Colon cancer is a form of cancer that originates from the large intestine, also called the colon. The colon is the last part of your digestive tract. Colon cancer is sometimes referred to as colorectal cancer, which is a term that combines colon cancer and rectal cancer, which originates from the rectum. Colorectal cancer generally affects older adults; however, it can occur at any age. It usually starts as a small, noncancerous (benign) cluster of cells called polyps that develop on the inside of the colon. Over a period of time, some of these polyps become cancerous and give rise to colorectal cancers. Polyps are usually small and produce few to no symptoms. That is why we recommend regular screening tests to help prevent colon cancer by diagnosing and removing polyps before they turn cancerous.
Some people with colorectal cancer experience no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. When symptoms appear, they vary from one patient to the other, and depend on the size of cancer and its location in the large intestine. Signs and symptoms of colon carcinoma may include some changes in your bowel habits such as diarrhea or a change in your stool consistency, rectal bleeding or presence of blood in your stool, continuous abdominal pain or discomfort, or a feeling of incomplete bowel evacuation. Weakness, fatigue and sudden unexplained weight loss may also be experienced.
If you chronically have any of the symptoms mentioned above, you must visit our hospital and make an appointment with an expert doctor.
The cause of most colorectal cancers is not known. Generally, colorectal cancers begin when healthy cells in the colon undergo changes or mutations in their DNA. Healthy cells grow and divide in an organised fashion to keep the body functioning optimally. But when a cell's DNA is affected and becomes cancerous, cells continue to divide randomly even when there is no requirement for new cells. As the cells accumulate in excess, a tumour is formed. Over time, the cancer cells proliferate to invade and destroy the normal tissues nearby. They can even travel to other parts of the body to form deposits called metastasis.
Here are some common factors known to increase your risk of colorectal cancer. They include:
It is recommended that people with an average risk of colon cancer should undergo colon cancer screening at around 45 years of age. However, people with an increased risk, such as those with a family history of colon cancer, should undergo screening sooner. Several screening options are available; each has its own benefits and drawbacks. Our expert doctors will thoroughly analyse your medical records and current health before choosing suitable tests.
The risk of developing colorectal cancer can be decreased significantly by adopting healthy lifestyle changes such as:
Suppose you are at an increased risk of developing colon cancer. In that case, our doctors can suggest some medications that have been found to decrease the risk of precancerous polyps or colon cancer.
Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital is one of the Best Cancer Treatment Hospitals in Navi Mumbai. In our oncology department, the treatment for colorectal cancer is decided by a strong multidisciplinary team consisting of expert professional medical and radiation oncologists, a gastroenterologist, physician assistants, oncology nurses, and other healthcare providers. The best Doctors for Colon Cancer in Navi Mumbai work in collaboration to create the patient's overall treatment plan that generally includes a combination of treatment modalities.
If your colon cancer is small, we recommend a minimally invasive surgery, such as:
If the cancer is advanced, more extensive procedures may be needed:
If cancer has advanced to a great extent or the patient's overall health is very poor, an operation is done to help relieve a blockage of your colon or to relieve symptoms may be considered. Such surgery is not aimed at curing cancer but instead at relieving the symptoms like pain or bleeding.
Palliative care is specialised medical care that focuses on providing relief from pain and other symptoms of a serious illness. Palliative care is provided by the palliative care team, which comprises doctors, nurses, and other specially trained professionals. Palliative care is designed ti improve the quality of life for the patients and their families. During Colorectal Cancer Treatment in Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Navi Mumbai it is offered alongside curative or other treatments you may be receiving. When palliative care is given along with all other appropriate treatments, people with cancer may feel better and live longer.
View Doctors
