The colon or the large intestine is that part of our body, where salt and water from the solid waste are removed and the waste is then discarded out through the anus. Colon cancer is a type of cancer that begins at the cell lining of the intestine (colon). According to some researchers, it does include the rectum and therefore it is also called colorectal cancer.
Colon cancer is said to be the third-most-common cause for cancer-related deaths happening in the U.S. Therefore, healthcare professionals do recommend having a regular screening done for this starting from the age of 50. Any complications can be prevented when treatment is started at an early stage. People who have been diagnosed with colon cancer in San Antonioshould meet a specialist at the Digestive & Liver Disease Center. Here they help patients fight against colon cancer with proper screenings, advanced level diagnostics, and cutting-edge treatment.
Signs and Symptoms
This does not show any signs and symptoms in the early stages and that is the reason a regular screening is recommended to detect it at an early stage. However, once it advances, it starts showing the following symptoms:
Stages
- Stage 0- It is the early stage of cancer where cancer has affected just the lining of the intestine.
- Stage 1- Where cancer has spread from the lining of the intestine to the muscles of the intestine.
- Stage 2- Where cancer has spread from the walls of the intestine to the outermost layer and will spread to the other organs.
- Stage 3- Where cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the area as well as to the other organs of that area.
- Stage 4- It is called metastatic colon cancer. Here cancer spreads to the other parts of the body like the liver, bones, and lungs.
Treatment
Firstly, your doctor in San Antonio will take into consideration your age, overall health status, previous medical history, and other characteristics before deciding upon the treatment. The most common treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and lastly chemotherapy. The main aim of your treatment is to stop the spread of these cancer cells, remove it from your body and reduce any kind of symptoms.
It is very important to understand that cancer spread can be stopped if an early diagnosis is done and the treatment is started on an early basis. If cancer spreads beyond the affected areas, then it is difficult to make the person survive.
