Colon Cancer

Colon cancer develops in the colon or rectum (rectal cancer) which are the last parts of the digestive system. Commonly known as colorectal cancer, it is a malignant tumor that has the ability to invade or spread to other parts of the body.

Types of Colon Cancer

The growth of tissue or tumor usually begins as a non-cancerous polyp on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Some polyps develop into cancer, depending on their type.

Adenomatous Polyps (Adenomas)

These polyps can change into cancer, and hence, are called pre-cancerous.

Hyper-plastic Polyps and Inflammatory Polyps

These are not pre-cancerous in general. However, some hyper-plastic polyps can become pre-cancerous when they grow in the ascending colon.

Signs & Symptoms of Colon Cancer

Abdominal pain and tenderness in the lower abdomen
Blood in the stool
Diarrhea, constipation, or other change in bowel habits
Narrow stools
Weight loss with no known reason
Sensation of incomplete evacuation after a bowel movement

Treatment of Colon Cancer

Surgery

Colonoscopy: If the cancer is small, early-stage, and localized in a polyp, it can be removed completely with a colonoscopy. In case of a large polyp, endoscopic mucosal resection may be used.
Laparoscopic Surgery: In this surgery, the tumor, a small margin of the surrounding healthy intestine, and adjacent lymph nodes are removed. The healthy sections of the bowel are reconnected afterward.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy for colon cancer is usually given after surgery if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. It uses drugs to destroy cancer cells or reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses powerful X-rays to kill cancer cells that might remain after surgery or to shrink large tumors before an operation. It is rarely used in early-stage colon cancer but is a routine part of treating rectal cancer.