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Colon cancer, also called cancer of the large intestine or colorectal cancer, when it affects the rectum, which is the final part of the colon, happens when the polyps cells inside the colon begin to multiply in a different way from one of the others, doubling in size and becoming inflamed, causing symptoms such as constipation, abdominal pain and blood in the stools in advanced cases.
When there is a suspicion of this disease, it is important that the person seek a gastroenterologist so that the diagnosis can be made through tests such as colonoscopy, for example, which will indicate the location and stage of the disease. Thereafter, the most appropriate treatment will be initiated, which may be surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy in some cases.
Main symptoms
Colon cancer is more common in people after 50 years of age or in those who belong to risk groups such as those with a family history of ulcerative colitis, large colorectal polyps, Crohn's disease, smokers and obese people. If this disease is suspected, select the symptoms that may be present below:
- 1. Constant diarrhea or constipation? No Yes
- 2. Dark or bloody stools? No Yes
- 3. Gases and abdominal cramps? No Yes
- 4. Blood in the anus or visible on toilet paper when cleaning? No Yes
- 5. Feeling of heaviness or pain in the anal area, even after evacuating? No Yes
- 6. Frequent tiredness? No Yes
- 7. Blood tests for anemia? No Yes
- 8. Weight loss for no apparent reason? No Yes
In addition, symptoms such as thin stools, nausea or vomiting may also be present. Thus, if you have 4 or more symptoms, it is advisable to see a general practitioner or a gastroenterologist so that the diagnosis is confirmed and appropriate treatment is started.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of colon cancer can be made by tests such as colonoscopy, biopsy, CEA test and occult blood in the stool.These tests consist of making observations of the areas affected by the cancer, including how severe the disease is, which can occur in 4 stages, and to detect signs of cancer cells in the body. Better understand how the diagnosis of colon cancer is made.
How the treatment is done
Colon cancer has several treatment options and when identified in the early stages, it has great possibilities for a cure.
The most commonly used treatment option is surgery, which removes the part of the colon that has been affected by cancer. However, when there is a suspicion that the cancer cells may have migrated to other parts of the intestine, or it was not possible to remove the affected part entirely, it may be necessary and indicated to use chemotherapy in conjunction or not with radiotherapy, in order to guarantee that cancer cells have been eliminated. See how chemotherapy is done and what are the side effects.
The duration and success of treatment depends on exactly where the cancer is located in the colon, what is the size, whether it is deep in the intestinal tissue or not and even if it has not spread to other organs. When these factors are present, the chances of a cure can be reduced.
At the end of the treatment, the person is instructed to change their lifestyle, adopting a balanced diet, physical exercise and relaxation techniques. In addition to staying under medical observation, with regular visits for a few years, to ensure that the cancer will not return.