The incidence of cancer of the large bowel and rectum shows wide variation throughout the world. It is one of the most common internal malignancies in the United States. The mean age for onset of colorectal cancer is 63 to 67 years old. The exact cause of this type of malignancy is unknown, but it is generally accepted that it occurs more frequent on urbanized, industrialized countries and less frequently in rural and underdeveloped ones. The causes are considered to be more due to environmental factors. However, family history is also a predisposing factor.
The high bulk diet of persons in less advanced areas permits the easy, rapid passage of several bowel movements per day which is one of the tips for colorectal cancer prevention. Researchers agree that more work needs to be done, but delayed motility and bacterial activity seem to be involved in developing carcinogens. Constipation predisposes to cancer of the bowel by permitting long exposure of the mucosa to external carcinogens in the stool.
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A thorough physical examination and questions about patient history are essential in determining the presence of carcinoma. The patient should be questioned about previous findings of polyps or colitis, and about a family history of colorectal and other cancers. The findings may be non-conclusive or highly suspicious. Rectal examination also reveals about 50% of cancers in the large bowel. Iron deficiency anemia in the male and post menopausal female and the presence of blood in the stool should always be investigated.
Colorectal cancer symptoms include changes in bowel habits and bleeding. Pain is even felt depending on where the cancer cells are located on the part of the colon. When it includes the rectum and the recto-sigmoid for instance, local pain or pain in the lower back that radiates down the legs. It feels like you are being zapped with a stun gun at that area. Nausea and vomiting is also common and even anorexia and anemia.
One of the most confusing aspects of large bowel cancer has been related to staging or classification of the disease. The staging is based on examination of the specimen after surgery. Numerous staging systems have been developed. The Dukes classification with three stages is simple and easy. Stage A involves the spread of the mucosa and sub-mucosa. Stage B includes the invasion through the entire muscle wall with no node involvement. Lastly, stage C includes the metastasis to regional lymph nodes.
The treatment for colorectal cancer may involve one or a combination of surgery, including laser surgery, radiation therapy which includes isotope implants and chemotherapy which also involves immunotherapy. Electric sparks almost similar or higher than the voltage used on tazer gun is applied to destroy tissues or it is medically called as fulguration. The choice of the particular modality or combination is dependent upon the type and location of the tumor, degree of metastasis and the condition of the patient.
The prognosis is dependent upon the time of detection and the treatment. That is why you must know and be vigilant when it comes to the warning signs and symptoms of this type of cancer for earlier detection and prevention.
Colorectal Cancer Information On Symptoms And Treatment Cancer Treatments
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