The colon is the large intestine or large bowel. The rectum is the passageway that connects the colon to the anus. Colorectal cancer is a disease in which cells in the colon or rectum grow out of control.
HOW TO DETECT EARLY?
Sometimes abnormal growths, called polyps, form in the colon or rectum. Over time, some polyps may turn into cancer. Screening tests can find polyps so they can be removed before turning into cancer. Screening also helps find colorectal cancer at an early stage, when treatment works best.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
- Blood in stools(motion)
- Recent onset bowel irregularities – either constipation or increased frequency
- Mucus in stools
- Feeling of incomplete evacuation
EVALUATION
- Colonoscopy and biopsy
- Serum CEA levels
- Staging investigations like CT scan or PET scan
HOW ARE COLORECTAL CANCERS TREATED?
Because of close proximity of anal sphincter, the rectal cancers are treated differently compared to colonic cancers. It includes radiation, surgery and chemotherapy.
Surgery depends on location of tumor from the sphincter which can either be
- Sphincter preservation surgery or
- Permanent removal of sphincters
Whereas Colonic cancers are treated with surgery and chemotherapy.
