colon cancer causes |Colon Cancer Treatments, Symptoms, Causes and Information

Colon Cancer Treatments, Symptoms, Causes and Information




Colon cancer is a disease that develops because the colon mucosa contained in an existing polyp evolves from different causes to become a malignant tumor. Usually the malignant cells are located in the intermediate and longer portion of the large intestine.

This type of cancer is one of the most common worldwide and also the easiest to diagnose. In addition, cure rates are high if detected early and take a long time to develop.

The colon, along with the rectum (end portion of the large intestine) is the place where stool is stored before being expelled to the outside through the anus. By taking charge of this work, it accumulates waste substances, making it a suitable place for the onset of cancer. That is why it is important to reduce the time of accumulation to the minimum by adopting a balanced diet that facilitates the proper intestinal transit avoiding the constipation.

Colon cancer can grow in three ways:

Local growth: In this case the tumor deeply invades all the layers of the wall of the digestive tract. First, the malignant tumor grows from the mucosa, expands through the serosa and reaches the muscular layers. By the time the cancer passes through the wall of the intestine it can spread to all organs.

Lymphatic spread: When the tumor goes deeper into the wall of the intestine it can reach the organs using the network of lymphatic vessels that allow access to multiple ganglionic regions. One of the characteristics of this diffusion is that it is performed in an orderly way reaching first to the nearby nodes until reaching the more distant ones.

Hematogenous Dissemination: Here the tumor uses the bloodstream to spread the cancer cells to the liver, lungs, bones and brain, mainly.
Incidence
According to December 2014 data from the Spanish Association Against Cancer, in Spain colon cancer is the third most frequent in men, behind the lung and prostate; and the second in women, behind the breast. In general terms, colorectal cancer is the one with the highest incidence, 15 percent. In addition, according to the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM), colon cancer has an incidence of 32,240 people per year in Spain and is responsible for 14,700 deaths.

Causes
The main causes that cause this disease are:

Age: Most cases of colon cancer are located in people between 65 and 75 years, although there may be cases that manifest between 35 and 40 years. If they are diagnosed before that age is usually due to the patient has a genetic predisposition to suffer this pathology.

Diet: Colon cancer appears to be associated with diets rich in fat and low in fiber. In this regard, many investigations are currently under way.

Inheritance: In cancer of the colon plays an important role the genetics, since it exists the possibility that it is transmitted hereditarily and predisponga to the person to suffer the disease. However, this can be detected and allowed to treat cancer early.

Medical history: People who have or have had polyps (benign growth) of the colon or rectum, ulcerative colitis (inflammatory bowel disease), breast, uterine or ovarian cancer have been shown to have a higher predisposition to this disease.

First or second degree relatives who have also had colon cancer.

Lifestyle: There are certain lifestyle-dependent factors that predispose to colon cancer, such as obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and smoking.
Symptoms
Colorectal cancer has a long evolution and its symptoms may vary depending on the location of the tumor in the large intestine. The most frequent discomforts appear in the advanced stage of the disease. However, these symptoms are not exclusive to colon cancer and can occur in other pathologies such as hemorrhoids or certain digestive disorders. The specialists recommend to go to the doctor as soon as they appear to facilitate that the diagnosis is realized of suitable form. The most common are:

Changes in bowel rhythm
Patients who have colon cancer may in some cases have diarrhea and, in others, constipation. The second option is common in those people who previously had a normal bowel rhythm. However, the most frequent option is that the patient undergo periods of constipation combined with periods in which he suffers from diarrhea.

Blood in the stool
The most frequent symptom of this malignant tumor is that the patient presents blood in the feces. The color of blood may be red or black. The presence of red blood occurs mainly when the person presents tumors of the most distal part of the colon and rectum. In the case of black blood, this color appears because the blood is digested and comes from sections closer to the colon giving rise to black bundles that are known as the manes. If this symptom is not diagnosed soon and the patient does not receive the appropriate treatment can aggravate and give rise to the appearance of anemia. In these cases the patient may suffer from dizziness, tiredness or the sensation of lacking air, among other symptoms.

On the other hand, the patient can detect that their stools change in size and are narrower. This occurs because the bowel is narrowing.

If the tumors are located in the distal part of the colon, the patient may also have the feeling that the bowel movement is not complete and that the bowel movement is incomplete.

Abdominal pain or discomfort
Abdominal pain and discomfort are very common. This is because the tumor partially obstructs the intestinal tube and produces a pain and a situation similar to that of colic. In some cases the closure of the tube may become complete and intestinal obstruction occurs, in these situations it is necessary for the patient to receive urgent medical attention.

Loss of weight without apparent cause, loss of appetite and constant tiredness
Like other stomach-related diseases, colon cancer, especially when it is in an advanced state has these symptoms.

Prevention
In all types of cancer there are risk factors that make people who are exposed to them more likely to develop a malignant tumor.

