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Colon Cancer, What are its Symptoms?

Colon Cancer - Colonoscopy - Gastro Florida — Colon Cancer - Colonoscopy - Gastro Florida

Colon cancer is the third most common type of cancer in the United States. It is a disease in which malignant (cancerous) cells form in the Colon tissues. Colon cancers often start as small, non-cancerous (benign) clumps of polyps cells. Over time, these polyps may become cancerous and grow into a tumor. Colon cancers can occur at any age, but they are more common in people over 50 years old.

What is Colorectal Cancer and What are its Symptoms

Colon cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the Colon or rectum. The Colon and rectum are parts of the digestive system. Cancer begins when cells in the body start to grow out of control.

Symptoms can include:

  • Blood in the stool
  • Persistent diarrhea or constipation
  • Abdominal pain and cramps
  • Weakness and fatigue
  • Unexplained weight loss

Anemia: Anemia is when the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen to the body’s tissues. Symptoms of anemia can include:

  • Weakness and fatigue
  • Pale skin
  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dizziness
  • Fast or irregular heartbeat

How Colon Cancer is Diagnosed

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, talk to your doctor. They may perform a colonoscopy to screen for CRC. A colonoscopy is a procedure in which a doctor uses a long, thin tube with a camera on end to look inside your rectum and Colon. If the doctor sees anything like cancer, they may take a biopsy (a small sample of cells) to test for cancer.

Treatment for Colon Cancer

There are many different treatments for Colorectal Cancer, including:

-Surgery: The surgery to remove the cancer is called a colorectal resection. This surgery can be done in two ways: through open surgery or laparoscopic surgery. In open surgery, the surgeon makes a large incision in the abdomen to remove cancer. Laparoscopic surgery is done through small incisions, and a camera is inserted into the stomach to help the surgeon see cancer.

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It can be used alone or with other therapies, such as surgery or radiation therapy. Chemotherapy is given through a vein (IV) or by mouth.

Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It can be used alone or with other medicines, such as surgery or chemotherapy. Radiation therapy is given through a vein (IV) or by mouth.

Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses hormones to kill cancer cells. It can be used alone or with other medicines, such as surgery or radiation therapy. Hormone therapy is given through a vein (IV) or by mouth.

-Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It can be used alone or with other therapies, such as surgery or radiation therapy. Targeted therapy is given through a vein (IV) or by mouth.

How to Prevent Colon Cancer

There are many things you can do to help prevent Colon Cancer, including:

-Eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables

-Exercising regularly

-Maintaining a healthy weight

-Avoiding tobacco products

-Drinking alcohol in moderation

-Getting regular screenings, such as a colonoscopy, to check for cancer

If you have any of the risk factors for Colon cancer, talk to your doctor about what you can do to reduce your risk.

Conclusion 

Colon cancer can be deadly if not treated. Treatment options for colon cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. If you have Colon Cancer, it’s essential to get treatment as soon as possible.