Tuesday, December 8, 2009

What are the treatment or surgerys of colon cancer

What are the treatment or surgerys of colon cancer?
what are the names of treatments and surgerys for a patient who had colon cancer?
Cancer - 4 Answers
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1 :
U want it for what? Because ur question is very difficult to answer in short, u may contact me for specific queries
2 :
kellbell: I don't know that I can't tell you ALL the names and treatments for Colon CA, but I can tell you of my experience. 1). A colon CA might be discovered via a COLONOSCOPY....looking with a camera (no kiddin') into one's colon. Via the colonoscopy the MD's might view a normal colon, or perhaps find POLYPS, a growth on the lining of the colon POSSIBLY indicating a Cancer related cell growth, or an actual TUMOR (again an abnormal growth of cells) and again, as I understand, possibly a CA or possibly not. Lab testing of specimen tissue ( a BIOPSY) determines a CA growth and the type of. Polyps can be removed during a colonoscopy for lab testing. Should these polyps or an actual tumor be found to be CA, then I believe a surgery is indicated. The surgeons will remove the parts of the colon necessary in an operation called a COLECTOMY. The colon, your "large bowel" which is connected to your small intestines at one end and your rectum at the other, is basically identified in 3 parts: the ASCENDING COLON, the TRANSVERSE COLON, and the DESCENDING COLON. Surgical removal of a section of the colon is called a HEMICOLECTOMY, removal of all the colon is referred to as a TOTAL COLECTOMY or a SUB-TOTAL COLECTOMY, Some persons who receive a colectomy are also fitted with a COLOSTOMY, a "hole" in the abdomen via which an exterior bag device is located to accept the fecal matter ( poop..you know..) the patient produces. Such a patient , as long as they have a colostomy will no longer pass feces rectally..only into the device, which obviously the patient changes/empties as necessary. P.S., I have known people with a Colostomy who have had such for 25 years and better...you could "look at them and never know " they were wearing the device. In my case, I received a sub-total colectomy, I am basically without any colon save for a small remaining part near the rectum to which the distal end of my small intestines is attached. I do not have a colostomy. I attribute this to good luck and my surgeons' skill. another P.S....my Kaiser surgeon has "saved" me twice now. How does one acknowledge such a person, and all the other staff as well? I do it by having fun every day. THANKS AGAIN KAISER!!! Colon CA might also be treated with a course of CHEMOTHERAPY...basically a medicine designed to "attack and kill fast growing type cells), whether they are CA or not I suppose, thus some of the side effects of Chemo..{fatigue, nausea amongst others). Hey, another P.S., all through Chemo I also tried to have fun, and sorta did..I was as active as I could be given the circumstances. Being on chemo is not "a nightmare". After a surgery for colon CA the MD's will continue to follow a patient with follow up colonoscopies as well as other regular exams. I hope I have answered some of your questions, I know I have not stated "all the treatments existing for Colon CA", just those I am familiar with and aware of. Here is what I think of CA, and my experience. Cancer is like a bully, twice you size and completely able to pummel you, but no matter how many times he punches you...you get up and say "F/U cancer", whether you are going to get smashed again or not. F/U CANCER, and heres a big F/U for all those too ill to say it for themselves. Just as with all other bully's, one day you are going to get your A** kicked too.
3 :
CANCER OF THE COLON is the disease characterized by the development of malignant cells in the lining or epithelium of the first and longest portion of the large intestine. Malignant cells have lost normal control mechanisms governing growth. These cells may invade surrounding local tissue or they may spread throughout the body and invade other organ systems. TREATMENT depends upon the stage of the cancer. The initial treatment is usually local excision of the tumor or excision of a larger part of the colon followed by the joining of the two adjacent ends, a procedure referred to as end-to-end anastomosis. In some cases a colostomy (an opening that allows waste to be expelled through an opening in the abdomen rather than through the anus) is created either temporarily, to allow healing, or permanently, if significant portions of the colon have had to be removed. If the disease is advanced, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or biological therapies (therapies that stimulate the body's own immune defenses against the disease) may be used in addition to surgery...
4 :
check this site out for more info http://fly2.ws/colorectal-cancer hope it helps! take care

