What is Colon Cancer or Colorectal Cancer?
This cancer arise from the inner lining of the large intestine, also known as the colon. Tumors may also arise from the inner lining of the very last part of the digestive tract, called the rectum. Colorectal cancer usually begins as a polyp. The word “polyp” is a nonspecific term to describe a growth on the inner surface of the colon. Polyps are often non-cancerous growths but some can develop into cancer.
What Are the Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer?
Unfortunately, colorectal cancer may strike without symptoms. For this reason, it is very important to be screened regularly by your doctor for colorectal cancer, even if you have no symptoms.
In addition to getting a medical history and physical exam, there are a number of tests your doctor can perform to help detect colorectal cancer and polyps early.
How Is Colorectal Cancer Treated?
The majority of colorectal polyps can be removed during a routine colonoscopy and and examined under a microscope. Very large adenomas and cancers are removed with surgery. If the cancer is found in the early stages, surgery can cure the disease. Advanced colorectal cancers may be treated in a variety of ways, depending on their location. Treatments include surgery and radiation therapy and chemotherapy.