How Is Colon Cancer Diagnosed & Treated
Colon cancer is a form of the dangerous disease that develops in the large intestine. The disease typically begins with a group of cells collecting inside the colon to form polyps. If these polyps are left untreated for an extended period of time, then they will naturally morph into cancer cells. This is why it is very important to diagnose and treat colon cancer as soon as possible.
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You will likely not experience any severe symptoms during the early stages of this disease. Since colon polyps are so small, they usually do not disrupt the normal functioning of the body. The symptoms will start to appear once the polyps develop into colon cancer. Since the large intestine is the last part of the body's digestive tract, most of the symptoms are related to your bowel movements. A few of the most common symptoms of colon cancer are bloody stool, constant stomach pains, sudden weight loss, and changes in the consistency of your stool.
The first step of the treatment process is to officially diagnose your disease. This is typically done using a colonoscopy. The doctor will be able to get a clear look at the inside of your colon during this diagnostic test. If there are any abnormalities, then they can use a special tool to take a biopsy of the cells. Blood tests may also be used to help diagnose colon cancer.
The treatment used will ultimately be determined by the severity of your colon cancer. If the cancer is in the early stages, then the small group of dangerous cells will be removed during a minor surgery. There is even a chance these cells can be removed during your colonoscopy. Removing the small group of cells before it has the chance to spread drastically reduces your chances of getting a serious case of colon cancer.
If the cancer cells have already spread throughout the colon, then you will need to undergo a slightly more complicated surgery. This procedure involves surgically removing the cancerous section of your colon. The healthy sections of the colon can usually be stitched back together at the end of the surgery. This will allow your digestive system to function the same way it did before the surgery.
If the healthy parts of the colon cannot be stitched together, then you will also need to get an ostomy. A medical bag is attached to a small hole on the side of your stomach. This allows the stool to exit the body without having to use the colon. This can be a temporary or permanent solution depending on how much diseased colon was removed. You may also have to undergo chemotherapy or immunotherapy shortly after you have healed from your colon cancer surgery. This is done to ensure cancer does not return in the future.
Author: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice regarding health or finances. It is not intended to endorse any individual or company. This article is AI-generated and may contain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should consult a qualified professional for personal advice.
