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Colorectal cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers often known as the "silent killer" because it can develop without causing noticeable symptoms. This makes routine screening crucial for early detection, as the disease is treatable in its early stages. Here, you’ll learn everything about the prevention and early treatment of colorectal cancer.
What Are the Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer?
- Progressing age and obesity
- Personal or family history of abnormal growths in the colon, called polyps.
- Smoking has been linked to the development of colorectal cancer.
- High consumption of processed red meat and a diet low in fibre and vitamin D.
- Conditions like inflammatory bowel disease.
What Are the Symptoms of Colon Cancer?
Symptoms typically manifest when the tumour has grown significantly or has invaded nearby structures. These symptoms may include:
- Bright red blood in stools or black, tarry stools indicating bleeding from the tumour.
- Unexplained and persistent abdominal pain, often accompanied by discomfort, maybe a sign
- Anaemia or low haemoglobin levels without a clear cause should be investigated
- Changes in bowel habits, such as persistent constipation or diarrhoea, can be concerning.
- Unexplained weight loss.
In some cases, colorectal cancer may lead to emergencies, such as intestinal obstruction or perforation, which require immediate medical attention.
How Is Colorectal Cancer Diagnosed?
Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for diagnosing colorectal cancer as it helps pinpoint the exact location and number of tumours while also obtaining a biopsy. If the tumour obstructs the colon, a CT colonography might be performed. A contrast-enhanced CT scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis is essential for staging the tumour. A pelvic MRI is used to assess sphincter involvement and circumferential spread for rectal tumours.
Multimodal Treatment for Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is best managed through a combination of treatments. Below is a detailed description of colorectal cancer treatments and procedures followed at the best gastroenterology hospital in Sarjapur Road, Bangalore:
1. Surgery:
Surgery is the primary curative treatment.
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Resection: During surgery, the segment of the large intestine containing the tumour is surgically removed. The healthy ends of the intestine are then sutured together in a process called anastomosis. This procedure is crucial for eliminating the cancerous tissue.
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Surgical Approaches: Surgeons can perform this operation using either an open or laparoscopic approach. Laparoscopic surgery involves making small incisions and using specialised instruments, resulting in quicker recovery times and smaller scars.
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Diverting Stoma: In cases of very low rectal tumours, the primary anastomosis may need protection. This is achieved through the creation of a diverting stoma. This temporary procedure involves bringing a segment of the bowel to the surface of the abdomen, diverting the flow of faeces into a bag placed over the abdomen. The stoma serves to protect the anastomosis and allows for healing. The stoma is closed in a subsequent surgical procedure within three months.
2. Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy is a critical component of colorectal cancer treatment, particularly after surgery. It offers several benefits:
- Improved Survival: Chemotherapy has been shown to improve overall survival rates for colorectal cancer patients.
- Recurrence: It helps reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.
- Shrinking Tumors: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy may be administered before surgery to shrink tumours, making the surgery less radical.
3. Radiation Therapy:
Radiation therapy, often used in conjunction with chemotherapy, is vital for locally advanced rectal carcinomas. This therapy helps in:
- Shrinking Tumors: Preoperative (neoadjuvant) chemoradiation can reduce tumour size, facilitating surgical removal.
- Sphincter Preservation: For rectal tumours, radiation therapy can help preserve the sphincter function, improving post-surgery quality of life.
At Manipal Hospitals, Sarjapur Road, we have a team of expert radiologists, medical oncologists and G.I OncoSurgeons to manage this fatal disease with utmost care and precision.
FAQs on Colorectal Cancer
1. Is colorectal cancer treatable?
Yes. The treatment involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and, in some cases, radiation. The prognosis is typically favourable when the disease is identified and treated in its early stages. You can visit Manipal Hospitals, Sarjapur Road, and seek consultation with the best surgical gastroenterologist in Bangalore.
2. What is a diverting stoma, and why is it used in some cases of colorectal cancer surgery?
A diverting stoma is a temporary surgical procedure where a segment of the bowel is brought to the abdomen's surface to divert the faeces flow. It is used in cases of very low rectal tumours to protect the primary anastomosis (reconnection of healthy bowel ends) and allow healing. The stoma is typically closed in a subsequent surgical procedure within three months.
3. If I have polyps, does that mean I will get colorectal cancer?
Not all polyps are precancerous. Adenomatous polyps have a higher risk of becoming cancer over time. It's essential to have polyps removed and analysed to determine their type.