Research in colorectal cancer has shown that in some types, tumors originate from polyps (small benign lumps). Early detection and removal of these polyps can help prevent the onset of the disease.
Another cause of the appearance of colon cancer is the person's genetic predisposition. This is due to various alterations in certain genes therefore, individuals with relatives who have or have had this pathology should go to medical examinations periodically.

There are different syndromes that predispose to the appearance of the malignant tumor. The most common are two:

Family Colonic Polyposis
This syndrome only causes 1 percent of colon cancers. Familial colonic polyposis occurs during adolescence causing multiple polyps in the rectum and colon. The cause of the onset is the mutation of the APC gene, which is transmitted from parents to children. This gene can be inherited by both girls and boys.

Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer
This type of cancer accounts for between 3 and 5 percent of rectal and colon tumors. The main difference from the previous syndrome is that patients do not have polyps.

Some unhealthy habits could also be the cause of the onset of the disease, so following the following tips can be very beneficial:

Do not abuse alcohol or tobacco: Smoking increases the risk of developing polyps that may be precursors of the disease. With regard to alcohol, its consumption favors the growth of cells in the mucous membrane of the colon. This growth leads to polyps.

Control overweight: Obesity and excess calories in the diet should be avoided. Regular physical exercise contributes to the avoidance of sedentary life and the emergence of the disease.

Food: The specialists advise to follow a balanced diet and recommend the following guidelines.
Do not abuse foods rich in fat.
To reduce the consumption of fats so that they do not exceed 20 percent of the total calories of the diet, to consume monounsaturated fats (olive oil) and polyunsaturated fats (fish oil).
Reduce the intake of red meat.
Increase consumption of fish and chicken.
Incorporate fiber-rich foods into the diet since taking a fiber amount of at least 25 grams daily, in the form of cereals and whole wheat bread, prevents the appearance of the tumor.
Increase intake of fruits and vegetables. Especially cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and legumes.

Age: This type of cancer usually appears from the age of 40 and its incidence increases as the years turn out.
Finally, if the person has some type of inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, increases the risk of suffering from the disease.

Types
In 90-95 percent of cases, adenocarcinoma is the most common type of colon cancer. It is located in the mucosa that lines the inside of the colon and rectum. Although this is the most common there are other less frequent types:
Lymphoma: It is the cancer of the cells of the defense of the intestine and of the stomach.
Sarcoma: This tumor arises in the muscular layer of the digestive tract.
Carcinoid Tumors: It occurs in cells that produce hormones in the digestive tract.
Melanoma.
Diagnosis
One of the major advantages of colon cancer is that it is one of the few types that can be diagnosed before the person presents symptoms.

The most reliable test is a fecal occult blood test that checks for blood or not. If it is positive, a colonoscopy will then be performed to see the source of bleeding. This test is used to detect and remove the polyps to prevent the tumor from developing. The test can be performed by the patient at home and must be interpreted by a specialist. This test is recommended, as a general rule, every two years from the age of 50.

Once you have the suspicion that there may be a possible problem or injury to the colon, the doctor must compile a medical history, perform a physical examination and a rectal examination. Several techniques are used to detect colon cancer:

Rectal examination: This is a physical examination that the doctor performs by inserting a finger into the anus to detect abnormalities in the lower part of the digestive tract, such as blood, abnormal lumps, or if the patient feels pain.

Sigmoidoscopy: It is an exploration that consists in introducing by the anus a tube that transmits light and image, and that is called endoscope. With it you can examine the rectum and the final part of the colon (about 60 cm), and detect some of the polyps that may be there.

Colonoscopy: This is an exploration similar to sigmoidoscopy, but the tube used is longer and allows to travel throughout the colon. It facilitates sampling of tissue (biopsy) in areas where a tumor is suspected, and then a microscopic study. It is usually done with sedation and the risk of complications is very low.

Genetic study: If there is a family history or suspected possibility of hereditary cancer, it is advisable to perform a genetic study to detect abnormalities. In the case of genetic alterations in the family, the colon and rectum should be started at an early age (20 years) and continued periodically.

Double-contrast barium enema: consists of a series of x-rays of the colon and rectum taken after the patient has been given an enema (lavage) with a lime-white solution containing barium to show radiologically the interior of the colon and rectum.
Treatments
To plan the right treatment, the doctor needs to know at what stage of the disease the patient is. At present there are two systems that are used with the same frequency.

Types of scale
TNM Classification
In this the three aspects that affect cancer are measured. First, T refers to the size of the primary tumor in the gut; the N refers to the presence or not of the lymph nodes, whereas the M refers to the presence of distant metastases. There are five stages:

Stage 0 or carcinoma in situ: In this early stage the cancer is in the most superficial layer of the mucosa, it does not pass through and does not affect the lymph nodes.

Stage I: The cancer has spread to the wall of the rectum or colon without passing through the muscle layer. At this stage, the lymph nodes are not affected either.

Stage II: The cancer has spread to the deeper layer of the colon, but not to the lymph nodes, which, spread throughout the body, produce and store cells capable of fighting infections. At this stage the tumor may invade surrounding organs.

