Colorectal Cancer: Diagnosis and Treatment

Colorectal Cancer: Diagnosis and Treatment Colorectal cancer is a severe health concern that affects millions of people around the world. It can manifest in a variety of ways, including changes in bowel habits, blood from the rectum, abdominal pain, or loss of weight without reason. Identifying it early and seeking prompt treatment is incredibly important for preventing it from becoming worse and impacting your life. Let’s explore how colorectal cancer is diagnosed and treated. How is colorectal cancer diagnosed? Early detection of colorectal cancer is critical for successful treatment. Screening should help to identify polyps prior to their turning into cancer and detect colorectal cancer at an early stage when treatment is most effective. About 80% of colorectal cancer is diagnosed after symptoms that trigger a colonoscopy, in about 11% of cases, routine screening identifies the cancer; and in about 7% of the cases, the person is diagnosed through emergency care for sudden abdominal symptoms. 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Blood Stool Test: This test looks for signs of blood in the stool, and while these results may be indicative of other conditions, it is used to detect cancer. Stool immunochemistry: This is a test that finds hidden blood in the lower portion of the colon. This test is used to detect early signs of cancer. Stool DNA Test: In this test, the doctors look for DNA markers shed by colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps in the stool. This test provides the answers to the potential malignancy, and if it is positive, further evaluation will be necessary. Flexible sigmoidoscopy: This is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a flexible tube to visualize the rectum and sigmoid colon. This procedure helps the doctors get excellent diagnostic information. Barium Enema X-ray: In this procedure, barium dye is used to highlight any abnormal features on X-rays of the colon. This procedure helps the doctors diagnose the conditions. CT colonography: This procedure produces detailed images of the colon. Because it is less invasive than colonoscopy, this procedure requires further evaluation if abnormalities are detected. Imaging scans: Ultrasound, CT, or MRI scans are used to evaluate the extent of cancer spread beyond the colon. Did you know colorectal cancer is more common in men? Schedule a screening appointment with an expert today to ensure your well-being. What are the management and treatment options for colorectal cancer? The management of colorectal cancer depends on many factors: the size, location, stage of malignancy, the individual’s recurrence, and his general health. Management options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgical intervention, and palliative care to alleviate symptoms and promote quality of life. Surgical Management: Surgical treatment is the mainstay of management for local colorectal malignancy, and the main goal is the excision of malignant tissue, including tumors and regional lymph nodes, to prevent metastatic disease. Sometimes, surgeons reconnect the bowel after excision of the tumors and sometimes create a diversion stoma to divert the feces into a colostomy bag. The techniques of surgery may vary from open procedures with large incisions to laparoscopic or mini-incision approaches, where the surgeon has the help of robotic assistance. Standard surgical procedures include local excision, colectomy (partial and total), and symptomatic obstructions. Chemotherapy: The use of drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body is known as chemotherapy. It may be used as a single treatment or to shrink the tumor before resection. Chemotherapy causes overall side effects due to its effect on normal cells in addition to cancerous cells. Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy uses drugs targeted at proteins that regulate the growth of cancer cells. It offers a more selective approach with reduced side effects compared with chemotherapy. Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy uses drugs to stimulate the immune system’s ability to recognize and kill cancer cells. This treatment modality shows promising applicability for advanced colorectal malignancy; however, it may be associated with autoimmune reactions. Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy targets high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells and delay their proliferation. It is commonly used before rectal cancer resection or to improve treatment results as part of a combination with chemotherapy. Ablation techniques: Ablation techniques include microwaves, radiofrequency, ethanol, or cryosurgery to destroy the tumors without surgically removing them, providing a minimally invasive alternative in cases of particular presentation. Palliative care: In cases where the colorectal cancer has reached an advanced stage and curative treatment is not viable, palliative care targets the reduction of symptoms, including pain, nausea, and diarrhea, and support for emotional well-being. The treatment will include surgical interventions and radiation therapy to reduce the tumor, chemotherapy for the same, and supportive measures, including counseling and care in a hospice. Preventing Colorectal Cancer Lifestyle Changes and Screening: Proactive lifestyle changes and screening significantly reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. The lifestyle changes involve a diet high in fruits and vegetables, avoiding the use of tobacco, leading an active lifestyle, limiting alcohol intake, and avoiding exposure to environmental hazards. Suspected colorectal cancer symptoms should be promptly evaluated and diagnosed by one’s healthcare provider. Importance of regular screening: Regular screening plays a critical role in detecting colorectal cancer at an early stage, when treatment is most effective. Studies have shown that screening reduces the incidence and mortality rates of colorectal cancer by detecting and removing precancerous growths. Stool-based testing, such as the fecal occult