Surgery and stages of colon cancer

Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, usually begins in the glandular polyps of the colon. These polyps are a precancerous condition that can develop into cancer and invade the bowel wall. The following article will introduce you to an overview of this type of cancer and surgical removal.

Colorectal cancer (colon cancer) usually begins in the glandular polyps of the colon. These polyps are precancerous and can develop into cancers that invade the bowel wall. The most common type of colon cancer is adenocarcinoma. Some other types of cancer include:
Carcinoid tumors. Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). Lymphomas. Sarcomas .

Staging is a way to find out if cancer has spread in the patient's body. To determine this, the doctor will ask the patient to perform a number of tests including:
General physical examination: This is a general examination to look at the general condition of the body and patient's medical history. Stool blood test: The patient's stool will be sampled for blood by guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) and fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is used. Stool DNA test to check for abnormal DNA in the stool. Blood tests to check kidney and liver function as well as a complete blood count (CBC). Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels may also be tested. Diagnostic imaging: X-ray tests can check if cancer cells have spread. These tests may include: Chest X-ray, CAT scan (CT scan), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Positron emission tomography (PET scan), virtual colonoscopy. Depending on each patient's case, the doctor will prescribe the following methods to accurately diagnose the stage of colon cancer:
Colonoscopy : A light, flexible colonoscope is inserted rectal examination to examine the entire colon to detect internal abnormalities. In addition, during endoscopy, a biopsy can be performed. Sigmoidoscopy: A soft, lighted colonoscope is inserted into the rectum and lower part of the colon (sigmoid colon) to look for abnormalities. A biopsy may be done during a sigmoidoscopy. Dual-contrast barium enema: Also known as the lower GI series, this test uses barium-contrast in a liquid enema and x-rays to see changes in the lower digestive tract, including the colon. and rectum. Biopsy: The removal of a portion of tissue that is looked at with a microscope to look for cancer cells. Colon cancer metastasizes to other parts of the body through tissues, the lymphatic system, and the vascular system. Staging the cancer helps determine how far the cancer has spread and plan treatment. Colon cancer is described from stage 0 to stage IV, with higher stages being more advanced.

There are many types of surgery used to treat colon cancer. Deciding which type of surgery will depend on the patient's health and how far the cancer has spread. Some surgeries include:
Polypectomy / Local excision: A colonoscope is used to remove a tumor or abnormal area of ​​cancer. When performing a polypectomy, the doctor removes only the polyp, while during a local excision (endoscopic mucosal resection) some tissue on the wall of the colon is also removed. Colectomy: Larger cancerous masses are removed by surgical removal of the colon. There are two types of surgical excision: Partial resection: Also known as a lumpectomy or segmental resection. This procedure removes the cancer and some surrounding healthy tissue and requires an anastomosis or colectomy. Anastomosis is when the doctor stitches both ends. In some cases, a permanent or temporary colectomy or ileostomy is required. This allows waste (feces) to pass through the external opening (stoma) into the colon collection bag. Lymph nodes may also be removed during the procedure. Total colectomy: A surgical removal of the entire colon along with the lymph nodes. This may require a permanent colectomy to remove waste (feces) from the body. Laparoscopy: Several small incisions are made to allow special surgical instruments to pass through to remove abnormal areas. Palliative surgery: The goal of surgery is not to remove the cancer but to relieve symptoms such as pain caused by the effects of the cancer such as a blockage. An example of a palliative surgery is a diverticulectomy where the anus is placed over the colon tumor to relieve symptoms of the obstruction. Surgery for metastasis: Sometimes colon cancer can spread to other parts of the body such as the lungs or liver, and some recommend that tumors in these areas need to be removed. Radiofrequency ablation: Electrodes kill cancer through a probe inserted through the skin or an incision in the abdomen. Cryosurgery: Abnormal cells are frozen and killed.

Recovery from colorectal cancer surgery will depend on the type of surgery. Usually, patients need to stay in the hospital for 3-4 days. After the ablation surgery, the patient will be given health care instructions by:
Do not lift heavy objects weighing more than 10 pounds for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. Avoid straining to have a bowel movement. Take all medications as directed by your doctor. Resume normal daily activities (depending on type of work), light physical activity, driving, walking up stairs, and sexual activity when advised for 1-3 weeks. Take a shower instead of a bath until your doctor allows you to strengthen your diet as directed. You may be asked to eat a low-residue diet for 4 weeks after surgery. Drink 8 to 10 cups of water per day unless otherwise directed. Contact your doctor immediately if any of the following symptoms appear:
The pain gets worse or the pain does not get better after taking pain relievers. Fever. Persistent vomiting, worsening abdominal pain or swelling. Signs of infection such as redness, swelling, bleeding, or discharge from the incision. Do not go outside for 2 to 3 days. Colon cancer, if detected at an early stage, can be successfully treated, so as soon as you see symptoms such as constipation, bloody stools, abdominal pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, etc. ..... then you should go to a medical facility to examine and find the cause.

Reference source: oncolink.org