Causes
Colon cancer is a malignant neoplasm of the colon that develops for several reasons, including:
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Mutations in colon cells' DNA can cause uncontrolled growth and tumor formation.
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Colon cancer is associated with poor dietary habits, lack of physical activity, obesity, and smoking.
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A person's risk of developing this disease increases with age, with most cases diagnosed in individuals over the age of 50.
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Several inflammatory bowel diseases can increase the risk of colon cancer, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
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A family history of colon cancer or polyps increases the likelihood of developing it.
Symptoms
Malignant neoplasms of the colon can cause the following symptoms:
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A change in stool consistency or persistent diarrhea or constipation.
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Bleeding from the rectum or blood in the stool.
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Consistent abdominal pain, cramps, or bloating.
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Anemia causes generalized weakness and fatigue.
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Symptoms of unexplained weight loss include significant weight loss without any changes in diet or activity.
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The feeling that the bowels have not been completely evacuated after a bowel movement.
Diagnosis
The following steps are typically involved in diagnosing malignant neoplasms of the colon:
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An examination of the colon and rectum with a flexible tube and a camera to detect tumors or abnormalities.
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As part of colonoscopy, tissue samples are removed for laboratory analysis to confirm the presence of cancerous cells.
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A CT scan, MRI scan, or PET scan may be performed to determine the extent of the cancer and identify potential metastases.
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Certain markers associated with colon cancer, such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), can be assessed through blood tests.
Treatment
Cancer treatment options for malignant neoplasms of the colon depend on several factors, including the cancer's stage and the patient's overall health:
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A cancerous tumor and its surrounding healthy tissue are surgically removed, often with the removal of nearby lymph nodes.
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Before or after surgery, chemotherapy kills cancer cells or shrinks tumors by administering anticancer drugs.
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In radiation therapy, cancer cells are destroyed or symptoms are relieved by high-energy radiation targeted at the tumor site.
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A targeted treatment targets specific genetic mutations or proteins involved in colon cancer growth and spread.
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In immunotherapy, the body's immune system is boosted to fight cancer cells.
Prevention
A healthy lifestyle and regular screenings are key to preventing malignant neoplasms of the colon:
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A healthy diet consists of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins with a minimum amount of processed foods and red meat.
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Exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight and reduce colon cancer risk.
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The risk of developing colon cancer and other smoking-related diseases can be reduced by quitting smoking.
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Having regular colonoscopies or other screening tests as recommended by healthcare professionals, especially if you have a family history of colon cancer.
Conclusion
Early detection of colon cancer is the most effective way to treat it. For timely diagnosis and optimal treatment outcomes, it is essential to understand the causes, recognize symptoms, and undergo regular screenings. It is possible to reduce the risk of colon cancer and improve overall health and well-being by adopting healthy lifestyle habits and undergoing recommended screenings.