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Friday, December 4, 2009

What are the symptons for colon cancer, and what causes colon cancer

What are the symptons for colon cancer, and what causes colon cancer?
And what is the treatment for Colon Polyp? I understand there is no surgery or medication required for colon polyp, what's the method used to remove colon polyp?? Is it painful?? Will appreciate if any oncologist or anyone who had experienced or has this knowledge, please kindly give your professional and vaulable advice. Thank you very much.
Cancer - 3 Answers
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1 :
Hi, This is generally a straight forward procedure. It involves you preparing a few days before hand by fasting and drinking a specific solution that will clear your bowels. This will then be followed by a colonoscopy being conducted whilst you are under a general anesthetic (usually for around 30min). The doctor will use a fibre optic camera to inspect the colon and if he discovers any polyps, they may be removed at the same time, if deemed to be small enough and sage to do so. If they are anticipated as being cancerous or larger than can be safely removed, through this procedure, then you may be referred to an oncologist and surgeon for a more involved procedure or other treatment as deemed necessary. For a more detailed explanation, you can check out the following site.
2 :
A polyp (but not cancer) is removed by colonoscopy which is not painfull, but can be unpleasent. The doctor introduce a tube through your anus until he can see the polyp and then remove it with some kind of scissors. You receive some mild sedation so you won't feel any pain. The symptoms of colon cancer are: A change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool for more than a couple of weeks Small-caliber (narrow) stools or ribbon-like stools Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain Sensation of incomplete evacuation after a bowel movement Unexplained weight loss associated with fatigue and pale skin. More about that, on my blog: http://www.newcancerguide.com/colon-cancer-%e2%80%93-symptoms.html The cause is unknown, but there are some risk factors, polyps being one of the most important. I wrote an article about all the risk factors for colon cancer here: http://www.newcancerguide.com/colon-cancer-%e2%80%93-risk-factors.html
3 :
Colon polyps are fleshy growths that occur on the inside (the lining) of the large intestine, also known as the colon. Polyps in the colon are extremely common, and their incidence increases as individuals get older. It is estimated that 50% of the people over the age of 60 will harbor at least one polyp. The significance of polyps is that we know that when certain types of polyps grow large enough, they can become cancerous, and, moreover, colon cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer in the United Sates. Therefore, screening for colon polyps and removing them before they become cancerous should markedly reduce the incidence of colon cancer. What types of polyps become cancerous? The polyps that become cancerous are called adenomatous polyps or adenomas. Adenomas account for approximately 75% of all colon polyps. There are several subtypes of adenoma that differ primarily in the way the cells of the polyp are assembled when they are examined under the microscope. Thus, there are tubular, villous, or tubulo-villous adenomas. Villous adenomas are the most likely to become cancerous, and tubular adenomas are the least likely. Are there other factors that determine a polyp's chance of becoming cancerous? Another factor that contributes to a polyp's likelihood of becoming cancerous is its size. The larger a polyp grows, the more likely it is to become cancerous. Once a polyp reaches two centimeters or approximately one inch in size, the risk of cancer is in excess of 20 percent. Therefore, it is advisable to remove polyps of any size, preferably when they are of a small size, to prevent their growth and progression to cancer. adenomatous polyps are detected with sigmoidoscopy, then a full colonoscopy with a longer tube (four to five feet) should be used to inspect the entire length of the colon. During a colonoscopy, any polyp can be removed and sent for an evaluation under the microscope to determine if it too is an adenomatous polyp. Many doctors in the US are recommending screening colonoscopies rather than flexible sigmoidoscopies for healthy subjects with an average risk for developing colon cancer. Colonoscopies are recommended beginning at the age of 50 and thereafter every 7-10 years if no colon polyps or cancers are found. The rationale for this recommendation is: 1) Colonoscopy examines the entire colon while flexible sigmoidoscopy only examines the rectum and the colon adjacent to the rectum, 2) approximately 50% of colon polyps (and colon cancers) are found in the upper colon (cecum, ascending colon, and transverse colon) and, therefore, are beyond the reach of sigmoidoscopes and would be missed by flexible sigmoidoscopy, and 3) the National Polyp Study, a large, scientific study, has shown that colonoscopy with removal of all colon polyps reduces deaths from colon cancer. Surveillance after polyps are found depends on the number and type of polyp that are found. If the polyp is not an adenoma, then follow- up with colonoscopy is not necessary. If only one polyp is found and it is a tubular adenoma less than 1 centimeter in size, then repeating the colonoscopy after five years is appropriate (Unless the individual has had a first degree relative with colon cancer in which case three years would be appropriate.) If a first or subsequent colonoscopy finds three or more adenomas, the next colonoscopy should be between one and three years later. If a polyp is flat (sessile) and, therefore, is more difficult to remove completely, then the site of the removal should be checked in 3-6 months to document complete removal and then again one year later. Once a normal colonoscopy without polyps is performed, the surveillance interval can be increased to five years. What happens if a polyp that is removed contains cancer? These polyps may be treated without surgical removal of that part of the colon that contained the polyp if: 1) the doctor is confident that the polyp was removed completely, 2) the pathologist does not see any cancer at the margin of the polyp that was attached to the colon (which would suggest that cancer was left behind), and 3) the cancer is histologically (under the microscope) "less aggressive" looking. Is one's risk of having colon cancer increased by having had an adenoma? An individual's risk of colon cancer is approximately double the general population once an adenomatous polyp is found. This individual's risk of developing colon cancer can be significantly reduced by removing the polyp and any future polyps.

