Colon Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment in Dallas, TX

Introduction

Colon cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the colon or rectum. According to the National Cancer Institute, more than 1.9 million men and women in the United States will be analyzed with colorectal cancer this year. That’s 12 percent of all cancers diagnosed.

The 5-year relative endures rate for stage 1 & stage II colon cancer is 90%; the 5-year survival rate for patients analyzed at stage III is 71%, and stage IV is 14%. 

What is colon cancer?

It is a malignant tumor that acquires in the colon or large intestine. It occurs more frequently in men than women and typically affects people over 50. It is one of the most familiar types of cancer and can be treated if found early, but it often does not have symptoms at first. It is essential to learn about colon cancer because it can be prevented by following a healthy lifestyle and maintaining proper diet and exercise habits.

What are the Stages of colon cancer?

Stage 1

The tumor is in the colon’s innermost lining and has not spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes.

Stage 2

The tumor has grown into deeper layers of the colon or nearby tissues and may have applied to one or more lymph nodes near your colon but has not spread outside these areas.

Stage 3

Cancer cells are found in multiple bowel wall layers or have spread to regional lymph nodes but not yet distant organs, such as the liver.

Stage 4

Cancer cells have metastasized (spread) from their original site in your body to other organs or tissues elsewhere (such as your lungs).

What tests are used to screen for colon cancer?

Several tests can be used to screen for colon cancer. These include:

Fecal occult blood test (FOBT)

This noninvasive test determines if a person has blood in their stool, which may indicate colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps. It is considered the most sensitive screening test currently available, but it also produces false positives and may detect cancers that aren’t life-threatening.

Sigmoidoscopy

A doctor inserts a unique tube into the lower part of your colon (sigmoid colon) and looks inside with an instrument called a sigmoidoscope. This procedure can detect polyps or other abnormalities in your large intestine before they become cancerous or spread outside of your colon.

Physical examination

Your doctor will inspect you and feel for anything unusual. They’ll also ask questions about your medical record, including any family history of colon cancer and other conditions that may increase your risk.

Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy examines the inside of your large intestine, also known as a colon or large bowel. The doctor will insert a relaxed tube (called a colonoscope) into your rectum and infuse fluid to help him see inside. After taking samples of any polyps, he’ll remove them with tiny snips through the same tube.

The procedure can be uncomfortable but isn’t painful—most people report feeling pressure and cramping during the test itself but don’t remember anything else after that point. You’ll have to take laxatives or enemas before having one; don’t eat solid food for at least 12 hours beforehand unless otherwise directed by your doctor 

X-Ray and CT scan 

X-Ray and CT scans can show the size and extent of the tumor and its spread to other parts of the body. This is done by having you untruth on a table that slides into a narrow tunnel-shaped scanner that takes cross-sectional pictures (slices) of your body. The images are stored electronically & can be viewed from different angles or magnified for better viewing.

What are the treatment options for colon cancer?

In most cases, colon cancer is treated with surgery. This can be a minimally invasive procedure called laparoscopic surgery or an open surgical procedure.

Surgery may be followed by chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and/or other medications.

Surgery for colon cancer

• Colon cancer is usually treated with surgery. Surgery may be the only treatment needed, or it may be used in combination with other therapies.
• Surgery involves removing the tumor and part of your colon, called an excisional biopsy. Special tools and techniques allow surgeons to remove more than 3 cm tumors without leaving a stoma (an opening connecting your intestine to another area of your body). 

Chemotherapy

This treatment uses drugs to kill cancer cells. The goal is to destroy all of the cancer cells in your body.

It can be used alone or with other treatments, such as surgery and radiation.

The type of chemotherapy you have depends on your situation, including:

• How advanced the tumor is (stage) at diagnosis, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body (metastasized)
• Whether you can have surgery or radiation before starting chemotherapy
• Your overall health status

Radiation therapy

With radiation therapy, your doctor will use high-energy rays (radiation) to kill cancer cells or keep them from growing. This radiation therapy is used for cancers that have spread to other body parts or come back after surgery and chemotherapy. It’s also sometimes used with surgery in some cases of colon cancer that haven’t responded well to other treatments.

Radiation therapy can be given as an external beam or delivered by a machine inside the body (brachytherapy).

Other medications for colon cancer

There is no cure for colon cancer. But the medical professionals working with you to manage your disease can prescribe medications that may help treat or control some symptoms. These medications include:

• Pain and discomfort medications
• Nausea and vomiting medications
• Constipation-relieving medications (Laxatives)
• Diarrhea-relieving drugs (Antidiarrheals)
• Weight loss medication (Appetite suppressants)
• Fatigue relief drugs

What are the different types of colon cancer?

There are several types of colon cancer. These include: 

Adenocarcinoma

This is the most standard type of colon cancer, accounting for about 95 %of cases. Adenocarcinoma begins in the innermost layer of the colon and can spread to other parts of your body via your lymph nodes & bloodstream.

