Colon cancer

December 23, 2011

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Colon   It is a finite gastrointestinal consisting of rectum and colon, which in turn consists of the caecum with appendix and ascending, transverse and descending, and the sigmoid colon. The colon ends in the anal canal, and the total length of it is about 1, 5-2 meters.

Colon cancer called malignant tumors of rectum (blind, colon, sigmoid, straight intestines), and anal canal. Tumors come in different shapes, location and structure. This disease has a leading position among all cancers, and in the Russian Federation, colon cancer is the fourth most common, second only to lung cancer . Breast   and stomach . In the United States from this disease die each year 50 thousand people. It is usually diagnosed in people aged 55-65 years, the disease develops gradually, and symptoms of colon cancer occur when the tumor becomes significant size.

Colon cancer is classified by forms of tumor growth exophytic   (growing in the lumen of the intestine) endophytic   (distributed in the walls of the intestine) and saucer   (growing both in the lumen and a wall in the form of sores). There are four stages of the disease. On first stage   the tumor is in the intestinal mucosa. The second stage   It characterized by the tumor, which occupies half the circumference of the bowel, and applies to all of its layers. On third step   tumor invades through the entire intestinal wall and in nearby lymph nodes observed multiple metastases and the fourth stage   characterized by the appearance extensive tumor which can grow in the coming organs (liver, ovaries, etc.) and form metastases, including remote. The survival rate of the disease at this stage is not more than 1%.

It is believed that the main predisposing factors in the appearance of this type of cancer are hereditary bowel disease , Diseases of the colon with chronic and unhealthy diet. Symptoms of the disease: the emergence of a chair with blood, chronic constipation , Constant abdominal distention   and others. Diagnosis of colorectal cancer is conducted by analyzing fecal blood, colonoscopy, digital examination. Treatment of the disease is usually surgical, sometimes supplemented by chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Usually colon cancer are there in the background of several unfavorable factors. Such factors, which lead to the development of the disease are heredity unfavorable, improper diet compliance and various colonic diseases, including chronic diseases such isolated colorectal polyps . Crohn's disease . diverticulitis . ulcerative colitis   and others.

Note that the presence of cancer in relatives, the possibility of developing colon cancer increases. Also, the risk of occurrence of the disease is increased in the presence of a family of inherited diseases such as Turkic syndrome   and Family diffuse polyposis .

Symptoms of colon cancer

Colon cancer develops slowly, and symptoms appear when the tumor is already large enough. The most common symptoms of colon cancer violations of the chair . abdominal pain , Bloating, tenesmus , Rumbling, the appearance of blood from the anus, sometimes as an admixture to the chair. In cancer of the anal canal is most often observed highlight the bright red blood.

Violations chair manifested in difficulties in defecation, alternating constipation   and diarrhea . Maybe there was a sensation of incomplete cleansing the colon. Feces can be ribbon-like. Also, patients may be concerned anemia , Weakness, paleness, weight loss. In the later stages of the disease can manifest itself ileus When there is a closing of the intestinal lumen tumor to be treated operational methods.

When metastasis to other organs, may be observed jaundice , headache, dizziness   etc., depending on their distribution.

Incidentally, the pain at an early stage is usually manifested in cancer of the anal canal, where there are a lot of nerve endings. In cancer in other parts of the intestine pain comes later.

Diagnosis of colorectal cancer

Methods of modern diagnostics allow to identify colon cancer at an early stage. The doctor examines the patient's complaints, then spends palpation of the rectum . Patients usually complain of discharge of blood during bowel cleansing, and abdominal pain.

Diagnosis of colorectal cancer by the methods sigmoidoscopy And by analysis for occult blood. In the case of confirmation of the diagnosis, the appointed Colonoscopy   or irrigoscopy   (contrast enema), allowing to detect a tumor in distant parts of the colon. To identify the tumor and metastasis allows ultrasound examination of the abdomen and pelvic organs. If there is suspicion of tumor invasion in the organs located in the neighborhood, is assigned to conduct a computer and / or magnetic resonance imaging.

Treatment of colon cancer

The most common treatment for colorectal cancer is to remove the tumor and its metastases spread zone. Before the operation the patient is assigned bezshlakovaya diet , Laxatives for 5-7 days before surgery. Sometimes used method of washing the GI special preparations ( lavage . Fortrans ). Additional treatment of colon cancer - the impact of chemoradiation ( kilocuritherapy . ftorafur ).

Due to the possible occurrence of disease recurrence after surgery is necessary every 3 months to carry out inspection, digital examination, colonoscopy or barium enema, and once every six months - ultrasound examination of the gastrointestinal tract and liver.