CANCER large intestine

Disease information

CANCER large intestine

Cancer of the large intestine.

Uncontrolled growth of malignant cells in the colon (large intestine)

Large intestine, including the blind, transverse colon, descending colon, rectum and sigmoid colon (50% of colorectal cancers start here)

It mainly affects adults over 40 years.

Complications.

Can be extended to other parts of the body and cause death.

Forecast.

Cure in 80 to 90% of cases, if the tumor is removed in the early stages. Compared with other types of cancer, it has many chances of cure.

Diagnosis and Treatment.

Diagnosis.

Observing the symptoms.

History and physical examination by a doctor.

Analysis of blood.

Sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, with taking of samples for analysis by microscope. In the case of polyps, they are removed whole for consideration.

X - rays of the colon (barium enema) and kidney (intravenous pyelogram)

Other imaging tests: CT scan, MRI, ultrasound and abdominal, lung and brain.

Treatment.

Surgery to remove the tumor. Sometimes it is necessary to divert the intestine through a surgical incision in the abdomen (colostomy)

Treatment with radiation before and after the intervention.

After a colostomy, will give the necessary instructions to heal the opening. Check with your doctor.

Medication.

Your doctor may prescribe:

Painkiller.

Medicines to adjust the movements of the intestine.

Anticancer medications, although not very effective.

Activity.

Avoid sports and activities that could damage the stoma (surgical opening of the intestine)

Go back to your normal activities, including sex, as soon as possible after the operation. A colostomy should not prevent sex. Diet.

Low - fat, high in fiber.

Go to your doctor if.

Have symptoms of cancer of the large intestine, especially rectal bleeding or a significant change in their bowel movements, for more than 7 days.

Have anemia (fatigue, pallor and palpitations)

Prevention.

Follow a diet high in fiber and low in fat.

After 50 years, undergo annual physical examinations and ask for analysis of the rectum and colon, and evidence of blood in the stool.

If you have any of the risk factors listed here, will turn into a pharmacy computer to detect blood in the stool. Make checks every two months. The detection equipment can be obtained at any pharmacy.

Causes.

Unknown.

The cells that cover the digestive tract are played continuously, like those of the skin.

According to the latest research, to produce colon cancer, the epithelial cells that cover for its interior must endure a minimum of two successive mutations, which is likely.

In most cases the body detects and removes, but simply that in the end, an exhaust and can be played, for the initiation of cancer.

Signs and symptoms.

The most characteristic symptoms are:

There are generally no symptoms in the early stage.

Stool with blood, black tar.

Pain and abdominal cramps.

Feeling empacho.

Changes in bowel movements.

Weight loss.

Pain in the rectum.

Anemia.

Loss of control of the intestinal functions (sometimes)

Risk Factors.

Adults over 60 years.

Ulcerative colitis and other chronic disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.

Diets high in fiber and low in fat.

Rectal polyps.

Family history of colorectal cancer or rectal polyps.

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