Adenoma

This type is relatively rare (only about 5%). Still, it’s also considered one of the most dangerous because it can grow back after treatment if it hasn’t been entirely removed by surgery or radiation therapy.

What are the Risk factors for colon cancer?

The main risk factors for colon cancer are age, gender, family history, ethnicity, and diet.

The risk of acquiring colorectal cancer is higher if you have a family member who has had the disease.

The following may increase your chances of developing this condition:

Age

The average age at diagnosis is 65 years old, but it can occur in people as young as 30 or older than 90.

Gender

Men are more likely to develop colon cancer than women.

Family History

When you have a close family (first-degree relative) who was diagnosed with colorectal cancer before you were 50, your chance of developing this type of tumor increases by 10%. 

How can you prevent colon cancer?

• Regular exercise and a healthy diet.
• Avoid smoking, being overweight, and maintaining a healthy weight.
• Avoid sugary drinks.
• Avoid red meat and processed meat to reduce your risk of colon cancer.
• Limit alcohol consumption to one drink per day for men (1 drink = 12 ounces of beer or 5 ounces of wine).

What are the symptoms and signs of colon cancer?

• Blood in the stool
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Anemia (low red blood cell count)
• Nausea and vomiting. 

These symptoms can indicate various digestive tract disorders, so you must see a doctor if you’re experiencing them.

How often should someone be screened for colon cancer?

There is no single test that can notice colon cancer. Most patients get screened for colon cancer because of family history, personal history, or symptoms. Based on these factors, your doctor may recommend more frequent screening, such as a stool blood test or sigmoidoscopy.

What causes colon cancer?

Some factors cause colorectal cancer. These include age, family history, diet, lifestyle, and genetics. Cancer can also be caused by environmental elements such as tobacco use and certain infections (HPV).

Conclusion

If you have any queries about colon cancer, contact us today. We are here to help. If you are prepared to start your journey, contact us now by calling (888) 918-7760, so we can set up an appointment for a free consultation with one of our skilled surgeons.

FAQS

What does colon cancer pain feel like

Colon cancer pain may be felt in the lower abdomen, the lower back, and sometimes both. The pain is often on either side of the belly button or within an inch. Other areas where you might feel colon cancer pain include your upper right side, upper left side, and lower right side of your abdomen.

Can colon cancer be cured?

Yes, it can. Stage 1 and 2 colon cancers are curable, meaning they can be effectively treated and will not return. However, stage 3 colon cancer is still treatable but may require additional treatment after surgery or other methods to control the disease.

What are the signs of bowel problems?

• Cramping
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite (anorexia)
• Weight loss or weight gain, especially if sudden and unexplained.
• Blood in the stool (hemorrhoids) or rectal bleeding
• Pain (abdominal cramps) that begins with discomfort but becomes steady and severe over time

Does colon cancer spread fast?

Colon cancer spreads very quickly. It can spread to nearby organs, such as the liver, lungs, and brain.

Colon cancer also has the potential to spread to lymph nodes and other parts of your body.

What age does colon cancer start?

It ensues most often in people over 55, but it can be a concern for people at any age.

• Colon cancer is rare in children.
• Colon cancer is rare in young adults.

When should colon cancer screening start?

This screening is recommended for all adults over the age of 50. If you’re younger, have a family history of colon cancer, or are at high risk for the disease due to inflammatory bowel disease or personal history of polyps (large growths in the colon lining), speak with your doctor about starting earlier.

• Starting at age 50: The American Cancer Society recommends that men and women undergo a fecal occult blood test every year until age 75; then every two years afterward if they’ve had average results in previous tests.
• Starting at age 45: If you have inherited syndromes affecting your genetic material (like Lynch syndrome), colorectal polyps, or Crohn’s disease, speak with your doctor about starting screening earlier than age 50.*

How long can you live with colon cancer issues?

Colon cancer survival rate varies based on the stage at which it’s diagnosed and treated. The five-year survival rate is 60 % if you have colon cancer that has not spread beyond your colon and rectum. However, if cancer has circulated to other organs, your five-year survival rate drops to 20%.

How long can you live after colon removal surgery?

The prognosis is generally good if surgery removes a cancerous colon. Most patients who undergo this type of surgery will live at least five years after treatment. However, suppose you are diagnosed with colon cancer and need to have your colon removed. In that case, you must talk with your doctor about possible side effects and complications that can occur after surgery.

Can you gain weight with colon cancer?

According to the National Cancer Institute, weight loss is a common symptom of colon cancer. Weight loss can be caused by itself or by treatment for colon cancer. The therapy causes weight loss because it makes you tired and weak and limits your ability to eat normally. 

Best Place to get a colon cancer treatment in Dallas, Tx

If you are looking for the best doctor to get colon cancer treatment in Dallas, Tx, you should check out Dr.Kedia, MD. He is high knowledgeable and skilled doctor who has been helping patients with this condition for many years.

Dr. Kedia MD is the best bariatric surgeon in Dallas, TX and He is very experienced in performing this surgery. 

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