The risk of getting cancer increases with age, and you might worry about developing the condition if you are an older adult. You will need a colon cancer treatment expert who will take you through the causes, symptoms, and different treatments.  Flemington colon cancer has experts who can help you through colon cancer stages and give you your normal life back. It could be wise to know the cause of your cancer, its symptoms, how to diagnose it, and the treatment that could work for the condition.

Causes of Colon Cancer

Colon cancer can be caused by genetic mutation; this can either be acquired or inherited. Mutations increase the chances of colon cancer, although it does guarantee cancer. Abnormal cells caused by mutation can accumulate, forming polyps in the lining of the colon. Untreated growths can be cancerous; therefore, you will need surgery to remove the polyps, which could be a preventive measure.

Screening colonoscopy could prevent colon cancer. A narrow and flexible tube with a video camera will be inserted through the rectum to the large intestines. Your doctor, during colonoscopy, will be able to view and evaluate your colon lining. Your doctor will examine any polyps if they are cancerous and remove them before they become colon cancer.

Symptoms of Colon Cancer

The signs and symptoms of colon cancer may not appear in the early stages. The common symptoms may include constipation, changes in stool color, diarrhea, blood in the stool, abdominal cramps, and bleeding from the rectum. During the late stages, you will likely experience excess fatigue, unintentional weight loss, vomiting, and unexplained weakness. However, if cancer has spread to other parts of the body, you may experience swelling in the feet and hands, jaundice, chronic headache, blurry vision, and breathing difficulty.

Diagnosis of Colon Cancer

When colon cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, it can easily be cured. Your doctor will start by checking your medical records and family history. A physical examination will also be important to see if you are developing or have any symptoms. A rectal examination will help your doctor determine the presence of any polyps and lumps.

Treatment of Colon Cancer

Treatment will be administered depending on the type and stage of cancer. When deciding the best treatment option, your doctor will consider age, overall health, and other characteristics. The treatment will remove colon cancer, prevent the spread, and reduce any uncomfortable symptoms. These common options include:

  • Surgery

Your doctor will remove cancerous polyps in the early stages of colon cancer. Surgery is done to remove the area in the colon that has cancer and the lymph nearby to reduce the risk of spreading. However, the remaining healthy part of the colon can be attached to the rectum.

  • Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is usually done after surgery by using drugs to kill cancerous cells. This will control the regrowth of the tumors. However, you may experience side effects caused by chemotherapy like hair loss, nausea, fatigue, and vomiting.

  •  Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy focuses on high-energy gamma rays to kill cancer cells before and after surgery. It is only done alongside chemotherapy. Radiation treatment is only administered at the later stages.

Conclusion

Colon cancer can be uncomfortable, but with a specialist, you can have your normal life back. You will first need to be diagnosed before starting treatments so that they can know the cause of colon cancer. Do not hesitate to go to a doctor when you experience any symptoms, it is easier to cure when the cancer is still at an early stage.