Colon Cancer
Colon Cancer Causes
As with all other cancers, an alteration occurring in healthy cells is the cause of colon cancer. There are several factors that increase the risk of developing colon cancer including high fat intake, family history of colon cancer, presence of polyps in the large intestine, chronic ulcerative colitis; which is a medical condition itself.
Colon Cancer Definition
Colon cancer is malignancy (cancer) of the large intestine; which is the lower part of the digestive system; usually starting as small, benign cell appearing in clusters known as adenomatous polyps.
Colon Cancer Diagnosis
Fecal occult blood test checks the presence of blood in the stool by submitting a stool sample. Stool DNA test is accurate for detecting colon cancer by means of DNA markers analysis. Barium Enema helps to evaluate the condition of the entire large intestine through X-ray.
Colon Cancer Symptoms and Signs
A remarkable change in bowel habits is expected such as diarrhea and constipation or change in stool consistency usually occurring for couple of weeks. There is presence of blood in the stool and bleeding in the rectum. Cramps, gas, and other describable abdominal discomfort that continuously persists; fatigue and unexplainable weight loss are some of the symptoms of colon cancer.
Colon Cancer Treatment
Surgery called colectomy is the primary treatment for colon cancer. Colectomy is the surgical removal of a portion of the colon containing the cancer or the entire colon if that is the case. Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy, which is aimed at destroying cancer cells before or after surgery.