Colon Cancer
Colon cancer or colon cancer is a type of cancer that attacks the colon or the last part of the digestive system of humans. Although the disease can occur at any age, 90 percent of its victims are elderly people above 60 years old.
Most cases of colon cancer is preceded by the formation of vapour are small cells called adenoma polyps. The BLOB then spreads uncontrollably over time.
Cancer-bowel-large-alodokter
Symptoms Of Colon Cancer
Colon cancer can be identified with its symptoms. Some of the symptoms that can be experienced with cancer of the large intestine include:.
The presence of blood in the feces (stool) or even bleeding anus.
Changing the texture density of impurities, both grew louder until finally being constipation or gain liquid (diarrhea).
Decrease in body weight.
The body feels tired.
Pain or cramping in the abdomen.
Flatulence.
The increased frequency of bowel movements or diarrhea.
Constipation.
Appetite decreases.
Not all symptoms will be felt by the sufferer. Some there are who frequent defecation accompanied by blood in the litter, some other are not accompanied by blood. But they both feel the pain in the abdomen.
Meet the doctor immediately if you feel any symptoms of colon cancer, especially if experiencing diarrhea alternating with constipation for more than three weeks. Please be alert too if you have reached the age of 50 years and over and feel any of these symptoms.
The Cause Of Colon Cancer
Cancer occurs when a genetic mutation, in which the DNA of cells in specific areas of the body grow uncontrollably and destructive nature. On the disease of colon cancer, abnormal growth of the cells of the intestinal lining starts on the inside, then spread and destroy other cells nearby, or even up to a few other areas of the body.
Genetic mutations on cancer of the colon is alleged are descendants. That is, someone who has a family member with colon cancer would be more at risk for suffering from this disease. There are two types of colon cancer that is descent, i.e.:
Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). This disorder, also known as Lynch syndrome. A person with the syndrome will have high-risk Lynch colon cancer before the age of 50 years.
Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). FAP is a rare disease that causes the appearance of thousands of small bumps (polyps) in the wall of the colon and rectum. A person with FAP folding many times risk for suffering from colon cancer before age 40 years.
Although the cause is unknown, the following factors may increase the risk of a person exposed to diseases of colon cancer:
Eating too much red meat and
Lack of fiber.
Consuming alcoholic beverages.
Smoking.
Experience the overweight or obese.
Aged over 50 years.
Suffering from the disease of digestive disorders, one of which is chronic ulcerative colitis or ulcers in the large intestine.
Suffering from diabetes.
Less exercise.
Have parents or siblings who suffered from colon cancer.
Familial adenomatous polyposis suffered (FAP), namely genetic disorders that cause the growth of cells or vapour of polyps in the colon.
Developmental Stages Of Colon Cancer
There are four stages that determine the severity of the disease of colon cancer, namely:
Stage 1. At this stage the cancer has begun to grow in the large intestine, but has not spread because it is still hindered the intestinal wall.
Stage 2. At this stage the cancer has spread to the rest of the wall of the colon, even to pass through.
Stage 3. At this stage the lymph nodes located adjacent to the large intestine have been encroached on by cancer.
Stage 4. This is the most severe level of spread of colon cancer. At this stage the cancer has further spread and invade other body organs, such as the lungs and liver.
The determination of the severity of colon cancer can be done through diagnosis. This is useful in helping the doctor to give a proper treatment.
A Diagnosis Of Colon Cancer
To find out whether a patient is suffering from colon cancer, the doctor will first ask the perceived symptoms. In addition, the doctor will also ask whether the patient is suffering from a particular condition that can increase the risk of developing colon cancer or whether the patient has close relatives with cancer of the colon.
After the explanations obtained, the doctor will likely check the condition of the patient's anus to notice any swelling. A device called a sigmoidoscopy be used doctors if necessary. A sigmoidoscopy is a tool shaped like a small hose fitted lights and cameras in the end to be inserted into the colon via the anus. Through the monitor, the doctor can see whether there are signs of colon cancer.
In addition a sigmoidoscopy, there is some sort of inspection that can be done to find out the whereabouts of colon cancer, especially if only sigmoidoscopy where a doctor is not enough. Some of these checks are:
Colonoscopy. The concept of this inspection are actually the same as sigmoidoscopy. It's just on colonoscopy, the tool used is longer so that it is able to reach deeper into the colon. A camera mounted on the ends of the colonoscopy was able to provide images of parts of the large intestine which does not normally attack cancer. Even if required, biopsy or sampling can be performed with a special tool supplied on colonoscopy. The next sample is examined in the laboratory in order to detect the presence of cancer. Before doing the colonoscopy, the patient will be given a laxative by a doctor so that her stomach is clean of dirt, so that the results obtained from the observation process will be much better.
