. This causes the accumulation of abnormal cells.
Family history is also thought to play a role in the incidence of cancer. Colorectal cancer can also be caused by genetic mutations.
Some of the risk factors associated with colorectal cancer include:
- history of polyps or benign tumors of the colon
- history of intestinal disease
- family history of colorectal cancer
- have a genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis
- overweight or obesity
- smoking
- excessive alcohol consumption
- type 2 diabetes
- have a sedentary lifestyle
- often consume processed foods or red meat
Diagnosis
The doctor will determine the diagnosis of colorectal cancer from medical history, family history, physical examination, and supporting examinations. The physical examination will focus on the stomach or abdomen, as well as an examination of the rectum to check for lumps or polyps.
Blood tests such as liver function and complete blood count tests will be done to help rule out other possibilities. Colonoscopy can also be done, which is an examination using a long tube with a camera to examine the large intestine. Colonoscopy can also be used to take abnormal tissue for examination. Radiological examinations such as X-rays with barium and CT scans will also help.
Treatment
Early diagnosis of colorectal cancer will give a greater chance of cure. Surgical removal of abnormal polyps may be performed in the early stages of colorectal cancer.
If the cancer has spread to the intestinal wall, the doctor may remove part of the colon or rectum and also some of the lymph nodes. If possible the doctor will connect the remaining intestine. However, if this is not possible, the doctor will perform a colostomy (making a new drain that is directed directly into the stomach).
Other treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy will also usually be done to kill the rest of the cancer cells. Cure for late-stage colorectal cancer is rare.
Prevention
Colorectal cancer prevention can be done when colon polyps or benign tumors are recognized and diagnosed early. Surgery to remove these polyps can prevent cancer. Polyps that are not treated can be at risk of becoming cancerous later on. Avoiding risk factors can also prevent colorectal cancer from occurring.