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He is one of the best gastroenterology doctors I have ever visited. Took my uncle for stomach pain, the doctor did endoscopy & colonoscopy, diagnosed the problem as large intestine cancer, the doctor asked a...
Uma V
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The doctor is extremely professional and polite. He explains the problem patiently and does not prescribe unnecessary medication. He gives priority to the patient's well-being over everything. I Will definitely recommend him
Chandrasekhar Sriramula
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I have referred/recommended a couple of my relatives and friends to this Dr (Dr. Srujan Kumar Dasyam). I say that the diagnosis and treatment are good and also Dr listens patiently in understanding the patient's...
Apoorva Reddy Panyala
Table Of Contents
- What is Colorectal Cancer?
- What Causes Colorectal Cancer?
- What are the Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer?
- How is Colorectal Cancer Diagnosed?
- What is the Treatment for Colorectal Cancer?
What is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer is the cancer of the large intestine and rectum.
It is more common in older people, although it can strike anybody at any age. It generally starts as tiny polyps, noncancerous clusters of cells that grow on the interior of the colon or rectum. Some of these polyps can turn into colorectal cancers over time.
What Causes Colorectal Cancer?
The etiology of most colorectal cancers is not known yet.
It is a cell’s DNA that carries instructions to teach it what to do. Colorectal cancer may develop when the DNA of the healthy cells in the colon or rectum undergo mutations. With time, the cancer cells can grow, invade and destroy normal tissue nearby. They can also spread to other body parts to form deposits there (metastasis).
Some factors that can increase the risk of colorectal cancer:
- Age: Colorectal cancer is becoming more common among those under 50.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Colon inflammatory illnesses like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease might raise the chances of getting colon cancer.
- Inherited syndromes: Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and Lynch syndrome, often known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, are the two most frequent genetic disorders that raise colon cancer risk (HNPCC).
- Family history: The chances of getting colorectal cancer are significantly higher if any family member suffers from the same.
- Diabetes: Colorectal cancer is more likely to develop in people with diabetes or insulin resistance.
- Obesity: Compared to those with average weight, obese people have a higher risk of colon cancer and a higher chance of dying.
- Smoking: Smokers may be at an elevated risk of colorectal cancer.
- Alcohol: Colorectal cancer is linked to heavy alcohol consumption.
- Cancer radiation treatment: Colon cancer is increased by abdominal radiation therapy used to treat prior tumours.
What are the Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer?
The following are the symptoms of colorectal cancer:
- A chronic change in bowel habits, such as diarrhoea or constipation, or a change in stool consistency
- Blood in your faeces or rectal bleeding
- Consistent stomach pain, cramps or gas
- Feeling as if bowels aren’t emptied
- Weakness or exhaustion
- Unprecedented weight reduction
Many patients show no or very few clinical features in the early stages of colorectal cancer. Symptoms may vary depending on the size and location of cancer in the large intestine.
How is Colorectal Cancer Diagnosed?
Early detection of colorectal cancer increases the chances of curing it. Colorectal cancer is frequently detected via routine screenings since it generally has no symptoms in its early stages.
- Blood tests: Blood tests can help determine what’s causing the symptoms. Other illnesses and disorders can be ruled out by liver function tests and complete blood counts.
- Sigmoidoscopy: Sigmoidoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows the doctor to look for abnormalities in the sigmoid colon.
- Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is performed using a colonoscope to examine the interior of the colon and rectum for any abnormalities.
- CT Scan to get a detailed image of the colon/rectum.
What is the Treatment for Colorectal Cancer?
The treatment options include:
- Surgery: It is possible to remove malignant polyps by surgery in the early stages of colorectal cancer. If the polyp is not connected to the gut or rectal wall, the prognosis is likely to be good.
- Chemotherapy: During chemotherapy, medications are used to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy is routinely given following surgery for persons with colon cancer to remove any remaining malignant cells. Chemotherapy also slows down tumour development.
- Radiation: Before and after surgery, radiation employs an intense beam of energy, similar to that used in X-rays, to target and destroy malignant cells. Radiation treatment is frequently used in conjunction with chemotherapy.
