Colorectal Cancer

colorectal cancer, colon cancer treatment, cancer specialist, chemotherapy colorectal
colorectal cancer, colon cancer treatment, cancer specialist, chemotherapy colorectal

Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the colon or rectum, and is commonly referred to as colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on its site of origin. It typically begins as a growth of polyps on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Most polyps are benign (noncancerous), but certain types have the potential to develop into cancer over time.

Types of Colorectal Cancer

Polyps are classified by their potential to become cancerous, as follows

Adenomatous polyps (adenomas):

Precancerous, can change into cancer

Hyperplastic polyps and inflammatory polyps:

Common, not precancerous.

Sessile serrated polyps (SSP) and traditional serrated adenomas (TSA):

Similar to adenomas due to their higher risk of converting into cancer.

Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors

Several factors include
  • Overweight or obese
  • Diabetes mellitus, Type 2
  • Lack of regular physical activity.
  • A fiber-poor diet and lots of fats or processed foods.
  • Tobacco Smoking for a long time and moderate to heavy alcohol use
  • Age (common after age 50)
  • Sex (males are at a higher risk than women)
  • Cholecystectomy (Removal of gall bladder)
  • Personal history and family history of colorectal polyps or inflammatory bowel disease

Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer often doesn't cause symptoms in its early stages. However, when symptoms appear, they include
  • Alteration in bowel habits.
  • Blood in stool
  • Diarrhea, constipation, or incomplete bowel emptying
  • Weight loss
  • Frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness, or cramps
  • Narrow stool (different than usual)

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Preventive measures

Polyps may remain in the colon for years without causing symptoms, particularly in the early stages. Therefore, colorectal cancer can often be prevented through early screening to detect and remove precancerous polyps before they become cancerous. Early detection of cancer increases treatment effectiveness.

Various steps can be taken to prevent colorectal cancer:

  • Avoid smoking
  • Limited alcohol use
  • Eating a diet low in animal fats and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
  • Keeping a healthy weight
  • Eradicating polyps before they become cancerous
  • Performing exercise regularly

Early-stage colorectal cancer can be identified through screening, allowing for the most successful treatment.

Common Queries

Frequently Asked Questions About Colorectal Cancer Treatment in Indore

Colorectal cancer begins in the colon or rectum, usually from small growths called polyps. It is among the more common cancers and is highly treatable when found early.

Blood in stool, a lasting change in bowel habits, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, weakness and anaemia. Persistent symptoms need evaluation by a colorectal cancer specialist in Indore.

Blood in stool is often from piles, but it should not be assumed. If it lasts more than a few days or comes with weight loss or bowel changes, get a colonoscopy and specialist review.

Colonoscopy with biopsy confirms the diagnosis. CT or MRI scans, CEA blood test and molecular tests (RAS, BRAF, MSI) help stage the disease and select targeted treatment.

Stages run from 0 to IV, based on how deep the tumour has grown, lymph node involvement and spread to organs such as the liver. Stage decides the treatment approach.

Treatment includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiation for rectal cancer, targeted therapy and immunotherapy for selected tumours. A team plan is made according to stage and tumour biology.

Early-stage colon cancer may be cured with surgery alone. If lymph nodes are involved or risk is high, adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery lowers the chance of recurrence.

Rectal cancer often needs chemoradiation before surgery to shrink the tumour and protect the sphincter. Colon cancer usually goes to surgery first.

It means cancer has spread, commonly to the liver or lungs. Chemotherapy with targeted therapy can control disease for long periods, and some patients qualify for surgery on metastases.

These molecular tests show whether tumours respond to immunotherapy (MSI-high) or certain targeted drugs (RAS status). They help personalise colon cancer treatment in Indore.

Possible effects include nausea, diarrhoea, tingling in hands and feet, fatigue and low blood counts. Supportive care and dose adjustments keep most patients comfortable.

Screening colonoscopy removes polyps before they turn cancerous. A high-fibre diet, regular exercise, avoiding tobacco and alcohol and limiting processed meat also lower risk.

Screening is generally advised from age 45, or earlier with family history, inflammatory bowel disease or hereditary syndromes. Ask your doctor about the right schedule for you.

Call the clinic or use the appointment form on this page. Bring colonoscopy, biopsy and scan reports so the treatment plan can be discussed during the first visit.