colon cancer treatment

Treatment of colon cancer

Treatments for colon cancer vary depending on the stage of the tumor. That is to say how close it is to the intestinal wall and other tissues.

The treatment of colon cancer consists of a combination of techniques and medications, the purpose of which is to eliminate the malignant cells of the patient's body. Now, what is colon cancer? Colon cancer (also called colorectal cancer) consists of the appearance of malignant tumours in the colon and rectum. These are part of the large intestine, digestive system or gastro-intestinal tract.

How does it happen?
How colon cancer occurs
Colorectal cancer begins when there is a growth called polyp on the inner wall of the colon or rectum. A polyp is a visible protrusion. Few polyps can become cancerous over the years, the main types of polyps are:

Adenomatous: These, in some cases, are transformed into cancers. That is why they are called adenomas with pre-cancerous conditions.
Inflammatory polyps and hyperplastic polyps (usually these polyps are not cancerous).
Most colon and rectum cancers develop from a polyp or adenoma. However, it is very common to have a size greater than 1 centimetre, it has more than two polyps and a dysplasia after its withdrawal.

Dysplasia occurs when the cells appear to anomalous but do not have the appearance of cancerous cells. Over time, the thickness of the colon and rectum wall is invaded. The wall of the colon and rectum have different layers. The cancer appears in the deepest layer, i.e. the mucous membrane. As it grows, it spreads outward, invading the rest of the layers.

In addition, cancer can reach blood vessels or lymphatic vessels through tiny channels. In this way, it is possible that the cancerous cells move to the neighboring lymph nodes.

Symptoms
These are the main symptoms of colon cancer, however, they may vary depending on where the polyp is located:

Blood in the stool, red or black. It usually occurs when there are tumours of the rectum, sigmoid, and descending colon.
Anemia may appear that causes fatigue, palpitations, shortness of breath and dizziness.
Changes in bowel movements: diarrhea or constipation problems.
Narrower stools: When the tumor interrupts the bowel movement.
Incomplete evacuation Sensation: It is common in the case of rectal or left colon cancer.
Abdominal pain: It is a pain that occurs frequently. She's coming because the tumor closes the size of the intestinal tube. Sometimes it is accompanied by vomiting and constipation.
Extreme Fatigue and weight loss for no apparent reason.

Diagnosis
Diagnosis
When the specialist suspects there is an anomaly in the colon, first, a compilation of the patient's data is done, as well as a physical examination to determine the person's health status. Thereafter, digital rectal examination is performed, i.e. a manual exploration of the anus and part of the rectum. Although it may seem uncomfortable, it is not painful. The key is to relax the muscles.

It should be noted that digital rectal examination is not sufficient for a final diagnosis. Therefore, a colonoscopy is required, the test that allows to see the mucosa of the entire colon and rectum by means of a tube (endoscope) that is inserted in the anus. If a mass is found at colonoscopy, a sample is taken from the area (biopsy), which is examined under a microscope.

Types of colon cancer

In general, malignant tumours that appear in the colon develop on existing mucosal lesions, whether polyps or inflammatory diseases. When analyzing malignant cells in the microscope, they can be of different types.

For example, adenocarcinoma that occurs in the glands that cover the inside of the colon and rectum. Its appearance is so frequent that it occurs in more than 90% of cases. However, the following items may also appear.

Sarcomas: tissue tumours linking the digestive tract.

Lymphomas: Cancer of the cells responsible for the protection of the stomach and intestine.

Carcinoid: Appears in the hormone-producing cells of the digestive system.

Treatment of colon cancer

Treatment

What factors influence?

In general terms, the factors influencing the treatment of colon cancer are: the general health condition of the patient, the location of the tumor and the stage at which the disease is discovered. On the other hand, the treatment of colon cancer, is divided into two types.

Locoregional treatment

Surgical treatment

This type of colon cancer treatment is indicated for tumors that occur in the lymph nodes. This treatment is in turn divided into:

Surgery

is carried out in all tumors. Usually the patient is admitted one day before the procedure. It is very important that the patient follow the instructions of the Doctor and prepares 3 days before with a diet and laxatives to avoid complications.

Colon Cancer. The removal of the area where the tumor is located is carried out. Similarly, the tissue is removed around the lesion and the lymph nodes affected. Finally, the ends on each side of the colon are joined.

Rectal Cancer. The tumor is removed, then the rectum is joined to the anus.

Radiotherapy

It's suitable for rectal cancer. Radiotherapy consists in using ionizing radiation with high energy loads to eliminate tumor cells. In this sense, the treatment of colon cancer can be done in two ways:

External. This type of radiation is made by means of a machine (linear accelerator). During the process, the patient must remain stationary on a stretcher. In the treated area, marks are made on the skin with ink, which should not be erased before the end of the treatment. The dose is divided into daily sessions to avoid side effects.

Internal. It is also called intracavitary radiation therapy. To perform the procedure, radioactive materials are placed near the tumor. It consists of introducing a wide endoscope into the final part of the rectum.

Treatment of colon cancer (systematic)

This method is distributed throughout the body to eliminate malignant cells. The process is done by chemotherapy.

How to prepare for the treatment of colon cancer?

Express your fears and doubts to the experts.

Ask for information about the procedures and their side effects.

Learn the techniques of relaxation because they will be emotional support.

Treatments will deplete you, so try to rest as much as possible.