Colon Cancer Surgery in India

What is Colon?

The colon is the last part of the digestive system in most vertebrates. It extracts water and salt from solid wastes before they are eliminated from the body and is the site unlike the small intestine, the colon does not play a major role in the absorption of foods and nutrients. However, the colon does absorb water, sodium, and some fat-soluble vitamins.

Colon cancer

colorectal, or colon cancer is cancer that starts in the large intestine (colon) or the rectum (end of the colon). Colon cancer develops when abnormal cells in the colon begin to grow and multiply uncontrollably. The colon is the longest part of the large intestine. Colon cancer is often included under the broader term colorectal cancer, which refers to cancer that develops in either the colon or the rectum.

Colon cancer often begins as small growths called polyps on the inner lining of the colon. Most polyps are not cancerous, but some can slowly change into cancer over several years. Regular screening can help detect and remove certain polyps before they become cancerous.

Risk factor:

• If you are older than 60
• If you are African American of eastern European descent
• If you eat a lot of red or processed meats
• If you have colorectal polyps
• If you have inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis)
• If you have a family history of colon cancer
• If you have a personal history of breast cancer

Colon Cancer Causes:

• The exact causes of Colon Cancer is not fully known, but the disease begins when mutations in the DNA of healthy cells in the colon instruct them to multiply uncontrollably, forming abnormal growths called polyps that can changes into cancer over time.

Colon Cancer Symptoms:

• Diarrhea or Constipation
• Changes in stool consistency
• Narrow stools
• Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
• Pain, cramps, or gas in the abdomen
• Pain during bowel movements
• Continual urges to defecate
• Weakness or fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Iron deficiency (anemia)

Colon Cancer Treatments:

• Surgery
  
  Partial Colectomy (Hemicolectomy): The surgeon removes the part of the colon containing the cancer, along with a small amount of surrounding healthy tissue and nearby lymph nodes. The remaining sections of the colon are then usually reconnected.
  
  Sigmoid Colectomy: This procedure removes the sigmoid colon, the lower, curved section of the colon that connects to the rectum. It may be recommended when the cancer is located in this area.
  
  Total Colectomy: This involves removing the entire colon. It is less commonly needed for colon cancer and may be considered in certain situations, such as when there are multiple tumors or specific inherited conditions.

Source:- https://hbgmedicalassistance.com/directory-treatments/listing/surgery-for-colon-cancer/

• Chemotherapy
  Chemotherapy utilizes chemicals that interfere with the cell division process – damaging proteins or DNA – so that cancer cells will commit suicide. These treatments target any rapidly dividing cells (not necessarily just cancer cells), but normal cells usually can recover from any chemical-induced damage while cancer cells cannot. Chemotherapy is generally used to treat cancer that has spread or metastasized because the medicines travel throughout the entire body. Treatment occurs in cycles so the body has time to heal between doses. However, there are still common side effects such as hair loss, nausea, fatigue, and vomiting. Combination therapies often include multiple types of chemotherapy or chemotherapy combined with other treatment options.

Source:- https://hbgmedicalassistance.com/directory-treatments/listing/chemotherapy-for-colon-cancer/ 

• Radiation
  Radiation treatment, also known as radiotherapy, destroys cancer by focusing high-energy rays on the cancer cells. This causes damage to the molecules that make up the cancer cells and leads them to commit suicide. Radiotherapy utilizes high-energy gamma-rays that are emitted from metals such as radium or high-energy x-rays that are created in a special machine. Radiotherapy can be used as a standalone treatment to shrink a tumor or destroy cancer cells, and it is also used in combination with other cancer treatments.

Source:- https://hbgmedicalassistance.com/directory-treatments/listing/radiation-therapy-for-colon-cancer/