Colorectal Cancer for diagnosis

Although the exact cause of colorectal cancer is unknown, studies show a greater incidence in areas of higher economic development, suggesting a relationship to a diet that includes excess animal fat, especially from beef, and low fiber. Other factors that magnify the risk of developing colorectal cancer include diseases of the digestive tract, a history of ulcerative colitis (cancer usually starts in 11 to 17 years), and familial polyposis (cancer almost always develops by age 50). Signs and Symptoms The following are the most common symptoms of colorectal cancer. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. People who have any of the following symptoms should check with their physicians, especially if they are over 50 years old or have a personal or family history of the disease: a change in bowel habits such as diarrhea,”diagnosis: a preface to an autopsy”
“To confess ignorance is often wiser than to beat about the bush with a hypothetical diagnosis.”
“Being a reporter is as much a diagnosis as a job description” constipation, or narrowing of the stool that lasts for more than a few days rectal bleeding or blood in the stool cramping or gnawing stomach pain decreased appetite vomiting weakness and fatigue jaundice – yellowing of the skin and eyes The symptoms of colorectal cancer may resemble other conditions, such as infections, hemorrhoids, and inflammatory bowel disease. It is also possible to have colon cancer and not have any symptoms. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis. Diagnostic tests Colorectal cancer screening and diagnosis may involve one or more of a number of procedures: Digital rectal exam Fecal occult (hidden) blood test Flexible sigmoidoscopy Total colonoscopy Barium enema Genetic testing Virtual Colonoscopy Treatment The most effective treatment for colorectal cancer is surgery to remove the malignant tumor and adjacent tissues, along with any lymph nodes that may contain cancer cells. After surgery, treatment continues with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or both. The type of surgery depends on tumor location: Cecum and ascending colon. Tumors in these areas call for right hemicolectomy (for advanced disease). Surgery may include resection of the terminal segment of the ileum, cecum, ascending colon, and right half of the transverse colon with corresponding mesentery. Proximal and middle transverse colon. Surgery consists of right colectomy that includes the transverse colon and mesentery corresponding to midcolic vessels, or segmental resection of the transverse colon and associated midcolic vessels. Sigmoid colon. Surgery usually is limited to the sigmoid colon and mesentery. Upper rectum. A tumor in this area usually requires anterior or low anterior resection. A newer method, using a stapler, allows for much lower resections than previously possible. Lower rectum. Abdominoperineal resection and permanent sigmoid colostomy are required. If metastasis has occurred, or if the patient has residual disease or a recurrent inoperable tumor, he needs chemotherapy. Drugs used in such treatment commonly include fluorouracil combined with levamisole or leucovorin. Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of fluorouracil with recombinant interferon alfa-2a. Radiation therapy, used before or after surgery, induces tumor regression. Prevention Recent research suggests that a high fiber, low-fat diet plays a role in prevention; how great a role it plays is unclear. Fiber helps to move waste through the colon and may even protect cells in the lining of the colon from developing into polyps. A good rule of thumb is that the average adult should consume at least 25 – 35 grams of fiber daily. This amount can be obtained by eating five half-cup servings of fruits and vegetables every day. For adults, adding a soluble fiber supplement is an easy and practical way to obtain the recommended daily intake of fiber. Staying active and drinking at least 8 eight-ounce glasses of non-caffeinated fluid daily also is good for digestive health. By following the recommended screening methods, many polyps and growths can be detected early. Finding and removing colorectal polyps with sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy clearly reduces the risk of their development into cancers.