colon cancer

What is Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is a type of cancer that affects the large intestine (colon) or the rectum. It occurs when abnormal cells in the lining of the colon or rectum grow and multiply uncontrollably, forming a tumor.

Causes and Risk Factors

• Colon cancer starts in the cells of the colon or rectum [6].
• A cancerous tumour is a group of cancer cells that can grow into nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body [6].
• The exact cause of colon cancer is not known, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors [9].

Symptoms

• Early symptoms of colon cancer may include bloody stools [10].
• As the disease progresses, symptoms can include abdominal pain, weight loss, fatigue, and changes in bowel habits.

Types of Colon Cancer

• Colon cancer is classified into different types based on its location and stage:
  • Right-sided colon cancer: affects the right side of the colon
  • Left-sided colon cancer: affects the left side of the colon
  • Rectal cancer: affects the rectum

Prevention and Screening

• Regular screening tests, such as colonoscopy or stool tests, can help detect colon cancer in its early stages.
• A healthy diet, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of developing colon cancer.

References:

[1] - [10] are citations from the search results provided in the context.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Colon Cancer

Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, can be a silent killer if left undetected. While many people with colon cancer don't experience symptoms at first, when they do appear, they can vary depending on the size and location of the tumor in the large intestine.

Common Symptoms:

• A change in bowel habits, such as more frequent diarrhea or constipation [1]
• Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool [2]
• Abdominal pain or cramping [11]
• Bloating [11]
• Change in appetite [11]
• Excessive fatigue [11]
• Weight loss without dieting [11]

Other Possible Symptoms:

• Diarrhea or constipation [8, 12]
• Changes in normal bowel habits [7, 8, 9, 11]
• Urge to have a bowel movement when there is no need [8]
• Pain or cramping in the lower stomach [9]
• Blood in stool [6, 13]

Important Note:

It's essential to note that some colon cancer symptoms can be similar to those of less serious conditions. If you experience any unusual changes in your body, it's crucial to consult a doctor for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

References:

[1] Symptoms of colon cancer don't have symptoms at first. When symptoms appear, they'll likely depend on the cancer's size and where it is in the large intestine. [2] Learn about the common signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer, such as rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, and weight loss. [6] Symptoms of colorectal cancer include diarrhea, constipation, feeling full and blood in the stool. [7] Symptoms of bowel (colorectal) cancer can include a change in your normal bowel habit, blood in your poo, pain or feeling more tired than usual. [8] Colon cancer symptoms vary person to person. 1. Diarrhea or constipation 2. Change in normal bowel habits 3. Urge to have a bowel movement when there ... [9] Symptoms can include: · bleeding from your bottom · blood in your poo · a change in your pooing habits. [11] Colon cancer symptoms vary person to person. 1. Diarrhea or constipation 2. Change in normal bowel habits 3. Urge to have a bowel movement when there is no need 4. Pain or cramping in your lower stomach 5. Bloating 6. Change in appetite 7. Rectal bleeding 8. Blood in stool 9. Excessive fatigue 10. Weight loss without dieting [12] Colon cancer affects the colon (large intestine) and causes a range of symptoms, including changes in the stool and abdominal pain. [13] Learn about the signs and symptoms of colon and rectal cancer, such as blood in the stool, changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, anemia and weight loss.

Types of Diagnostic Tests for Colon Cancer

Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, can be diagnosed using various tests. These tests help identify the presence of cancer cells in the colon or rectum.

• Blood Tests: Blood tests are not used to diagnose colon cancer directly. However, they can provide information about overall health, such as kidney function [2].
• Stool-Based Tests: Stool-based tests check for hidden blood in the stool (feces). These tests include:
  • Guaiac fecal occult blood test (gFOBT): This test uses a chemical to detect heme, a component of hemoglobin [3].
  • Fecal immunochemical test (FIT): This test detects hidden blood in your stool [9].
• Visual Exams: Visual exams involve looking inside the colon and rectum using a flexible tube with a camera. These tests include:
  • Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is the most common test used to diagnose colorectal cancer. During this procedure, the doctor looks inside the colon and rectum [6].
  • Flexible sigmoidoscopy: This test allows the doctor to view the lower part of the colon and rectum [8].

Other Diagnostic Tests

• Barium Enema: A barium enema is a test that uses X-rays and a liquid called barium to visualize the inside of the colon.
• Virtual Colonoscopy: Virtual colonoscopy is a test that uses CT scans or MRI to create images of the inside of the colon.

References

[1] Learn about the types of tests to diagnose and stage colorectal cancer, including gene tests that can help pick the right medicines to treat ... [2] Blood tests. Blood tests aren't used to diagnose colon cancer. But blood tests can give clues about overall health, such as how well the kidneys ... [3] Oct 29, 2024 — What methods are used to screen people for colorectal cancer? · Guaiac fecal occult blood test (gFOBT). [4] Sep 4, 2024 — What happens during a colorectal cancer screening? [5] Jul 31, 2024 — Blood-based tests: These tests check a person's blood for signs of colorectal cancer. [6] A colonoscopy is the most common test used to diagnose colorectal cancer. During a colonoscopy, the doctor looks inside the colon and rectum using a flexible ... [7] 2024 · Cited by 7 — A colonoscopy is one of several screening tests for colorectal cancer. [8] Tests for Colon and Rectal Cancer Screening and Diagnosis [9] A colonoscopy is the most common screening test for colon cancer. Other tests include: Fecal immunochemical test (FIT): This test detects hidden blood in your ...

