What is Colon Cancer?
Colon cancer is a form of cancer that originates in the
colon or large intestine. The colon, also known as the large intestine, is
responsible for extracting water and salt from solid waste. While this type of
cancer can develop at any age, it is more prevalent among older adults.
Colon cancer begins as noncancerous growths called polyps on
the inner lining of the colon. Over time, these polyps have the potential to
transform into colon cancer. Sometimes, colon cancer is accompanied by rectal
cancer, which originates in the rectum. This combination is referred to as
colorectal cancer.
Big Apollo Spectra Hospital in Patna offers various
treatment options for colon cancer, including surgery, radiation therapy, and
drug-based treatments like chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
Symptoms of Colon Cancer
Symptoms of colon cancer can vary depending on the location
within the colon. Some common symptoms include:
•
Rectal
bleeding or blood in the stool
•
Fatigue
•
Constipation
•
Dark-colour
stool
•
Changes
in bowel habits
•
Weight
loss
•
Abdominal
pain, cramps, and gas
•
Bloating
•
Anaemia
Causes of Colon Cancer
The exact causes of colon cancer are not well-defined. It is
believed that the development of colon cancer occurs when healthy cells in the
colon experience changes in their DNA. When DNA is damaged, the affected cells
become cancerous. These cancerous cells continue to divide even when new cells
are not required, leading to the formation of tumours and the progression of
cancer.
Stages of Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is categorized into five stages, ranging from 0
to 4:
•
Stage
0: Cancer is confined to the inner layer of the colon.
•
Stage
1: Cancer progresses to the next layer without spreading to other organs.
•
Stage
2: Cancer extends to the outer layer of the colon but does not breach it.
•
Stage
3: Cancer spreads beyond the colon and may involve one to three nearby lymph
nodes.
•
Stage
4: Cancer advances to distant parts of the body.
Colon Cancer Treatment in Patna, Bihar
At Big Apollo Spectra Hospital in Patna, Bihar, a range of
treatment options are available for addressing colon cancer. These treatments
are designed to eliminate cancer, hinder its spread, and alleviate associated
discomfort. Some of the primary treatments offered include:
Symptom Management
Colon cancer can present various symptoms, including rectal
bleeding, fatigue, constipation, dark-colour stool, changes in bowel habits,
weight loss, cramps, gas, abdominal pain, bloating, and anaemia.
Stages of Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is classified into stages based on its
progression:
•
Stage
0: In the earliest stage, cancer is confined to the inner layer of the colon, facilitating
relatively straight forward treatment.
•
Stage
1: Cancer advances to the subsequent layer without affecting other organs.
•
Stage
2: Cancer extends to the outer layer of the colon but remains localized.
•
Stage
3: Cancer spreads beyond the colon, potentially reaching one to three nearby
lymph nodes.
•
Stage
4: At this advanced stage, cancer impacts distant parts of the body.
Surgical Interventions
Surgery is a fundamental approach in treating colon cancer.
Procedures include:
•
Colectomy:
This surgical procedure involves removing the portion of the colon containing
cancer, along with adjacent tissue.
•
Colostomy:
Another option, colostomy, creates an abdominal opening for waste elimination,
bypassing the lower part of the colon.
Additional surgical techniques include endoscopy,
laparoscopic surgery, and palliative surgery.
Medical Therapies
Medical treatments include:
•
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy disrupts cell division
by damaging proteins or DNA, targeting rapidly dividing cancer cells as well as
healthy ones.
•
Radiation Therapy: This
method employs potent energy sources like X-rays and protons to destroy cancer
cells, often shrinking tumours prior to surgical removal.
•
Immunotherapy and
Targeted Drug Therapy: These
advanced therapies stimulate the immune system to combat cancer cells or target
specific molecular characteristics of the tumour.
•
Supportive Care:
Complementary care aims to enhance the patient's quality of life during
treatment.
To request an appointment at Big Apollo Spectra Hospital in
Patna, Bihar, please call 0612-3540100.