Colorectal cancer is commonly known as bowel cancer affecting the rectum, though the cases of colorectal are low as compared to the other cancer cases there is an increase in the patient suffering from colorectal cancer.
Symptoms
According to Dr. Valeria Simone MD at Southlake General Surgery hospital following are the symptoms:
- Changes in bowel habits
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Feeling that the bowel does not empty properly after a bowel movement
- Blood in feces that makes stools look black
- Bright red blood coming from the rectum
- Pain and bloating in the abdomen
- Feeling of fullness in the abdomen, even after not eating for a while.
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Lump in the abdomen or the back passage felt by your doctor
- Unexplained iron deficiency in men, or in women after menopause
Treatment
The following are the available colorectal cancer treatment in Southlake General Surgery, Texas
- Chemotherapy
- Radiotherapy
- Recovery
Diagnosis
Following the Screening test can be used to diagnose cancer.
- Fecal occult blood test (blood stool test
- Stool DNA test
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy
- Barium enema X-ray
Treatment of colorectal cancer
Surgery involves the removal of the malignant tumor and also the nearby lymph nodes to eliminate the chances of cancer spreading. After that, the bowel is sewn together, but in some cases, there might be a need to remove the rectum completely and the colostomy bag will be attached to contain the stool.
1. Chemotherapy
In Chemotherapy medication or chemical that destroys the cancerous cell is given to the person. It may help to shrink the tumor. Colorectal Cancer treatment in Texas includes targeted therapy where the protein is a target that is encouraging the growth of a tumor.
2. Radiotherapy (Radiation therapy)
Radiation therapy uses the high energy beams are targeted to the affected region. It can be used before the surgery to ease the situation by a shrinking tumor. Both radiation and chemo can be used in combination to cure colorectal cancer.
3. Recovery
Recovery after treatment depends on the following factor.
- The stage when the diagnosis was made
- Whether cancer created a hole or blockage in the colon
- The patient’s general state of health
- In some cases, cancer may return.
Risk factors
Factors that make you prone to develop bowel cancer.
- Older age
- High alcohol consumption
- Presence of polyps in the colon or rectum, as these may eventually become cancerous.
- Diet that is high in animal protein, saturated fats, and calories
- Diet that is low in fiber
- Having had breast, ovary, or uterine cancer
- Family history of colorectal cancer
- Having ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, or irritable bowel disease (IBD)
- Overweight and obesity
- High alcohol consumption
- Smoking
- Lack of physical activity
Average Cost for Surgery
Colon surgery is a serious medical procedure to correct a serious medical issue, often one which is causing a great deal of pain or discomfort and can even be life-threatening. Laparoscopic colectomy is the lower-priced, at an average of $24,196.