Cancer de colon and colon surgery

Summary: Risks of Colon Cancer in Women and Men

Colon cancer is cancer of the large intestine (colon), the lower part of your digestive system. Most cases of colon cancer begin as small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells called adenomatous polyps. Rectal cancer is cancer of the last 6 inches of the colon. Together, they're often referred to as colorectal cancers.

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer killer overall and third most common cause of cancer-related death in the United States in both males and females. Who is at risk for colorectal cancer. Women diagnosed with uterine or ovarian cancer before age 50 are at increased risk of colorectal cancer. Woman with a personal history of breast cancer have only a very slight increase in risk of colorectal cancer. The average age to develop colorectal cancer is 70 years, and 93% of cases occur in persons 50 years of age or older. You have a higher risk for colon cancer if you have:

1.     Cancer elsewhere in the body.

2.     Colorectal polypsCrohn's disease

3.     Family history of colon cancer

4.     Personal history of breast cancer

5.     Ulcerative colitis.

Symptoms of colorectal cancer vary depending on the location of the cancer within the colon or rectum, though there may be no symptoms at all. The most common presenting symptom of colorectal cancer is rectal bleeding. Cancers arising from the left side of the colon generally cause bleeding, or in their late stages may cause constipation, abdominal pain, and obstructive symptoms. Other symptoms such as weakness, weight loss, or anemia resulting from chronic blood loss may accompany cancer of the right side of the colon.

The population prevalence for meeting proposed physical activity criteria for colon cancer prevention is low and much lower than that related to the more generic public health recommendations. Colon cancer prevention is one of the most exciting uses for calcium.

Summary: Types of Colon Surgery Available

Before undergoing colon surgery, the patient has to undergo a few tests to locate the cancerous region. Besides used for treating colon cancer, surgery is also used for treating patients suffering from diverticulosis. A low fiber diet and medications like corticosteroids and anti-inflammatory drugs lead to increased chances of acquiring diverticulosis.

Open colon surgery

During open surgery, a catheter is inserted into the bladder to gauge the patient's urine output and thus, ascertain the patient drinks sufficient water. The diseases portion of the colon is then located after making an incision in the abdominal region.

After removing the diseased part, the area is sutured or surgically stapled.

Laparoscopic colon surgery

This is a new and preferred form of surgery used because it leads to a faster healing of the colon, so that the patient spend less time in the hospital. There is also less pain after the surgery which is why patients can quickly resume their normal activities.

During laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon makes about four small incisions through which a laparoscope is inserted into one of the incisions to view the region.