Colorectal cancer- What’s that?

Colorectal cancer affects the inner walls of the large intestine. It can affect the colon and the rectum too. Frequent cramps in the abdomen, experiencing blood in the stools are some of the common signs of colorectal cancer. It is believed to have killed approximately 6,94,000 people across the globe and the number is increasing day by day.

Causes of Colorectal cancer

As a matter of fact, old cells in our body get replaced by new cells. Sometimes, the new cells grow but the old cells do not die. This process leads to the formation of tumor. Initially, tumour or polyps are formed in the colon. They may either be mushroom shaped or flat in shape. These have the ability to get dissolved in the walls of the colon. If not treated at the right time, Polyps could develop into cancerous cells.

 Symptoms of Colorectal cancer

A person suffering from colorectal cancer may show the following symptoms;

·         Extreme tiredness or weakness

·         Weight loss

·         Pain in the pelvic region

·         Gas or discomfort

·         A constant urge to move the bowels

·         Diarrhea, constipation

Treatment

There are three methods to treat colon cancer.

1.Surgery: It is considered to be the best option to treat colorectal cancer. Small tumours can be removed by colonoscopy or open surgery or laparoscopic surgery. In a few cases, the surgeon may recommend colostomy.

2.Radiation therapy: This therapy is generally recommended to people before undergoing a surgery. This procedure makes use of high energy rays to reduce the size of the tumour or kill the cancer cells. It may also be performed after a surgery to kill any cancer cells if present.

3.Chemotherapy drugs: The surgeon may recommend certain drugs to treat colorectal cancer.

Do not leave colorectal cancer untreated .Consult a gastroenterologist at Kharghar Medicity Hospital and get yourself treated today!