Diagnosing And Treatment Of Colorectal Cancer

In case, the tests indicate the presence of a tumor, the subsequent approach would be undergoing a biopsy procedure.

During the colonoscopy procedure, polyps are removed and tissue samples are drawn from dubious sections of the colon which appear abnormal. The tissue sample is then sent for microscopic evaluation for establishing the presence or absence of malignancy.

Staging:

In case cancer has been diagnosed, then its staging – a method of determining the extent of metastasis of the cancer is performed. There could be no correlation between the size of the tumor and the cancer staging. Staging additionally allows the doctor to ascertain the form of therapy that the patient would undergo.

• Stage I
  The cancer has not metastasized past the inner areas of the colon or the rectum.
• Stage II
  The cancer has developed in the muscular layer of the colon or rectum.
• Stage III
  The cancer has been detected in one or further lymph nodes in the region.
• Stage IV
  Cancer has metastasized to other organs of the body like the liver, lungs or bones. This staging is independent of the depth of the tumor penetration or whether the disease has metastasized to the lymph nodes close to the tumor site.

Prognosis:

The survival chances are based on the staging of the cancer, with advanced staging correlating to graver forms of the cancer. The 5-year rates of survival are the proportion of patients that have lived for no less than 5 years subsequent to diagnosis. A 93 percent 5-year survival rate has been observed in those detected with Stage I cancer whereas merely eight percent five-year survival rates have been observed in those detected with stage IV cancer.

Surgery:

In the final staging of colorectal cancer, the general treatment is surgical intervention for the removal of the tumor and the adjacent tissues. In case of bigger sized tumors, the complete excision of the part of the colon and optionally the rectum. The positive aspect about surgery is that it has increasing levels of curative rates. In case cancer has metastasized to the other body organs, surgical intervention would not be able to provide a treatment – however the removal of the supplementary tumors, when doable could lower the signs.

Treatment of Advanced Colorectal Cancer:

In case the colorectal cancer has metastasized to one or further lymph nodes, i.e., stage III, it could yet be treated. Treatment classically comprises of a merger of treatments like surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. In case the cancer has recurred following the preliminary treatment or has reached the other body organs, then it would turn out to be trickier to treat. However, radiation and chemotherapy could still assist in allaying the signs and facilitate lengthier existence.

Dealing with Chemotherapy:

Earlier chemotherapy was generally associated with causing a churning sensation in the stomach, however latest drugs have lesser likelihood of causing this problem, with several nausea-curbing medicines obtainable.

Radiofrequency Ablation or RFA:

RFA employs strong heat for scorching the tumors. With the assistance of CAT scans, a fine needle-alike tool is introduced delivering direct heat on to the tumor and the adjoining spot. This is an option for obliterating tumors that could not be taken out by surgery. Among patients having a restricted extent of liver metastases which could not be taken out by surgery, at times chemotherapy is merged with RFA for destroying the tumor.

Prevention Strategies:

• Consuming a wholesome dietetic intake, having ample physical exercise and curbing body fat could avert forty-five percent of the colorectal cancers.
• Dietetic intake less in fat, high in fiber and no less than 5 helpings of fruits and veggies daily are the recommendation put forth by the National Cancer Institute.
• The American Cancer Society has suggested exercising for no less than thirty minutes on a day-to-day basis.