Colon Cancer Drug Treatments

Colon cancer treatment involves various medications to target and eliminate cancer cells. The following are some common drug treatments for colon cancer:

• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses anti-cancer drugs to kill cancer cells. These drugs can be injected into a vein or taken by mouth (1). Common chemotherapy drugs used in treating colorectal cancer include oxaliplatin, irinotecan, capecitabine, and fluorouracil (5, 9).
• Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy uses medications that specifically target cancer cells. Bevacizumab (Avastin) is a targeted therapy drug used to treat colon cancer by blocking the growth of blood vessels that feed the tumor (2). Other targeted therapy drugs include cetuximab and panitumumab, which are available on the NHS for advanced bowel cancer (6).
• Monoclonal Antibodies: Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made molecules that can bind to specific targets in the body. Bevacizumab is an example of a monoclonal antibody used in treating colon cancer (1).

Common Chemotherapy Drugs

Some common chemotherapy drugs used to treat colorectal cancer include:

• Oxaliplatin
• Irinotecan (Camptosar)
• Capecitabine
• Fluorouracil with leucovorin
• Raltitrexed (Tomudex)
• Trifluridine and tipiracil (Lonsurf)

References

1. Chemotherapy is treatment with anti-cancer drugs that may be injected into a vein or taken by mouth. These drugs travel through the bloodstream to reach cancer cells throughout the body.
2. Bevacizumab (Avastin) is an anti-VEGF drug used in treating colon cancer.
3. Chemotherapy · capecitabine · irinotecan (Camptosar) · oxaliplatin · 5-fluorouracil with leucovorin · raltitrexed (Tomudex) · trifluridine and tipiracil (Lonsurf).
4. Colon cancer treatments can include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy.
5. The NCD states that “Oxaliplatin (Eloxatin™), irinotecan (Camptosar®), cetuximab (Erbitux™), and bevacizumab (Avastin™) are anti-cancer drugs used in treating colorectal cancer.”
6. Cetuximab and panitumumab are available on the NHS for advanced bowel cancer.
7. Chemotherapy · capecitabine · irinotecan (Camptosar) · oxaliplatin · 5-fluorouracil with leucovorin · raltitrexed (Tomudex) · trifluridine and tipiracil (Lonsurf).
8. Colon cancer treatment usually involves surgery to remove the cancer.
9. Common chemotherapy drugs for bowel cancer used before or after surgery are fluorouracil, capecitabine and oxaliplatin.
10. The most common chemotherapy drugs used to treat colorectal cancer are: ... Leucovorin (folinic acid) is a common drug used in treating colorectal cancer.

Note: This information is based on the search results provided and may not be comprehensive or up-to-date. It's always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Differential Diagnosis of Colon Cancer

Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, can be challenging to diagnose due to its similarity in symptoms with other conditions. The differential diagnosis of colon cancer includes a range of conditions that must be ruled out before a definitive diagnosis is made.

Conditions to Consider

• Arteriovenous malformation (AVM): AVMs can cause rectal bleeding, which may be mistaken for colon cancer [1].
• Carcinoid/neuroendocrine tumors: These rare tumors of the gastrointestinal tract can present with nonspecific symptoms, such as abdominal pain and weight loss [2].
• Ischemic bowel: Ischemia of the bowel can cause lower abdominal pain and fever, similar to appendicitis or diverticulitis [3].
• Small-intestine carcinomas: These rare tumors can be mistaken for colon cancer due to their similarity in symptoms [4].
• Gastrointestinal lymphoma: This type of cancer can also present with nonspecific symptoms, such as abdominal pain and weight loss [5].

Other Conditions

• Benign colon polyps: Larger polyps may present with similar symptoms to colon cancer, such as rectal bleeding or changes in bowel habits [6].
• Appendicitis: This condition can cause lower abdominal pain and fever, which may be mistaken for colon cancer [7].
• Diverticulitis: Inflammation of the diverticula can cause lower abdominal pain and fever, similar to appendicitis or ischemic bowel [8].

Importance of Accurate Diagnosis

Accurate diagnosis of colon cancer is crucial to ensure proper treatment and management. A misdiagnosis can lead to delayed treatment, which may worsen the prognosis.

References

[1] Context 1: Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) can cause rectal bleeding. [2] Context 2: Carcinoid tumors may present with nonspecific symptoms. [3] Context 3: Ischemic bowel can cause lower abdominal pain and fever. [4] Context 5: Small-intestine carcinomas can be mistaken for colon cancer. [5] Context 6: Gastrointestinal lymphoma can present with nonspecific symptoms. [6] Context 10: Benign colon polyps may present with similar symptoms to colon cancer. [7] Context 3: Appendicitis can cause lower abdominal pain and fever. [8] Context 7: Diverticulitis can cause lower abdominal pain and fever.