Stage III: Cancer has already spread to lymph nodes and to nearby organs.
Stage IV: Cancer has reached other organs of the body (mainly tends to invade the liver, bones and lungs).
Classification of Dukes or Astler and Coller

This scale uses the letters from A to D assessing how deep in the wall of the colon:

Stage A: At this stage are patients who have lesions only in the mucosa and do not affect the lymph nodes.

Stage B1: Cancer is found in part of the wall of the rectum and colon but does not pass through it, nor does it affect the lymph nodes.

Stage B2: The tumor extends throughout the wall of the colon and rectum without invading the lymph nodes.

Stage C: At this level the cancer may partially or completely affect the wall and also the lymph nodes.

Stage D: Cancer affects the entire wall and extends to more distant organs.

Choice of treatment
After performing the tests that confirm the diagnosis, the specialist will determine the treatment. As in many other cancers, colon cancer requires multidisciplinary therapy to offer the patient the highest rates of recovery. The specialists will decide which treatment is appropriate depending on the patient's condition, where the tumor is located and the stage of the cancer.

In addition, the specialist will assess whether the patient suffers from other diseases that may hinder treatment. All of this implies that each patient will receive a treatment that suits their particular circumstances. The most common treatments are chemotherapy and surgery.

Surgery
Through an operation in the operating room, the part affected by the cancer is removed. Surgery is used at all stages of the disease. In fact, in stage A, it is the recommended treatment since in the rest of the stages the specialists advise to apply the surgery in combination with other treatments.

At this early stage specialists can extract a polyp by colonoscopy to examine it and, according to the results, the cancer and a surrounding part of healthy tissue will be removed and the lymph nodes in the area will be removed. Another possibility is, after removing part of the colon, make an opening from the colon to the outside (colostomy), in which case the person will have to use a special bag of external use where they will collect the feces. The colostomy can be transient or permanent.

Radiotherapy
It involves applying high energy radiation to the affected area in order to destroy cancer cells. It only affects the area under treatment and can be applied before surgery (to reduce the tumor and be able to remove it more easily) or after surgery (to finish destroying cancer cells that may have been left).

Chemotherapy
It is the treatment by which drugs are given with the aim of destroying cancer cells. It is done by inserting a tube into a vein (catheter) through which the drugs will be injected through a pumping system. Usually administered after surgery.

Immunotherapy
It consists of stimulating or restoring the body's own immune defenses. Natural or processed products are used in the laboratory.
Other data
Forecast
According to data from the Spanish Association Against Cancer, approximately 54 percent of patients with colon cancer survive more than five years. Although these figures vary depending on the stadium. Thus, five-year survival in stage A is between 90 and 92 percent; in stage B, between 50 and 75 percent; in stage C of 25 to 55 percent and in stage D is less than 8 percent.

In addition, in recent years, the survival prognosis for stage C patients with chemotherapy after surgery has improved greatly.

Side Effects
Side effects vary depending on the treatment the patient receives, but most are temporary. The doctor should inform the patient about any that may appear.

Surgery can cause pain and weakness in the affected area and temporary diarrhea. In addition, if the patient has had a colostomy can cause skin irritation around the opening.

Chemotherapy affects both cancer cells and normal cells and can cause nausea, vomiting, hair loss (although it always grows back again), diarrhea and fatigue.

Finally, immunotherapy can cause flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, weakness and nausea.

Colon cancer control and follow-up
At the end of treatment, the risk of cancer recurrence decreases over time. During the first three years it is advisable to carry out quarterly reviews. From the fourth and fifth year these revisions can be spaced to six months and from the sixth year can be made annually.

Follow-up tests include a thorough general physical examination and a more specific rectal examination, a colonoscopy, and blood tests for tumor markers such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). If symptoms or common test results suggest a recurrence of the cancer, chest X-rays, CT scans and magnetic resonance imaging may also be done. If you have any new or persistent symptoms, you should consult your doctor immediately.

Tumor markers
 Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a substance found in the blood of some people with colon cancer. Carcinoembryonic antigen blood test is most often used with other tests to track patients who have already had cancer and have received treatment. This test can alert you early on the reappearance of a cancer. Carcinoembryonic antigen may be present in the blood of some people who do not have colon cancer. Smoking can also increase the levels of this antigen. Therefore, it can not be considered as a specific test to detect colon cancer.

How to reduce discomfort after performing diagnostic tests?
Although tests to diagnose colon cancer are not painful, they can be annoying to the patient and become difficult to tolerate in some cases. From the Spanish Association Against Cancer give these recommendations to help the patient to pass the tests:

First, they recommend that the patient be accompanied as talking to a close person will make the patient more relaxed.
They then point out that the user asks the doctor to explain well what the tests will consist of to avoid imagining situations.
Before performing the tests they advise that the patient perform some relaxation exercise. In addition, they emphasize that it is important that you focus only on what is happening at each moment. After finishing the test they also advise the patient to perform some relaxation exercise.
Finally, if you are nervous or anxious, it is advisable to talk to your doctor to let them know and to prescribe medication that can improve that situation if you feel it is appropriate.