Colon cancer

Colon cancer (also known as colorectal cancer or large bowel cancer) is a disease in which malignant (cancerous) cells form in the tissues of the colon. Because the colon is a part of the digestive system of body, so any damage may harm of human life. Esophagus, stomach, and the small and large intestines are the component of digestive system. The primary 6 feet of the large intestine are called the large bowel or colon and the last 6 inches are the rectum and the anal canal. Two thirds of these cancers arise in the colon and one third in the rectum, with very few in the small intestine. Unlike other cancer, colon cancer also takes form through two types of tumor- benign and malignant tumors. Benign tumors of the large intestine are called polyps and malignant tumors of the large intestine are called cancers. Benign polyps do affect adversely nearby tissues and are not life-threatening but if unchecked then it may take form of malignant tumors.

Malignant (cancerous or colorectal tumor) can invade and damage adjacent tissues and organs.

The cause is not identified for colon cancer, however some irregularities or misdeed are the factors that may increase the risk of coon cancer like- high fat intake, a family history of colorectal cancer and polyps, increased consumption of red meat and processed meat, the presence of polyps in the large intestine, and chronic ulcerative colitis. The common threatening symptoms of colon cancer are- change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation, red or dark blood in stool, change in the consistency of your stool for more than a couple of weeks, persistent cramping, gas or abdominal pain, feeling that your bowel doesn't empty completely, weakness or fatigue, unexplained weight loss.

Usually cancer occurs in any part of human body when healthy cells become distorted. Healthy cells grow and divide in an arranged way to keep your body functioning as a rule. But sometimes this growth gets out of control and cells continue dividing even when new cells aren't required. This exaggerated growth in the colon and rectum may cause precancerous cells to form in the lining of intestine. Over a long period of time, some of these areas of anomalous cells may become cancerous. Untreated in early stage, this disease of colon cancer later may penetrate the colon walls and spread (metastasize) to nearby lymph nodes or other organs that ultimately harms your life.

An oncologist or surgeon starts treatment after the diagnosis of the disease. The types of treatment recommended by the doctor depend largely on stage of the development of the cancer. Surgery is considered as the most common treatment for colorectal cancer however some other treatment procedures are- Chemotherapy, Radiation therapy, Targeted drug therapy and Interventional Radiology. Sometimes more than one procedure is performed in combined. During surgery surgeon removes the part of colon that contains the cancer, along with a margin of normal tissue on both side of the cancer to help ensure that no cancer is left behind. Sometimes patients are also given radiotherapy or chemotherapy after the surgery as this can destroy any remaining cancerous cells. After the treatment, ultimately you achieve your strong & normal health.