Tumors of the colon and rectum are common and often occur on the inner wall of the colon. Many benign tumors, or polyps, can be easily removed during colonoscopy, but may become malignant if not removed. Colon cancer or rectal cancer, also called colorectal cancer, can metastasize, or spread, throughout the body. When this happens, it is impossible to cure. Colorectal cancer is the 3rd most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. The odds of a person developing colon cancer in his or her lifetime are about one in 23 (4.5%). Of these cancers, 2/3 develop in the colon, and 1/3 in the rectum. If colon cancer is not found until later stages, it is often fatal. It is estimated that every year about 145,000 people in USA are diagnosed with colorectal cancer, or which about 50,000 will die.

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Symptoms

Many people don’t show any symptoms when they have precancerous polyps or even in the early stages of colorectal cancer. When symptoms do appear, they may be a sign of more advanced cancer, and include:

• Change in bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation, or a change in consistency of stool
• Blood in stool
• Persistent abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
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Diagnosis and CRC Screening

The key to successful treatment of colon and rectal cancers is prevention and diagnosis at the early stages. Currently it is recommended to begin screening for colorectal cancer at age 50. However, certain patients require earlier onset of screening program (for example patients with family history of colon cancer and other malignacies, patients with inflammatory bowel disease, etc). It has been proven in clinical studies that regular screening reduces a person’s risk of developing colorectal cancer.

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These are some of the screening options:

• Colonoscopy — Presently considered to be the “gold standard” of screening, since it is both a diagnostic and a therapeutic tool. A flexible lighted tube with a small camera is inserted into the rectum and examines the entire length of the colon and rectum. It is done under sedation for patient’s comfort.
• Stool DNA testing — Involves a stool sample tested for changes in DNA that could be a sign of tumor growth.
• CT colonography — Otherwise known as “virtual colonoscopy”. This is a special CT scan of the colon and rectum that produces detailed images capable of detecting larger polyps and cancer.

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Our office specializes in screening, early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer.

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