Types of Colon Cancer and Its Treatment
Colon cancer occurs in the large intestine which is the lower part of the digestive system. Normally colon cancer starts with the formation of small noncancerous clumps of cells called adenomatous polyps. Later, these polyps take the shape of colon cancer. The polyps are small in shape and produce few symptoms to diagnose it. Therefore, colon surgeons in Arlington always recommend for regular tests that help in identifying the polyps at early stage before they turn into colon cancer.
Symptoms of colon cancer
- Bleeding in the stool
- Feeling uncomfortable due to gas, pain and cramps
- Weakness, dizziness and loss of consciousness
- Constipation and Diarrhea
- Insufficient bowl movement
Most of people experience no symptoms in the early stage of colon cancer. Depending on the size of the cancer and its location, symptoms do appear later on.
How to diagnose?
Below we have listed all the tests which are used to diagnose the colon cancer but all these tests are not used for every patient. The doctor will consider some factors while choosing any of these diagnostic tests that are:-
- Type of the cancer suspected
- As per the report of previous test results
- According to signs and symptoms
- Age and medical condition of the patient
Apart from the physical examination, the doctor can also recommend you the following tests to diagnose colon cancer. Moreover, colon surgeons Arlington will ask you about your family and medical history related to:
- Colonoscopy
- Blood tests
- Biopsy
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan
- Ultrasound
- Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
- Molecular testing of the tumor
- Chest x-ray
Treatment for colon cancer
Surgery is used for cancer treatment in which tumor and some healthy tissues are removed during the operation. This surgery is performed by the well trained and experienced colon surgeons in Arlington.The surgical options used for colorectal cancer are:-
- Laparoscopic surgery
In this surgery anesthesia is given to the patient and different viewings scopes are inserted into the abdomen. The colon surgery in Arlington is performed by the specially trained laparoscopic surgeon.
- Radiofrequency ablation
There are many patients whose cancer spread to the liver or lungs and needs to be removed through surgery. But, another option of radiofrequency treatment is also used for removing the tumor. In this treatment RFA or radiofrequency ablation is used to heat up the tumor.
- Chemotherapy
In this treatment, drugs are used for killing the cancerous cells. If incase, after the surgery the cancer is spread into the lymph nodes then chemotherapy treatment is used for the patients. It helps in reducing the risk of cancer recurrence and also before surgery for shirking the cancer cells. For people who are suffering from rectal cancer, chemotherapy is provided with the combination of radiation therapy.
