Colon cancer tissue from the colon (the longest in the large INTESTINE) or rectum tissue (a few inches past the large INTESTINE before the anus). Most colon cancer is adenocarcinoma (cancer that attacks the epithelial cells).
SYMPTOMS colon cancer
Colon cancer usually causes no symptoms in its early stages. Symptoms usually occur only at an advanced stage. Symptoms of intestinal cancer, namely:
* Feces-shaped pointy (like a pencil)
* Blood in the stool
* Changes in defecation (diarrhea or constipation are the more intense).
* Stomach pain
* Often fatigue
* Drastic weight loss without obvious cause
INTESTINE LARGE CANCER DETECTION
Especially for you who have a history of colon cancer in the family, is strongly recommended for annual screening for early detection of colon cancer. Several tests can be performed are:
* Guaiac fecal Occult Blood Test ('gFOBT): to find blood in the stool, early symptoms of colon cancer, usually followed by a colonoscopy
* Barium enema: Barium inserted into the colon through the anus and then x-rays.
* Colonoscopy: binoculars colon
* Digital rectal Examinations (Dre): digital rectal
* Test the tumor markers CEA and CA 19-9
CANCER STADIUM INTESTINE
* Stage 0: Cancer cells are found only in the innermost layer of the colon or rectum.
* Stage I: Cancer cells have grown into the walls of the colon or rectum (but not yet translucent exit)
* Stage II: Colorectal cancer might have attacked the surrounding tissue, but has not spread to the lymph nodes
* Stage III: Colorectal cancer has spread to the lymph nodes around it, but it has not spread to other parts of the body
* Stage IV: Cancer has spread to parts of the gut other bodies, such as heart or lung
INTESTINE CANCER TREATMENT
Surgery
The main treatment of colon cancer is the removal of the affected bowel cancer and lymph system beningnya. In most cases of colon cancer, the malignant colon surgically removed and the remaining parts are connected again.
For rectal cancer, the type of operation depends on how far this cancer of the anus and how deeply he grew into the rectal wall. Appointment of the entire rectum and anus require that patients have a permanent colostomy (ie hole disposal of excreta contained in the stomach).
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy after surgery can help control the growth of remaining tumor, slowing the recurrence and improving life expectancy.
Appointment of the tumor and radiation therapy, effective for patients with colon cancer, accompanied by one to four lymph node cancer invasion. But less effective in patients with more than four lymph nodes that invasion.
Chemotherapy
If colon cancer has spread and seems to not help the healing of surgical, chemotherapy can be done to improve life expectancy.
If colon cancer has spread only to liver, chemotherapy drugs can be injected directly into the blood vessels leading to heart (quite expensive). If the cancer has spread outside the liver, this treatment is not effective anymore.
INTESTINE CANCER PREVENTION
The best thing you can do to prevent colon cancer is to diligently consume fiber (whole grains, fruits and vegetables). Avoid foods made from dyes, preservatives. Drink plenty of water and avoid stress.
