Colon Carcinoma: An Overview
Colon carcinoma is a cancerous growth in the colon, rectum and appendix. Colon carcinoma is the third most frequent cancer in adult men and the second most frequent in the adult women. The staggering statistics of the disease totals up to 140,000 in the U.S. alone. Children are rarely affected by this disease. This disease gathers strength after the age of 50, not before. Colon carcinoma is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the West. Approximately, 655,000 deaths are caused by this disease each year from all over the world.
The symptoms of colon carcinoma are seen only when it reaches a relatively advanced stage. It is therefore recommended to have periodical screening of the disease. This can be done with fecal occult blood test and colonoscopy. The disease causes symptoms related to its local presence in the large intestine or by its effect on the various other organs. Some of the common symptoms include change in the bowel habit, bloody stools, constipation, abdominal discomfort, narrowing of the stool, chronic fatigue and unexplained weight loss. Sufferers may rarely experience nausea and vomiting too. These symptoms are caused due to the tumor mass present in the colon. Similar symptoms may also be caused by other processes which are not specific to colon cancer. But the patients must understand vital signs to seek medical evaluation if such symptoms persist. In majority of cases colon carcinoma is caused by environmental conditions. In about 20 percent cases, it may be caused genetically. Exposure to agents known as carcinogens also increases the risk of developing the disease. Those who smoke develop a slight increase risk for colon carcinoma. Individuals suffering from inflammatory colon diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's colitis are also at an increased risk of developing the disease. The chances of the cure of the disease improve if it is detected at an early stage. Therefore, screening is recommended for individuals who are at an increased risk of developing the disease. This can be done through several different tests available. They include digital rectal exam (DRE), fecal occult blood test (FOBT), Sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy. Complete surgical removal of the affected part of large intestine is the best available option. This would relieve you from the disease for the rest of your life. However, in certain cases where the disease has reached in its advanced stages, a surgery is not possible. Colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy and FOBT are most preferred choices in the U.S. though chemotherapy and radiation therapy are other treatment choices. Although there are no ways in which you can prevent colon carcinoma, you can be health conscious, diet conscious and take steps to reduce the risk of developing it. You should undergo proper screening, consume high fiber food in your diet and avoid cigarettes and alcohol. Dont miss your doctor visits either! |