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Tuesday, December 1, 2009

What's the best way to prevent colon cancer

What's the best way to prevent colon cancer?
what are its causes, whats the medical procedure to check for it and how to prevent it? People that have relatives who had colon cancer are more likely to get it?
Cancer - 5 Answers
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1 :
Causes - don't know. Standard medical procedure is a colonoscopy - they give you an anaesthetic and stick a few feet of bendy tube up your bum with a camera. Prevention - decent diet (particularly fibre), also, low-dose soluable aspirin has been shown to guard against many common cancers. Yes, if you have a family member with colon cancer, it does increase your risk. Your doctor should be able to advise you on any necessary screening, but you shouldn't need to worry until you're over 50.
2 :
Yes, it's familial, so blood relatives having had it mean you're more likely to get it. There appears to be some tie-in with diet, specifically inadequate consumption of fiber, and colon cancer. The specifics causing a polyp to mutate into a cancer are not fully understood. The big preventive measure is colonoscopy, which is uncomfortable, embarrassing, and expensive. The doctor can remove any polyps found, meaning he's removing potential future cancers.
3 :
Most colon cancers should be preventable, through increased surveillance, improved lifestyle, and, probably, the use of dietary chemopreventative agents.
4 :
The risk factors for colon cancer are: Getting older; your risk of developing colon cancer increases with age; 80% of cases are diagnosed in people over 60. Being overweight or obese Being inactive increases the risk of colon cancer - at least half an hourof moderate exercise five times a week can help lower the likelihood of the disease developing. A diet that is high in red or processed meat and fat, and low in fibre, fruit and vegetables can increase the risk Smoking may increase risk, particularly in heavy drinkers. Alcohol consumption may increase risk, especially in those with low levels of folate in their diet. If you have previously had a polyp in your bowel, especially a type called an adenomatous polyp, you are at increased risk of developing colon cancer. You are at increased risk if you have had colon cancer before. People with severe ulcerative colitis, or who have had Crohn's disease for many years, have a slightly increased risk of developing colon cancer. You can't guarantee prevention, but you can do your best to prevent it byavoiding those risk factors that are avoidable. Like other cancers, it's rarely hereditary. Fewer than 5% of colon cancer cases are hereditary. As with other cancers, where there is a strong family history of colon cancer - several members of the same side of the family having had it, particularly if some have been diagnosed at a younger than usual age - that is an indication that it may well be hereditary.
5 :
some suggestions to decrease chances of colon cancer. -eat vegetables and fruits more. they contain antioxidants and fibers which prevent colon cancer by decreasing gene damage. -take less of meat and other non vegetarian foods as they carry the risk of colon cancer. -take less smoky and pickled food as it also contains many known carcinogens. -eat fresh. avoid packaged foods. -if you have a familial history of colon cancer, better have your diagnostic colonoscopy done every year atleast after age of 40.

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