Colonic Cancer - Everything About It!

The last stretch of the digestive system is the large intestine. Cancer of the large intestine is called colonic cancer. Like all cancers, in its initial phase, colonic cancer show up as a small benign lump of cells called adenomatous polyps. Gradually these polyps become cancerous.

What are the symptoms of colonic cancer?

Some common symptoms include-

• A break in the usual bowel routine like constipation or diarrhea
• In some cases, the consistency of the stool may change. This change lasts for more than a month.
• Bleeding during defecation or the presence of blood in stool
• Exhaustion
• Unexplained weight loss

Sometimes, not all the symptoms manifest themselves in the early phase of colon cancer. That is why, as soon as you experience even one of the symptoms, consult your doctor. If benign polyps are detected, doctors advise patients to undergo regular screening to keep tabs on the polyps.

What are the causes of colonic cancer

The exact cause of colonic cancer has not yet been identified. Healthy cells multiply following a particular code. When a cell’s DNA mutates abnormally, it becomes cancerous. The new cells that develop from it are also cancerous. This is how colonic cancer spreads. Cancerous cells even destroy healthy cells and tissues.

Is colonic cancer hereditary?

Gene mutations responsible for colonic cancer can be passed down along the blood line. These gene mutations do not make cancer inescapable but do raise the risk of cancer. In fact, very few cases of colonic cancer are actually hereditary.

The two common types of hereditary colonic cancer are-

Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC)- It is also called the Lynch Syndrome. This type of cancer develops by the time a person reaches the 50s.

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)- people with this condition develop innumerable polyps along the lining of the colon and rectum and if left untreated progress to cancer.

Preventive measures:

• If someone in the family has colonic cancer, then a person should consider cancer screening in her/his 30s.
• A diet comprising leafy vegetables, whole grains, fruits is ideal. Vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants can help prevent colonic cancer.
• Smoking and alcohol consumption should be limited.
• 30 minutes worth of exercise at least four days a week is recommended. At the same time, keep an eye on your weight.

Surgery for colonic cancer:

In the more advanced stages, a doctor may recommend surgery to remove the cancer affected segment of the large intestine. The type of surgery depends on the stage when the cancer is detected. Surgery could be either an open surgery or a laparoscopic surgery.

• Local resection: in the early stages of colonic cancer, the surgeon uses a colonoscope to scrape away the cancerous cell from the lining of the large intestine.
• Hemi Colectomy: removing a part of the colon is called hemi colectomy. Either the left side of the transverse colon and the descending colon are removed (left hemi-colectomy) or the right transverse colon and the ascending colon are removed (right hemi-colectomy).
• Total Abdominal Colectomy: the entire large intestine is removed from the lowest part of the small intestine. The rectum and the anus remain in their places. The ends of the small intestine are sewn together.

The symptoms of colonic cancer should not be overlooked. Worldwide, colonic cancer is the second largest killer among men and women combined.