The large intestine or colon consists of different parts like right colon, left colon, transverse colon, sigmoid colon, and rectum. Any of these parts can be affected by cancer.
There can be no definite etiology for the development of colonic and rectal cancers, but chronic constipation, obesity, excessive consumption of red meat, presence of polyps can be certain features which increase the probability of developing this cancer.
Symptoms of colonic and rectal cancers can vary from lethargy, anemia and weight loss to alternation diarrhea and constipation, blood in stools and lump in abdomen.
Colonoscopy, biopsy, and imaging of the abdomen and pelvis by CT scan, MRI and/or PET CT scan are the investigations used in confirming the diagnosis and understanding the local and distant spread of colonic and rectal cancers.
Surgical resection of tumors along with adjoining lymph nodes and blood vessels and with wide mucosal and circumferential margins, followed by the anastomosis of the adjoining segments of the bowel is the preferred Colon Cancer Treatment for colonic and rectal cancers.
If the tumor is locally advanced or unresectable, neoadjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy can be used to downsize the tumor to make it amenable for local resection later.
Colon Cancer Treatment for colonic and rectal cancer may often be accompanied by a temporary diversion colostomy/ileostomy to protect the anastomosis OR a permanent colostomy if the sphincter is also resected.
Colon Cancer Treatment for colonic and rectal cancers may be followed by adjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy as the need may be depending on the stage of the tumor.
Dr. Amit Parasnis is a well-trained and experienced cancer surgeon for Colonic and Rectal Cancer treatment who provides rational and ethical treatment for cancer and strives to achieve best oncological outcomes.