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What Is Colon Cancer?

What is colon cancer? According to statistics, colon cancer is ranked third in causing cancer-related deaths in the USA. Colon cancer is a type of cancer that primarily affects the large intestines and the rectum. This type of cancer starts as small, non-cancerous cells known as polyps. The polyps might then grow to be cancerous over time.

Since polyps are small cells, it might be difficult to note any signs and symptoms. Therefore, it is significant for you to go for regular screening tests to help prevent colon cancer. Through tests, the doctors will identify and remove the polyps before they become cancerous. Here are a few signs and symptoms that might hint that you have colon cancer.

Change in Bowel Habits

If you notice a continuing change in your bowel habits, this would be the right time to see your doctor. Among the changes you can note are – constipation or diarrhea and a change in the consistency of your stool.

Weight Loss

One of the notable signs of colon cancer is loss of weight unintentionally. This first begins with you lacking appetite. If you note an unintentional loss of weight, ensure that you go for a test as soon as possible.

Blood in Your Stool

It is one of the warning signs that you might have colon cancer. If you notice that there is blood in your stool, seeing a doctor immediately is relevant. It is often a sign that your rectum or large intestines are bleeding. Notably, there is blood that is not visible in stool but only on tests. This is why going for regular screening tests is vital.

Vomiting and Nausea

When a colon tumor is present, the passage of gas, liquid, or solid waste becomes difficult. As a result, you will feel like vomiting. If in more than 24 hours you still experience vomiting and nausea, you must get medication.

Abdominal Pain

Another sign that you might be having colon cancer is when you have pain or cramps in your abdominal area. You might also have stomach bloating. However, you should understand that these symptoms could also mean that you are suffering from another type of ailment. If the abdominal pain becomes persistent, ensure to see a doctor to know what your problem is.

If the doctor diagnoses you with cancer, different types of treatment can help in controlling it. Depending on the extent of the colon cancer, the doctor will decide which treatment option is best for you. Here are a few treatments for colon cancer.

Surgery

This is an effective method of treatment used in treating colon cancer. Pain is one of the side effects that you will get from the surgery.

Chemotherapy

To ensure that all the cancer cells in the colon are eliminated, the doctor will advise you to go for chemotherapy. It entails using drugs to ensure that the cells do not multiply in the colon. Chemotherapy treatment is administered to you for a set duration. During the sessions, the doctor might decide to give you one drug or combine two drugs simultaneously. The extent of colon cancer will determine the number of drugs you will require.

Some people will get chemotherapy treatment before surgery. The intent is to reduce the chances that cancer will return and help reduce the size of the colon tumor. The side effects that you will experience from chemotherapy include: nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, you need not worry, as there are drugs available to help suppress these side effects.

Radiation Therapy

Since colon cancer tends to recur, this is one of the most used treatments. Radiation therapy uses x-rays to eliminate cancerous cells. To complete the therapy, you will have several appointments with your doctor. The doctor can decide to use radiation therapy before surgery to help reduce the size of the tumor. Therefore, it will be easier to remove it. It also is helpful after surgery to ensure that all remaining cancer cells are eliminated.

What is colon cancer? To prevent the chances of you getting colon cancer, you need to go for screening tests. If you already have it, the doctors will notice it at an early stage and remove it before the cancerous cells multiply. There are cases of cancer misdiagnosis that have been recorded. The doctor might fail to properly monitor your cancer or give you the wrong diagnosis. If you experience this, you should seek legal advice from a professional. It is, therefore, essential for you to contact New York cancer lawyers to get the compensation you deserve.