Colorectal Cancer

What is Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer is the cancer of colon & rectum.

Colorectal cancer occurs when the cells lining the colon & rectum grow out of control. These cells create tumour, which is known as cancer (metastatic tumour).

What are the symptoms of Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer generally does not show any symptoms in the early stages.

Common symptoms of colorectal cancer are:

  • Constipation or diarrhoea
  • Bleeding or cramping in the rectum
  • Dark patches of blood in or on the stool
  • Discomfort or bloating in the belly
  • Fatigue & loss of appetite
  • Pelvic pain

Risk factors & causes of Colorectal Cancer

  • Age – The chance of getting colorectal cancer increases with age.
  • Gender – Men are more likely to develop colorectal cancer.
  • Polyps – These growths are present on the inner wall of colon or rectum which are precancerous. Adenoma is a type of polyp which causes colorectal cancer more likely.
  • Personal history – If a patient already had colorectal cancer, there is a chance of relapse before age 60.
  • Family – Having family history of colorectal cancer.
  • Diet – Certain types of diets which contain a lot of fat and cholesterol and little fibre may lead to colorectal cancer.
  • Lifestyle – Smoking, alcohol intake & overweight can lead to colorectal cancer.
  • Diabetes – People with diabetes are more likely to develop colorectal cancer.

Diagnosis of Colorectal Cancer

Complete Blood Test (CBC)

Complete Blood Test (CBC) helps to measure the different types of cells in the blood.

Liver Enzymes test

Liver Enzymes test is a blood test conducted to check the liver function.

Tumour markers test

Tumour markers test is done to check the presence of tumour markers, substances made by colorectal cancer cells.

MSI & MMR test

MSI & MMR testing is done to check if the cancer cells show high levels of gene changes, microsatellite instability (MSI) & to check if the cancer cells have changes in any of the mismatch repair (MMR).

CT Scan

CT scan helps your doctor to get a detailed image of your colon.

Abdominal Ultrasound

Ultrasound is used to create a picture of the internal organs to find out if your cancer has spread.

Endorectal MRI

MRI is used to find where the colorectal cancer has grown.

PET CT Scan

In case of specific situations your doctor may recommend PET CT Scan.

Diagnostic colonoscopy

In diagnostic colonoscopy, the entire colon and rectum are checked with a colonoscope, a thin, flexible, lighted tube with a small video camera on the end.

Proctoscopy

In proctoscopy test the rectum is checked with a proctoscope, a thin, rigid, lighted tube with a small video camera on the end which is inserted through the anus.

Biopsy

In biopsy, a small piece of tissue, usually a part of the colon is removed and send to the lab to check for colorectal cancer.

Treatment options for Colorectal Cancer

Following are the common treatment options for colorectal cancers. 

Surgery

Surgery is generally the preferred first line of intervention for colorectal cancer, specially for early stage cancers. The tumor is removed and adjacent lymph nodes could also be removed. The bowel is usually sewen back but sometimes rectum is removed and colostomy bag is used to collect stools. 

Chemo

Chemo is the use of anti-cancer drug that helps to slow or stop the growth of rapidly dividing cells that cause cancer. It prevents the growth of rapidly dividing cells by killing the dividing cells.

Despite its side effects, chemo is still the most widely used cancer treatment option. Unlike radiation and surgery which treats cancer cells at particular locations, chemo drugs can kill cancer cells that have metastated (spread) to different organs in the body.

Radiation Treatment

Radiation Image

Radiation Treatment is a kind of cancer treatment that uses high doses of radiation beams to kill cancer cells to shrink the tumors. Radiation kills the cancer cells by destroying the DNA. Cancer cells with damaged DNA fail to multiply and die. They are then removed by the body’s mechanism.

Targeted Drug Treatment

Medications Image

Targeted treatment is a type of cancer treatment that uses cancer drugs. However, it is different from traditional chemo, which also uses drugs to kill cancer cells. In Targeted treatment, the cancer’s specific genes, proteins, or the tissue environment that contributes to cancer growth and survival are targeted. Targeted treatment is generally used with chemo and other interventions.

Immuno Treatment

Immuno Treatment (also called biological treatment) is a new type of cancer treatment where the body’s immune system is boosted to help the body fight cancer by itself. Immuno treatment uses substances made by the body or in a laboratory to improve or restore immune system function.

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