Colon Cancer Specialist in Pune

Overview

Colorectal cancer, commonly referred to as colon cancer, is a form of cancer that impacts the colon or rectum. It develops when abnormal cells in the lining of the colon or rectum begin to grow uncontrollably. The ExactCauses of Colon Canceris not Fully Understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Certain inherited gene mutations Can Increase the Risk of developing Colon Cancer, while lifestyle factors such as a diet high in processed meats and low in fiber, sedentary lifestyle, Obesity, Smoking, and Heavy Alcohol consumption can also contribute to its development.

What is Colon Cancer?

Colon Cancer, also known as Colorectal Cancer, is a type of Cancer that starts in the large intestine (colon) or the rectum (end of the colon). Cancer begins when cells in the body start to grow out of control. Cells in nearly any part of the body can become cancer, and can spread to other areas

When Colon Cancer spreads (metastasizes), it often goes to the liver first. It can also spread to the lungs, lymph nodes, and other organs.

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Colon Cancer is sometimes called colorectal Cancer, which combines colon cancer and rectal cancer, which is cancer that starts in the last several inches of the colon.

Most cases of colon cancer begin as small, noncancerous (benign) polyps on the inside of the colon or rectum. Over time some of these polyps can become cancerous

Cancerous cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream and lymphatic system. When this happens, it is called metastasis. Cancer that has spread is still named after the part of the body where it started.

For example, Colon Cancer that has Spread to the Liver is Called Metastatic Colon Cancer, not Liver Cancer. but there is One Question, Is Colon Cancer Curable?

Causes of Colon Cancer

Cancer occurs when the body’s cells divide and grow too rapidly. This unregulated cell division can cause a mass, or tumor, to form. Cancerous tumors are malignant, meaning they can invade nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body. Benign tumors, on the other hand, do not spread.

The Cause of Colon Cancer is unknown, but there are certain risk factors that may increase your chance of developing the disease. These include:

Age:

The risk of colon cancer increases with age. Most cases occur in people over the age of 50

Family history:

If you have a family member who has had colon cancer or polyps, you are at increased risk

Chronic inflammatory bowel disease:

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are two types of inflammatory bowel disease that can increase your risk of colon cancer.

Diet:

A diet high in red or processed meats (such as hot dogs and bacon) and low in fruits and vegetables has been linked to an increased risk of Colon cancer. A diet high in fat and calories may also increase your risk

Obesity:

People who are obese have an increased risk of colon cancer

Smoking:

Smoking cigarettes increases the risk of colon cancer

Alcohol:
drinking alcohol increases the risk of colon cancer

Understanding causes associated with colon cancer is crucial for early detection and treatment. Age, personal or family history of colon cancer or polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, and certain inherited syndromes are known to heighten the risk.

For complete care at Oasis Clinic, Dr. Aditya Kulkarni, a dedicated Colon cancer Specialist in Pune, offers expertise and Personalized treatment.

Risk Factors for Colon Cancer

In addition to the above Causes, there are certain lifestyle choices that Can increase your risk of developing colon cancer. These include:

• A sedentary lifestyle,
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Heavy Alcohol use
• A diet high in red or processed meats
• A diet low in fruits and vegetables
  

Adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity, avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol consumption, and following a balanced Diet Rich in fruits and Vegetables can help lower the Risk of Colon Cancer.

For specialized Care in at Oasis Clinic, Dr. Aditya Kulkarni, a Skilled Colon Cancer Surgeon in Pune , is available to Provide Comprehensive Treatment Options.

Cancer Diagnosis

If you have any of the above risk factors, or if you experience symptoms of colon cancer, it’s important to see a doctor for a diagnosis. Symptoms of colon cancer can include:

• Blood in the stool,
• A change in bowel habits (such as diarrhoea or constipation),
• Abdominal pain for long period, and
• Unexplained Weight loss

Your doctor will likely perform a physical exam, as well as order tests to check for colon cancer. These may include a colonoscopy, a sigmoidoscopy, or a CT scan.

