Understanding Colorectal Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Strategies
This article provides comprehensive insights into colorectal cancer, including its causes, stages, symptoms, and treatment options. Understanding factors such as genetic mutations and early warning signs can aid in timely diagnosis and management. Medical advancements have improved survival rates, but awareness remains crucial to prevent progression. Learn about various treatments like chemotherapy, ablation, and surgery to combat this prevalent disease effectively.
Colorectal cancer, commonly called colon cancer, affects the final section of the digestive system, including the colon and rectum. Initially, it develops as benign growths known as adenomatous polyps, which can later transform into malignant tumors over time.
Statistics reveal that annually, one in 21 men and one in 23 women are diagnosed with colon cancer. It remains a leading cause of mortality, ranking as the second leading cancer-related death among women and the third among men nationwide.
Thanks to medical advances, the incidence of colon cancer has seen a decline. The progression of colorectal cancer is categorized into four stages:
Early stage: Cancer remains confined within the inner lining of the colon.
First stage: Tumors breach the inner layer but do not extend to the rectum.
Third stage: Cancer begins affecting nearby lymph nodes.
Fourth stage: Malignant growth spreads to adjacent organs.
What causes colon cancer?
Multiple factors contribute to the risk of developing colorectal cancer. The disease initiates due to genetic mutations affecting cell growth regulation.
Inherited mutations:
Lynch syndrome results from gene mutations impairing DNA repair enzymes, leading to cancer formation.
The APC gene suppresses tumor growth; its malfunction can cause polyp formation and subsequent malignancy.
MAP (MyH-associated polyposis) involves gene errors that interfere with cell division control.
Acquired mutations:
These are mutations that develop over a person's lifetime, often affecting the APC gene, resulting in uncontrolled cell proliferation in the colon.
Symptoms indicating colon cancer:
Diarrhea or constipation
Dark or black stools
Persistent abdominal discomfort
Extreme fatigue
Unexpected weight reduction
Rectal bleeding
Palpable abdominal lumps
Alterations in bowel habits
Feeling of fullness despite not eating for a long period
Available treatment options:
Chemotherapy: Utilized to destroy cancer cells, often shrinking tumors before surgery.
Procedures such as ablation: Techniques like cryosurgery aim for papular eradication and tumor removal.
Surgical interventions: Operations to remove cancerous segments and prevent spread are common, including resection and bowel suturing.
