Colon cancer is also called colorectal cancer, and it is a vicious cancer affecting the large bowel that also spreads over the rectum. Colon cancer is a type of cancer that is hereditary. Hence, most cases of colon cancer likely begin with the presence of tender colon polyps that enlarge and become dangerous over time.
A colonoscopy is one of the best tests to detect colon cancer, but there are other types of colonoscopies that could detect precancerous colon polyps. If the cancer is still at an early stage, the polyps are removed at this time so that they do not turn cancerous. Thus, it can be said that a colonoscopy is both an active intervention and a screening test.
Being aware of the stages and treatment of colon cancer is a crucial part of the healing process. The stages and treatment for colon cancer can also be decided on the basis of family medical records. It is clearly evident that if you see blood in your stool, or if your previous relatives have suffered from colon cancer, it is essential to consult your primary care provider about colon cancer screening.
The different stages of colon cancer are as follows:
Stage 1
The first stage of colon cancer begins when the cancer has grown into the mucosa, which is the inner layer of the colon, to the submucosa — which is the next layer of the colon. At this stage, cancer has not spread over the lymph nodes.
Stage 2
In Stage 2, the growth of the cancer cells goes beyond the mucosa and the submucosa of the colon. Stage 2 cancer is further classified into 2A, 2B, and 2C.
Stage 3
Just like stage 2, the third stage of colon cancer is also classified as 3A,3B, and 3C. In these stages, cancer spreads through the muscular surface of the colon and reaches the nearby lymph nodes.
Stage 4
The fourth stage of colon cancer involves a painful process. It indicates that cancer has spread to various other organs of the body such as the lungs, liver, and other distant parts.
Treatment of colon cancer
Treatment of colon cancer purely depends on the type and stage of colon cancer. The doctor will consider the overall health status, age, and other characteristics of the patient before deciding on the best treatment option. There is no single treatment for colon cancer. It is a course of treatment.
Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are the common treatment options for colon cancer. The aim of performing surgery is to remove the cancerous tissues from the colon, which prevents it from spreading and further reduces any risks of symptoms.
A colectomy is a surgery performed to remove the part of the colon that is affected by cancer. During this process, the surgeon may remove the part of the colon that contains cancer tissues and also some of its surrounding areas.