A Colonoscopy is an exam of the entire colon and rectum using a long, thin tube with a camera attached. A sigmoidoscopy is similar, but only exams the lower part of the colon. During a CT scan, X-rays are used to create cross-sectional images of the body.

Colon Cancer can be Identified through 5 tests, including Colonoscopy, CT Scan, MRI Scan, PET Scan, and Tumor Marker assessments. These Diagnostic tools are instrumental in confirming the presence of cancer and determining the appropriate course of action.

Staging colon cancer involves assessing its spread through physical exams, biopsies, and imaging tests. The four stages of colon cancer, from localized (stage I) to advanced metastasis (stage IV), help guide treatment decisions. Dr. Aditya Kulkarni at Oasis Clinic , Specializes in Colon Cancer Treatment in Pune and offers personalized care based on the specific stage of the cancer.

Treatment for Colon Cancer

The Treatment for colon cancer depends on the stage of the disease. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

Cancer Surgery

is the most common treatment for colon cancer. The type of surgery you have will depend on the stage of your cancer. For early-stage cancers, a partial colectomy may be all that is needed. This surgery removes the part of the colon with cancer, as well as a margin of healthy tissue around it

For more advanced cancers, a total colectomy may be necessary. This surgery removes the entire colon and rectum. In some cases, the surgeon may also need to remove nearby lymph nodes and/or other organs, such as the liver or ovaries

Radiation therapy

uses high-energy beams, such as X-rays, to kill cancer cells. It is often used in combination with surgery for early-stage cancers. For more advanced cancers, radiation therapy may be used to shrink the tumor before surgery

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy for these cancers aims to target and destroy cancer cells, reduce their growth, and reduce the risk of recurrence or spread. Chemotherapy can be given intravenously (through an IV) or orally (in pill form). It is often used in combination with surgery and/or radiation therapy.

chemotherapy is widely used in the treatment ofStomach Cancer,Pancreas Cancer, Colon cancer,Gallbladder Cancer,Esophageal Cancer,andLiver Cancer etc. The specific chemotherapy drugs and regimens may vary depending on the type and stage of cancer, as well as individual patient factors.

Chemotherapy for these cancers aims to target and destroy cancer cells, reduce their growth, and reduce the risk of recurrence or spread.

After treatment, it’s important tosee your doctor for follow-up appointments to check for cancer recurrence.You will also need to have regular colonoscopies to screen for new cancers.

Prognosis & Survivorship in Colon Cancer

The prognosis for colon cancer depends on the stage of the disease. The 5-year survival rate for stage I colon cancer is about 90%. This means that about 9 out of 10 people with stage I colon cancer will be alive 5 years after diagnosis

The 5-year survival rate for stage IV colon cancer is about 10%. This means that about 1 out of 10 people with stage IV colon cancer will be alive 5 years after diagnosis

There are a number of support groups and resources available for people with colon cancer and their caregivers. These can help you through your treatment and survivorship journey.

Prevention of Colon Cancer

There are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of colon cancer. These include:

• Quit Smoking
• Eat a healthy diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and low in red meat
• Exercise regularly
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Get regular screenings for colon cancer

If you have any questions or concerns about colon cancer, be sure to talk to your doctor. They can help you understand your risks and what you can do to prevent the disease.

Coping with Colon Cancer

A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. You may feel scared, confused, and alone. It’s important to remember that you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you through this time.

Some tips for coping with colon cancer include:

• Find a support group
• Talk to a Counselor or Therapist
• Exercise Regularly
• Eat a Healthy diet
• Get Regular screenings for Colon Cancer

Conclusion

Colon cancer is a serious disease, but if caught early it can be treated and cured. This blog post has hopefully provided you with all the information you need to know about colon cancer – from the basics to more specific advice on coping with the disease. If you have any further questions or would like to share your own experiences with colon cancer.