Colorectal Cancer

Colon Cancer is a tumor that develops in the lowest part of the intestine, the colon, while Rectum Cancer develops in the final part of the colon; these types of cancer are usually both named together Colorectal cancer.

This type of cancer usually starts as a benign growth of cells known as an Adenomatous Polyp. These mushroom-shaped growths can develop into cancer over time if not taken care of and diagnosed through a medical scan of the area, called a colonoscopy.

Colon Cancer Video

Colorectal Cancer Symptoms

Many colon cancer patients will not experience symptoms at the first stages of the disease. Symptoms will vary from patient to patient and depend mainly on the cancer's location inside the colon.

These symptoms include:

Irregularity in the bowel activity that lasts over a period of two weeks.
Bleeding from the rectal area.
Blood or mucus in your stool or having black tarry stool (known as Melena).
Sudden weight loss (caused due to the loss of appetite).
Weakness and fatigue
Discomfort in the stomach. Can include: pain, gas, tummy aches and constantly feeling full.

Colorectal Cancer Treatment

Your treatment will depend on the stage of the cancer, its location in the colon and size. The three main types of treatments are surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.

An Abdominal Colectomy is the main solution for colorectal cancer. The surgeon will try and remove the part of the colon that contains the cancerous tumor in addition to healthy tissue around it to make sure it is all removed. After surgery the physician will have to decide if you should also go through chemotherapy treatments and radiation, this depends on its location and if the cancer spread through your colon and to other parts of the body.

The chemo will be applied to reduce the likelihood of metastasis developing, shrink the size of the tumor or slow its growth and radiation will mainly be used on rectal cancer as it is easier to target.

Colorectal Cancer Treatment Abroad

Colon cancer is a dangerous disease and TicketMed agents are standing by and waiting to assist you in understanding the prognosis and moving forward with the treatments. We will help you find the best option from the many clinics and hospitals which offer cancer treatments. Contact us or ask for a quote.

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Colorectal Cancer FAQ

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Can I be cured from Colorectal Cancer?

Early detection is extremely important in this type of cancer as it substantially increases one's odds to be cured from the cancer. This is why it is important for men and women over the age of 50 to go for a yearly testing (colonoscopy rectal scan) to find the polyps and have then treated in time.
There is also an important test for called Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) that aims to find subtle blood loss.

How effective is surgery in the case of a colorectal tumor?

If the cancer is still at its early stage, going through surgery may extend or save your life. However, if the cancer has already spread, the benefit of surgery is sometimes questionable and often performed in order to solve blockage problems.

How is the specific type of treatment for colorectal cancer determined?

The treatment that will be recommended to you by your oncologist will depend on your exact tumor, its size and location within the colon or rectum, the stage of the cancer and results from the test run on the cancer cells.

I'm having an operation to remove the tumor; do I also have to go through chemotherapy and radiation treatments?

Your physician will often recommend these treatments in addition to the surgery for the tumor removal as this depends on your cancer stage and location. The treatments are in order to shrink the tumor, thus raising the chances for a successful removal of it during surgery and reduce the chances of metastasizing.
Often chemotherapy treatments are also given to make sure all cancerous cells were removed and dead, post-surgery.

Is colorectal cancer a genetic disease?

Your family history has a meaning in this kind of cancer as there are genetic bowel syndromes. If members in your family have a history of abdominal diseases or the growth of polyps, you should discuss this issue with a gastro specialist.

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