Understanding Adeno Carcinoma Of The Colon

A disease which may occur anywhere in the colon is called adeno carcinoma of the colon. It is referred by various other names including colon cancer, colon carcinoma and colorectal carcinoma. It is seen that African-Americans are at a greater risk of developing the disease.

This disease occurs less frequently in children as compared to the adults. The risk of developing the disease increases after the age of 50. Usually it occurs at any site in the large intestine. The disease may also develop due to its prevalence in the family history. The patients with long standing ulcerative colitis have an increased risk of developing the disease. Cigarettes and alcohol may also increase the risk of developing the disease. Symptoms

The symptoms of the disease include constipation, diarrhea , bloating, pain with bowel movements, weight loss, loss in appetite and presence of blood in stool. If a tumor causes complete obstruction of the large bowel, this can result in bowel perforation. This can spread the tumor cells within the abdominal cavity.

If the disease is detected before it reaches its advanced stage, it can be easily cured. Therefore, you must carry out its detection process through any of the various methods that are available today.

Detection Methods

The first method is digital rectal exam (DRE). This detects the large tumors but it is not really a screening test. In this test, the doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to feel for abnormal areas.

The next method is fectal occult blood test which is used to test blood in the stool. It is amongst the preferred screening options in the U.S.

Sigmoidoscopy includes the inserting of a lighted probe (sigmoidoscope) into the rectum and the entire colon to look for polyps and other abnormalities.

Colonoscopy is another test used for the screening of the disease. A lighted probe (colonoscope) is inserted. If polyps are found during the test, they can be removed then and there.

The treatment of the disease depends largely on its stage. The disease is curable at its early stages. However, the chances of the cure decrease when the disease reaches its advanced stages.

Main Treatment is Surgery

Surgery is the main treatment recommended to cure the disease. But depending on the patient's staging and keeping in mind the other medical factors, chemotherapy or radiotherapy may also be recommended.

Through surgery, it is possible to remove the part affected by the disease. Surgeries are of different types. They can be categorized into curative, palliative, bypass, fecal diversion, or open-and-close.

Chemotherapy is used to shrink the size of the tumor and to slow its growth as well. Commonly used chemotherapy drugs are 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, irinotecan and oxaliplatin.

Radiotherapy is used mostly in rectal cancer as it can lead to radiation enteritis and it is difficult to target the portions of the colon.

In conclusion, Adeno carcinoma of the colon can be prevented by improving lifestyle and changing dietary habits. The best thing to do is visit your doctor regularly and get health updates as often as possible!