Colon Cancer
Colon Cancer Symptoms
Colon cancer often does not have symptoms in the early stages. Most colon cancers begin as polyps, small non-cancerous growths on the colon wall that can grow larger and become cancerous. As polyps or cancers grow, they can bleed or block the intestines.
Symptoms of colon cancer may include:
- Rectal bleeding
- Blood in the stool or toilet after a bowel movement
- Diarrhea or constipation that does not go away
- A change in size or shape of stool
- Discomfort or urge to have a bowel movement when there is no need
- Abdominal pain or a cramping pain in your lower stomach
- Bloating or full feeling
- Change in appetite
- Weight loss without dieting
- Fatigue
Colon Cancer Diagnosis
The following tests may be used to diagnose colon cancer or find out if it has spread. Tests also may be used to find out if surrounding tissues or organs have been damaged by treatment.
Digital Rectal Exam (DRE):
The doctor inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to feel for polyps or other problems.
Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT):
This take-home test finds blood in stool.
Endoscopic Tests, Which May Include:
- Sigmoidoscopy: A tiny camera on flexible plastic tubing (sigmoidoscope) is inserted into the rectum. This gives the doctor a view of the rectum and lower colon. Tissue or polyps can be removed and looked at under a microscope.
- Colonoscopy: A longer version of a sigmoidoscope, a colonscope can look at the entire colon.
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS):
An endoscope is inserted into the rectum. A probe at the end bounces high-energy sound waves (ultrasound) off internal organs to make a picture (sonogram). Also called endosonography.
Imaging Tests, Which May Include:
- CT scan
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan
- PET/CT (positron emission tomography) scan
- Virtual colonoscopy or CT (computed tomography) colonoscopy
Blood Test For Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA):
CEA is a protein, or tumor marker, made by some cancerous tumors. This test also can be used to find out if the tumor is growing or has come back after treatment.
Colon Cancer Treatment
A team of BASIL experts customizes your treatment plan for the most-effective, least-invasive therapies available.
Specially trained nurses, ostomy nurses, nutritionists and social workers support your cancer doctors as part of a comprehensive approach.
Advanced genetic testing allows us to customize your treatment for the best possible results, by experts with experience treating rare hereditary colorectal cancers.
If you have colon cancer, your care at Basil Onco Care may include one or more of the following therapies.
Surgery
Surgery is the most common treatment for colon cancer, especially if it has not spread. As for many cancers, surgery for colon cancer is most successful when done by a surgeon with a great deal of experience in the procedure.
Colon cancer may be treated with surgery alone, surgery and chemotherapy, and/or other treatments. Chemotherapy or radiation may be given:
- Before surgery to make the cancer smaller. This is called neoadjuvant therapy.
- After surgery to help keep you cancer-free. This is called adjuvant therapy.
The type of surgery depends on the stage and location of the tumor:
1. Polypectomy
A colonoscope, which is a long tube with a camera on the end, is inserted into the rectum and guided to the polyp. A tiny, scissor-like tool or wire loop removes the polyp.
2. Colectomy
The area of the colon where the cancer is, along with some healthy surrounding tissue, is removed. The associated lymph nodes are removed (biopsied) and looked at under a microscope. Usually the surgeon then rejoins the parts of the colon. This surgery also is called a hemicolectomy or partial colectomy.
Your doctor will decide whether it is best to perform traditional open surgery or minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery.
With minimally invasive surgery, small cuts are made in the abdomen. A tiny camera and surgical instruments are inserted. The surgeon then uses video imaging to perform the surgery. BASIL surgeons are among the most experienced in the Surat in minimally invasive colon cancer surgery.
3. Chemotherapy
BASIL offers the most up-to-date and effective chemotherapy options for colon cancer. Drugs are given by mouth (pills) or intravenously (injected into a vein).
- Chemotherapy may be used to help:
- Shrink the cancer before surgery
- Keep you cancer free after surgery
- Prolong life when surgery is not an option
4. Targeted Therapies
BASIL offers targeted therapies for certain types of colon cancer. These innovative new drugs stop the growth of cancer cells by interfering with certain proteins and receptors or blood vessels that supply the tumor with what it needs to grow, survive and spread.
