High Time – You Must Know About Colonoscopy Screening
It is the largest section of your large bowel and absorbs nutrients and water that have passed through the small intestines. The rectum is the end part of the big intestine. Polyps, which are tiny growths of cells, can appear on the inside of the colon or rectum from time to time. These polyps, which usually have no symptoms, can lead to colorectal cancer. Colon and rectal cancers are sometimes classed together because of their similarity.
Colorectal cancer is the second highest cause of cancer-related deaths in women, after breast cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Colon and rectal cancer screenings can detect early indicators of the disease and improve a patient's prognosis. Adult Gastroenterology Associates offers colonoscopies and other colon cancer screenings. In order to protect yourself from colon cancer and other GI disorders, work with our experts if you're looking for a reputable Oklahoma gastroenterologist.
What are the signs and symptoms of rectal and colon cancer?
The big intestine is where colon and rectal cancers begin. In the early stages of colon or rectal cancer, many patients will show no signs or symptoms. Signs and symptoms may include the following:
Constant stomach discomfort or cramping
Rectal hemorrhage or blood in the stool
An unexplained drop in weight
A change in bowel movements
Contact Digestive Disease in Tulsa as soon as possible if you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms.
It is possible for a malignant polyp to infiltrate the exterior wall of the large bowel and spread to other parts of the body via the blood or lymph arteries. In patients with advanced colon or rectal cancer, survival rates are significantly lower than in those with limited disease. As a result, early detection and treatment are essential.
What are the most prevalent risk factors for colorectal cancer?
Colon cancer is a disease that can affect anyone, although some people are more susceptible than others due to a variety of circumstances. Colon and rectal cancer risk factors are as follows:
Use of alcohol
Smoking
Relatives who have been diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer
Inflammatory bowel disease in the past Obesity
Age over 50
A colonoscopy procedure should be performed on patients with any of these risk factors.
What is the diagnosis of colon cancer?
Individuals who are at high risk of developing colon cancer may be advised to undergo a variety of colon cancer screening treatments. These include fecal examinations, blood work, and colonoscopy testing. As part of a diagnostic process, gastroenterologists use an endoscope to inspect the colon and rectal area for abnormalities, such as polyps. Growths found during a colonoscopy can typically be surgically removed and then biopsied to determine if they are malignant or not. It is possible to do more detailed testing to determine if the cancer has spread and which treatment options are most likely to be effective.
What is the treatment for colon cancer?
Depending on the stage, size, and location of the colon cancer, treatment options may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery to remove the cancerous tissue. This means that if a tumor in the colon is discovered in its early stages, it can usually be removed before it becomes cancerous. Nearly 90% of those with locally advanced colon or rectal cancer who are treated live five years or longer. As many as a third of adults in the United States aren't up to date on their colon and rectal cancer tests, which can save lives.
**Disclaimer: This blog content does not offer a doctor's advice and creates no relationship between any patient and care provider.
