Colorectal problems

Colorectal Cancer Surgery in Sadashiv Peth, Pune

Colorectal problems include colorectal cancer also known as colon cancer, it is a type of cancer that develops in the colon (the last part of the digestive tract), also known as the large intestine.

It is a common type of cancer with more than 10 lakh cases per year. It is more common in people who are above 45 years of age. The male and female ratio is equal in colon cancer.

Signs and symptoms

The most common signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer are:

• Frequent bowel movements
• Experiences of constipation or diarrhea
• Pain or discomfort in the abdomen
• Fatigue
• Automatic weight loss
• Blood in the stool
• Bloating

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Causes of colorectal problems

Colon cancer is a colorectal problem. The exact cause of colon cancer is unknown and has not yet been discovered by scientists. According to studies, a genetic change in the colon that is known as mutation causes colon cancer. The mutations lead to the development of abnormal cells in the DNA.

Other factors that may cause or worsen colon cancer are:

• Excess consumption of alcohol
• Excess amount of smoking
• Age advancement
• Lack of nutrient
• Improper lifestyle
• Other diseases in the colon
• Inflammation

Risk factors

Age advancement: people who are above the age of 50 are more at risk to get diagnosed with colon cancer or any colorectal problems. Though the risks of colorectal problems have also increased in people below the age of 50, there is no scientific reason discovered for the same.

Family history:the family history of colon cancer or other colorectal problems may increase the risk of colorectal cancer.

Low-fiber or low nutrient diet: diets high in fat or calories and low in fiber may cause colorectal problems. Generally, people who follow a western diet including meat or red meat are more at risk.

Improper lifestyle:people who are inactive and avoid physical activities are more at risk of developing colorectal problems. People who smoke or consume an excessive amount of alcohol may also develop colorectal problems.

Diabetes: People who have a medical history of diabetes or have diabetes at present are more at risk of developing colorectal problems.

Treatments

There are several treatments for treating colon cancer. Some of them include:

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a form of therapy that aims at killing the cells that are multiplying and causing cancer. It is a type of drug therapy.

Lymphadenectomy: lymphadenectomy is a surgical method where the lymph node or the groups of lymph nodes that contain the cancer are removed

Partial colectomy: this is a surgical method, where the surgeon removes the tissues containing cancer along with other healthy tissues that surround them. This surgery can be an open surgery or can also be done laparoscopically.

Stenting:stenting is a common treatment for treating colon cancer. Stenting is a surgical method in which stents are inserted inside the vessel. It causes relief in the blockage of the colon and helps in keeping the colon fully open.

Radiation therapy: radiation therapy is a form of therapy that uses radiations such as x-rays or other powerful rays to kill the abnormal cells that contain cancer.

Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a form of drug treatment that uses the immune system for fighting cancer. Immunotherapy is used in severe cases. The immunotherapy procedure interferes with the body’s immune system for building it to fight the cancer cells.