Colorectal Cancer Screening and Diagnosis

After the digestion process is completed, the large in the intestine (colon), receives food. It is dehydrated, and then liquidified. The colon absorbs water and electrolytes from the food, forming stool, which is then passed to the small intestine. It also contains bacteria that eats and breaks down waste.

The large intestine

The large intestine is home to many important functions. It absorbs water, processes food, and moves feces to the rectum to eliminate. It is composed of two major components comprising the ascending colon which absorbs the water from the food and solidifies the indigestible matter into stool and the descending colon which stores the stool. Each of these parts is divided and contains blood vessels, nerves and visceral muscle cells.

The colon is divided into four parts. The first section, the ascending colon, is connected to the small intestine via the cecum, and the second part which is called the descending colon extends from the right side of the abdomen to the left. The final section of the large intestine is known as the transverse colon, which connects the beginning and the end of the ascending colon.

Colorectal cancer

It is crucial to identify colorectal cancer in the early stages in order to treat it earlier and prevent it from developing. Modern medical technology has allowed doctors to detect colorectal cancer signs and symptoms earlier. This reduces the likelihood of developing the disease. The screening test can help you detect whether there is a polyp or cancer. A colorectal screening test cancer will reveal polyps before they develop into cancerous. This allows for a quicker treatment of them. The majority of cases of colorectal tumors occur in people over 50 years old but it can also occur at any age. The cancer can also be a problem for African-Americans, who are three times more likely to be diagnosed with it than Caucasians.

Surgery can be performed in the event that the cancer is at stage 0 in its course.  Colon Cleanse Pills  is called carcinoma in situ. The cancer is located within the lining of the colon or rectum, and it does not grow to other organs. Surgery could be enough to eliminate the lesion and improve the patient's quality-of-life.

Diagnosis

Different tests are needed to identify colon cancer. Different tests are required to diagnose it. These tests include blood tests as well as imaging. These tests can determine the stage of the cancer and whether it has spread to other areas of the body. Doctors also take into account the signs and symptoms of the patient as well as their overall health and the results of previous medical tests to help determine the best treatment option for the patient.

First the tissue sample is required to determine the condition. The tissue is then examined under an microscope. If the sample shows signs of colon cancer it is a definitive diagnosis. A pathologist will examine the specimen and search for abnormal cells and organs. A colonoscopy or surgery, may involve the biopsy. It can also be done with the aid of an ultrasound or CT scan.

Treatment

There are many options for colon treatment that include polypectomy as well as colon surgery. To eliminate polyps the wire loop is used for polypectomy. A colonectomy, on other hand, takes out a colon's entire contents including polyps and nearby lymph nodes. A stoma is also created by the surgeon to create a colonostomy bag.

Colon treatment is designed to eradicate cancer. This can be accomplished by surgery or radiation. The extent of the removal will depend on the extent of cancer and its spread. While surgery is the most common option, chemotherapy and radiation may be required for certain patients.

Prevention

Polyps are removed to prevent colon cancer. A colonoscopy is a procedure that involves looking at the colon with a light tube. This will allow the disease to be identified early and treated before it develops into other organs. Additionally, colon cancer is a genetic condition that is affecting up to five percent of the population, and DNA testing will help determine whether you are at a higher risk for colon cancer.

If you have a high risk of colon cancer, it is important to discuss your risk with your physician. They can help you determine whether preventative drugs are safe for you. For information and support you can also connect to other patients. A patient community is accessible on Mayo Clinic Connect.