Information On Colon Cancer And The Latest Treatment Option 

Cancer tumor in the large intestine is called colon cancer. The parts of the large intestine are the colon, rectum and anal. 

Most of the colon cancer starts with small clumps of cells called polyps. Most of the polyps contain abnormal cells that aren’t cancer and won’t spread to the rest of the body. If the abnormal cells become cancer cells, then polyp can grow bigger and can form the tumor. Cancerous cells may travel to the bloodstream and nearby lymph nodes and over time it may spread to nearby organs.

Risk factors of colon cancer

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, one of the best oncologist in India says, many lifestyle –related factors may have high impact in colon cancer and these factors may increase risk of the colon cancer.

1. Obesity

If you are obese, the risk of developing colon cancer increases. Obesity may have a high risk of dying from colon cancer. 

2. Age 

Age is one of the main risk factors of colon cancer. Colon cancer can be diagnosed at any time but many patients with colon cancer age more than 50.  

3. Not physically active

Physical activity is necessary for daily routine to minimize the risk of colon cancer. If you are physically inactive then there is a greater chance of getting colon cancer.

4. Smoking & Drinking alcohol

Smoking is the main cause of lung cancer but it also affects the other cancers. If you are an active smoker then the risk of colon cancer increases at a high rate. Heavy consumption of alcohol is also associated with colon cancer.

Symptoms of colon cancer

Symptoms of colon cancer may not arise at an early stage but it may become more noticeable as cancer reaches an advanced stage. If you experiencing any symptoms of the early stage, it may include:

• Constipation
• Changes in stool colour and shape
• Bleeding from rectum 
• Bleeding in stool
• Unexplained weight loss
• Abdominal pain and cramps
• Excessive gas
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Weakness 

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, one of the best cancer specialist in Bangalore suggests “You should go for colon cancer screening if you experiencing the above symptoms.” If a cancerous cell has spread to nearby organ then it may cause some additional symptoms.

Stages of the colon with suitable treatments

Stage 0 – This stage is called as carcinoma.  In this stage, the tumor is very small and situated in the inner layer of the colon. Surgery is the most common and only treatment used for stage 0 colon cancer.

Stage I –In the 1st stage of colon cancer, the tumor has spread to the inner layer of tissue but it has not reach any nearby lymph nodes. Surgery is advised by Dr. Sandeep Nayak for stage I colon cancer. Different types of surgical techniques are used on the basis of the size and location of the cancer tumor.

Stage II –In stage II colon cancer, the cancer tumor has traveled to the outer layer of the colon. For stage II colon cancer, surgery is preferred treatment option to remove cancerous cells from the colon. Sometimes chemotherapy is recommended to shrink the size of the tumor and then surgery is performed by surgeon to remove the tumor.

Stage III- In stage III, cancer has spread to the outer layer of the colon as well as the nearby lymph nodes. In stage III colon cancer, treatment includes chemotherapy followed by surgery to remove the tumor and involved lymph nodes. Sometimes, radiation therapy is also used in stage III colon cancer treatment.

Stage IV –Stage IV is the last stage of colon cancer. The cancer tumor is grown beyond the wall of the colon. The tumor may have traveled to the distant parts of the body. 

Treatments for stage IV include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. In some cases, targeted therapy is also recommended by doctors.

As stated in the above paragraph, surgery plays an important role in the treatment of early-stage colon cancer. Laparoscopic colonic cancer surgery is advisable by Dr. Sandeep Nayak as it is a safe and effective treatment for colon cancer. Dr. Sandeep Nayak has a fellowship in laparoscopy surgery and has over 19 years of experience in surgical oncology. Dr. Sandeep Nayak has all expertise in surgical oncology. 

Laparoscopic cancer surgery has many advantages over conventional open cancer surgery. The benefits of laparoscopy include small incisions, less blood loss, less discomfort and pain during the surgery, etc. According to Sandeep Nayak, “Most of the patients get discharged within 4 days of laparoscopic colonic cancer surgery.” 

Dr. Sandeep Nayak is considered as one of the best surgical oncologists in India for cancer treatment. To know more information about Dr. Sandeep Nayak, you can visit his website.