Malignant tumor of the colon. Symptoms may be minimal, consisting only of small amounts of blood in the stool. Treatment involves surgery and sometimes chemotherapy. Periodic rectal examinations and sigmoidoscopy are recommended for adults over 40 years of age so that the disease, if present, may be diagnosed and treated at an early stage.
Washing out of the lower part of the bowel by forcing large amounts of water or another cleaning medium into it.
Cancer of the large intestine, which is made up of the colon and rectum. Colon and rectal cancers are often grouped together as colorectal cancer. Although colon cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the United States, it has a very high cure rate when detected early.
A cancerous growth that develops in the colon, the primary portion of the large intestine, is known as colon cancer. Similarly, cancers that arise in the colon or the rectum, collectively referred to as colorectal cancer, are among the prevalent types of cancer. Typically, these cancers are more frequently diagnosed in individuals aged 60 and above.
Certain types of colon cancer have been linked to a genetic basis. Approximately one in three cases is associated with a family history of colon disease. Notably, the presence of an inherited condition called familial adenomatous polyposis, characterized by the development of numerous polyps in the colon, significantly elevates the risk. However, in most cases, the exact cause remains unknown. Contributing factors include dietary choices, such as consuming high amounts of meat and fatty foods while lacking sufficient fiber, which may increase the risk. Additionally, the disease can be associated with ulcerative colitis in some instances.
The initial symptoms of colon cancer often encompass unexplained alterations in bowel movements, such as constipation or diarrhea, as well as the presence of blood in the stool and lower abdominal pain. However, in certain cases, there may be no symptoms until the tumor has reached a significant size, leading to intestinal obstruction or perforation.
The successful treatment of colon cancer hinges on an early diagnosis, which underscores the importance of screening. Screening procedures involve tests to identify early signs, including the examination of fecal samples to detect hidden blood. If the test yields positive results, medical professionals may proceed with sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy to visualize the interior of the colon. In some cases, a biopsy may also be performed during these procedures to obtain tissue samples for further analysis.
In the majority of cases, a partial colectomy is performed as the primary treatment for colon cancer. This surgical procedure involves the removal of the affected portion of the colon, along with a surrounding area of healthy tissue, followed by the rejoining of the cut ends of the colon. In some instances, surgery may be combined with radiotherapy or chemotherapy. The chances of survival are influenced by the extent of tumor spread, but early-stage colon cancer can be effectively cured.