Virtual colonoscopy. This examination is called also with CT colonography. This inspection is usually performed if patients can not undergo regular colonoscopy due to medical reasons. In a virtual colonoscopy, a special hose will be inserted into the anus. The gas will then be dipompakan through the hose, so the patient would gut a little fluffy. After that, doctors will be able to observe the State of the colon from all angles with the help of a CT scan.
Colon Cancer Treatment
Stadium or the severity of cancer will determine the type of treatment to what will be done by a doctor. The following are the three main types of treatment in cases of colon cancer.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a way to kill cancer cells through the grant of a number of drugs. These drugs can be taken tablet shaped, drip, or a combination of both. Some examples of colon cancer drug cetuximab and bevacizumab is.
In the case of colon cancer, chemotherapy is usually performed before the operation with the aim of menyusutkan tumors, relieve the perceived symptoms of the patient, or slow down the spread of the cancer. Chemotherapy can also be given postoperatively to prevent cancer reappears.
The time execution of the chemotherapy is usually divided into several cycles, depending upon the severity of the cancer. Most patients usually undergo colon cancer chemotherapy infusion session for several hours or days within a period of two to three weeks. Each cycle of chemotherapy are separated by intervals of rest over the next few weeks with the goal of keeping the sufferer can recover from the effects of chemotherapy. Some side effects of chemotherapy are:
Nausea
Vomiting
Tired
Legs and arms itch or heat
Canker sores
Diarrhea
Hair loss
These side effects usually disappear after chemotherapy treatment is over.
Radiotherapy
The goal is the same as chemotherapy, radiotherapy to kill cancer cells. But in radiotherapy, treatment methods is carried out using a steady stream of radiation.
Before the operation, radiotherapy can be done to minimize the size of the tumor or relieve the symptoms if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. While radiotherapy performed postoperatively aims to prevent cancer so as not to return.
Some of the side effects of radiotherapy are:
Be a little extravagant water frequently
Diarrhea
Tired
Nausea
The skin around the anus or pelvic feels the heat
There are two types of radiotherapy, among them:
External radiotherapy. In this method the cancer cells were destroyed by emitting high levels of radiation wave to cancer patients. This therapy usually is done as many as five days a week, for one to five weeks. Each treatment session will spend about ten to fifteen minutes.
Internal radiotherapy. In this method of bowel cancer will be depreciated using radioactive hose placed on the cancer. Internal radiotherapy is usually done by as much as one session before the operation.
Operation
Types of colon cancer handling operations are performed depends on the severity of the spread of cancer itself. If undiagnosed cancer is still in the early stages, usually through colonoscopy can do surgery to remove the cancerous growth. If not through colonoscopy, then it could be raised through operation ' Keyhole ' or laparoscopy.
The second type of procedure called a colostomy surgery. This is done if the cancer has spread through the intestinal walls. Through a colostomy, part of the large intestine that has been encroached on by cancer will be lifted. In addition, the surrounding lymph nodes will also be in the lift.
If the patient's health condition has been very poor due to the spread of cancer are already severe, then the purpose of doing the operation is simply to relieve the symptoms of the patient. With a combined with chemotherapy or radiotherapy, the move is expected to increase the chances of a patient's life.
Prevention Of Colon Cancer
We can prevent colon cancer by means of applying a pattern of healthy living in order to minimize the risk of developing the disease. Among these are:
A routine exercise. It is recommended to regularly exercise during two and a half hours in a week. The types of sports that you can do for example is brisk walking or cycling.
Eating healthy foods. To avoid the risk of colon cancer, konsumsilah foods rich in fiber, such as fruits, nuts, or cereal. Multiply eating fish and reduce meat consumption.
Keep the weight off.
Stop smoking.
Reduce or avoid alcoholic beverages. In General, the suggested recommendation is no more than 2 units of alcohol per day. Two units of alcohol is simply equal to approximately 1.5 cans of beer or 1.5 glasses of wine (wine). Keep in mind that each liquor has alcohol levels are different, so any amount must be adjusted so as not to exceed the maximum limit per day.
In addition to having healthy living patterns, colon cancer can also be prevented or detected as early as possible by doing the screening. This method is highly recommended especially for those who have families with a history of colon cancer, as well as for people who have aged 50 years.
Live Odds Of Colon Cancer Patients
The chances of recovering the sufferer will depend on how severe the cancer has spread by the time undiagnosed. Approximately 80 percent of colon cancer patients still have opportunities to live at least one year after the undiagnosed. Even 40 percent of whom still have a chance to live longer, at least over the next 10 years.
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