Colon cancer

Overview

Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, originates in the large intestine (colon) or rectum. It is a malignant growth of cells that can lead to serious health consequences if left untreated. Let’s delve into the specifics:

Types of Colon cancer

1. Adenocarcinoma:

   • Description: The most common type, arising from the colon’s inner lining cells.
   • Treatment: Surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.

2. Carcinoid Tumors:

   • Origin: Hormone-producing cells in the intestines.
   • Treatment: Surgical removal.

3. Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs):

   • Location: Rare in the colon but can occur anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract.
   • Treatment: Surgery and targeted therapy.

4. Lymphoma:

   • Origin: Immune system cells.
   • Treatment: Chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy.

Causes of Colon cancer

• DNA Mutations: Errors in healthy cell DNA lead to abnormal growth.
• Inherited Syndromes: Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) increase risk.
• Lifestyle Factors:
  • High-fat, low-fiber diet.
  • Chronic inflammatory diseases.
  • Alcohol consumption.
  • Smoking.
  • Advanced age.
• Screening: Regular screenings help detect and remove polyps before they become cancerous.

Risk Factors of Colon cancer

Several factors can increase the risk of developing colon cancer:

1. Age: Most cases occur in individuals over 50 years old, but it can happen at any age.
2. Race: African-Americans have a higher risk of colon cancer.
3. Chronic Inflammatory Diseases: Conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) increase the risk.
4. Lifestyle Factors:
   • Diet: A high-fat, low-fiber diet and excessive red meat consumption.
   • Alcohol: Moderate to heavy alcohol use.
   • Smoking: Long-term smoking increases the risk.
   • Obesity: Being overweight, especially with excess fat around the waist.
5. Type 2 Diabetes: People with type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop colon cancer.
6. Genetic Factors: Inherited gene mutations (e.g., FAP or HNPCC) increase susceptibility.

Symptoms of Colon cancer

Preventions of Colon cancer

• Screening: Recommended for individuals over 50 years and those with a family history.
• Healthy Lifestyle:
  • Balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
  • Moderate alcohol consumption.
  • Regular exercise.
  • Smoking cessation.

Diagnosis of Colon cancer

• Screening Tests:
  • Colonoscopy: Visualizes the colon and rectum, allowing for tissue sampling and polyp removal.
  • Endoscopic Ultrasound: Combines ultrasound imaging and endoscopy to detect abnormalities.
• Diagnostic Tests:
  • Biopsy: Removal of tissue for lab testing to determine if cells are cancerous.
  • Blood Tests: Not for diagnosis but can provide overall health information.
• Staging: Determines the extent of cancer using imaging scans (abdomen, pelvis, chest).

Treatment for Colon cancer

1. Surgery: The primary treatment involves removing the cancerous tissue.
   • Polypectomy: Removal of small polyps during colonoscopy.
   • Bowel Resection: Removal of the cancerous part of the colon.
2. Chemotherapy: Destroys cancer cells and relieves symptoms.
   • Drugs include 5-Fluorouracil, Capecitabine, Irinotecan, and Oxaliplatin.
3. Targeted Therapy: Administered to specific cancer sites (e.g., Bevacizumab, Ramucirumab).
4. Immunotherapy: Enhances the body’s immune response (e.g., Nivolumab, Pembrolizumab).
5. Radiation Therapy: Uses high-energy beams (X-rays) to destroy cancer cells.

When to seek medical attention ?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

• Change in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation).
• Rectal bleeding or blood in stool.
• Abdominal discomfort (cramps, gas, pain).
• Feeling of incomplete bowel emptying.
• Unexplained weight loss or weakness.