Colon cancer: symptoms, treatment, and early detection strategies

Colon Cancer: Effects

Colon cancer is the cancer of the large intestine or colon, the lower part of the digestive system. It often begins as small, noncancerous clumps of cells called a polyp. Over time some of these polyps continue to divide and spread, becoming colon cancers (Colon cancer, 2008, the Mayo Clinic, p.1).

Surgery is the main treatment for colorectal cancer. The affected portion of the colon is removed, or, in the cases of more advanced stages, surgery is also performed upon the liver if this organ has also become affected. Chemotherapy or radiation may be given in conjunction or in lieu of the surgery, to control tumor growth or to shrink tumors before surgery. Very small cancerous polyps can sometimes be removed during a colonoscopy or with laparoscopic surgery. Three drugs: bevacizumab (Avastin), cetuximab (Erbitux) and panitumumab (Vectibix) can be given along with chemotherapy drugs or alone to reduce tumor growth and cell division Colon cancer, 2008, the Mayo Clinic, p.7).

Early warning signs

One of the reasons that proper screening for cancerous and precancerous polyps is so essential is that polyps usually do not produce any symptoms at first. Later, as they grow, constipation or diarrhea, bloody or black stool, persistent cramping, gas or abdominal pain may become evident (Colon cancer, 2008, the Mayo Clinic, p.1). Patients may experience a sense of their bowl not completely emptying (Colon cancer, 2008, the Mayo Clinic, p.4). However, many of these symptoms have other origins, yet another reason that early screening to determine that cancer is the cause.

Symptoms

As the disease progresses, weakness and general malaise may result.