Early Detection Of Colon Cancer Is The Key To Survival
George Johnson
Colorectal cancer, also called colon cancer or bowel cancer,
includes cancerous growths in the colon, rectum and appendix.
It is the third most common form of cancer and the second
leading cause of death among cancers in the Western world.
Many colorectal cancers are thought to arise from adenomatous
polyps in the colon. These mushroom-like growths are usually
benign, but some may develop into cancer over time. The
majority of the time, the diagnosis of localized colon cancer
is through colonoscopy.
Therapy is usually through surgery, which in many cases is
followed by chemotherapy. Colorectal cancer can take many years
to develop and early detection of colorectal cancer greatly
improves the chances of a cure.
Therefore, screening for the disease is recommended in
individuals who are at increased risk. There are several
different tests available for this purpose. Surgical treatment
is by far the most likely to result in a cure of colon cancer
if the tumor is localized.
Very early cancer that develops within a polyp can often be
cured by removing the polyp at the time of colonoscopy. More
advanced cancers typically require surgical removal of the
section of colon containing the tumor leaving sufficient
margins to reduce likelihood of re-growth.
If possible, the remaining parts of colon are anastomosed
together to create a functioning colon. In cases when
anastomosis is not possible, a stoma (artificial orifice) is
created. While surgery is not usually offered if significant
metastasis is present, surgical removal of isolated liver
metastases is common. Improved chemotherapy has increased the
number of patients who are offered surgical removal of isolated
liver metastases.
Laparoscopic assist resection of the colon for tumour can
reduce the size of painful incision and minimize the risk of
infection.
As with any surgical procedure, colorectal surgery can in rare
cases result in complications. These may include infection,
abscess, fistula or bowel obstruction.
About The Author: Colorectal or colon cancer is the third most
common cancer and the second most common cause of cancer
related deaths.
http://coloncancersymptoms.info
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