Colorectal Cancer

Survivor Story: Colon Cancer Surgery – During and After
Cancer, Colon Cancer Surgery, Colon. Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Colorectal Surgery, Survivor story

Survivor Story: Colon Cancer Surgery – During and After

This is a story of one of my patient about her fight with colon cancer. She wanted to write and I encouraged her to put her experience in words. She did so, but decided that she wanted her name be changed. It all began in 2016. Sonia, a 46-year-old, mom of a then 20 year old was working full time awakened with what she assumed was a stomach ache that just didn’t want to disappear. Throughout the day it seemed to get worse and by that night she could not walk. Her husband was away on a business trip and thus her daughter, who was in Delhi university returned and took her to the hospital. Also See: Colon Cancer Surgeon in Chandigarh Diagnosis of colon cancer Lot of tests were done and the CAT Scan found a mass in her right colon which looked like a tumour. She remained in the hospital for seven days. As she writes, “Ten days of worry, testing, scans, surgical treatment and also a lot of bonding with the nurses”. During that time, a colonoscopy confirmed that the tumour had actually shut off her colon, a Pet scan validated that it had grown past the colon walls and also into the lymph nodes. So she had what we call cancer of the right colon. Once a cancer is diagnosed with colonoscopy and biopsy, the PET CT assesses the entire body for any spread. After these tests, we stage the tumour by giving it a number. Thus Sonia had stage 3 of right sided cancer of the colon and required urgent colon cancer surgery as the lesion was obstructing her ascending colon. This is called a obstructing colon cancer is normal parlance. Colon Cancer Surgery Laparoscopic surgical treatment removed the tumour, 24 cm of colon and also 21 lymph nodes. She recovered well to go home and to be followed up in the OPD. Her case was discussed in hospital tumour board and her cancer was labelled as a Stage III Colon Cancer. Her final biopsy had shown some small vessel infiltration. She was referred to medical oncologist, who made a decision that even though the nodes weren’t impacted, it would be only a short time prior to they would certainly have been, so they decided to give her chemotherapy. This is what Sonia says “Up until this point, I had been living with an extremely worn out sensation at all times as well as taking medication for chest allergy due to the fact that I was having a difficult time capturing my breath. However it turned out I was extremely anaemic and B-12 deficient. My haemoglobin was so low. After the surgery, I felt better as I had received blood transfusions. My pain was gone and since there was no big incision for my surgery, I started feeling good and cheerful” Colon cancer chemotherapy Chemotherapy treatment started a month later and consisted of 5FU, Leucovorin and Oxalliplatin. She writes “life was far from typical. I needed to take added iron tablets as well as have B-12 shots. I got on 3 types of anti-nausea drug. My hair fell from the chemo, I had consistent nose and anal bleeds but had the ability to maintain my composure as well as a will to survive.” So all patients of stage 3 and 4 with colon cancer receive chemotherapy after colon cancer surgery. Some patients of stage 2 also receive chemotherapy after colon cancer surgery as they have some bad prognostic markers. Sonia had obstruction as well as some small vessel infiltration with tumour and thus was earmarked for chemotherapy. The chemotherapy is started about 4 weeks after the surgery and the wounds are completely healed. In the interim a port is inserted to deliver chemotherapy. Sonia writes “I still had fatigue however, I had to will myself to try as well as live a rather regular life. Strolling was difficult as a result of the wooziness. I fell a number of times due to the enduring neuropathy in my feet. I had several issues with my power port but in the end everything worked well. Throughout this experience I utilized the expression “It’s all excellent” as my reply when asked just how I was doing.” Also See Rectal Cancer Surgeon in Chandigarh Colon cancer surveillance Sonia will be followed up every 3 months for five years, with proceeded checks up to 10 years. Sonia has persuaded her friends to go for screening and all have lately been checked out by their doctors. Colon cancer presents in many ways. Sonia had a complicated presentation as she developed intestinal obstruction because of colon cancer. Colon cancer surgery remains the mainstay of treatment. Laparoscopic surgery is the preferred method to do surgery. The surgeries include right, extended right or left hemicolectomy. Chemotherapy is given after surgery for some stage 2, stage 3 and stage 4 colon cancers. Preoperative chemotherapy may be used in stage 4 cancers before surgery is planned. Survival is very good in colon cancer and one should not give up hope. Sonia’s story should be a great motivator for all patients with colon cancer.

When do I Need a Colonoscopy
Cancer, Cancer Screening, Colorectal Cancer, Diagnostic Procedures, Rectal Cancer

When do I Need a Colonoscopy

What is Colonoscopy? A colonoscopy is a test utilized to find lesions or irregularities in the large intestinal tract (colon) and anus. Throughout a colonoscopy, a long, flexible tube (colonoscope) is placed right into the colon. A tiny camera at the tip of the tube allows the physician to watch the whole colon. Why is Colonoscopy done? Colonoscopy is done for many purposes. It is used to investigate intestinal tract signs and symptoms. A few are listed below: Rectal bleeding Persistent constipation Chronic Diarrhoea Rectal Cancer Colon Cancer Screening for colon cancer Follow-up colonoscopy How does one prepare for Colonoscopy? After the appointment and prior to a colonoscopy, you’ll require to clear out (empty) your colon. One is not to eat solid food the day prior to the examination. Drinks may be restricted to clear fluids– ordinary water, tea and coffee without milk or just a touch of it, broth, and also carbonated beverages. Avoid red fluids, which can be confused with blood throughout the colonoscopy. You are not to consume anything after midnight before the test. Your medical professional will generally advise taking a laxative, in either tablet form or fluid kind. You might be instructed to take the laxative the night prior to your colonoscopy, or you may be asked to utilize the laxative both the evening before as well as the morning of the procedure. Sometimes, you may require to make use of a non-prescription enema package– either the evening before the exam or a few hrs prior to the exam– to empty your colon. Typically it is not recommended as a key way of clearing your colon. Details of the colonoscopy procedure Consent is taken. Risks are explained during consenting. Sedation is normally suggested. Moderate sedative is given as an injection You’ll lie on your side on the table, typically with your knees drawn towards your upper body. The physician will insert a colonoscope right into your anus and do the procedure. When the scope is moved or air/co2 is introduced, you might really feel abdominal cramping or need to have a defecation. The colonoscope likewise has a tiny video camera at its tip. The video camera sends out video to an exterior monitor to ensure that the doctor can study the inside of your colon. If there is a need, tissue samples (biopsies) are taken or polyp is excised to biopsy it. A colonoscopy generally takes around 30 to 60 mins. When can I completely recover after colonoscopy? After the test, it takes an hour to begin to recover from the sedative. You’ll need someone to take you residence because it can take up to a day for the full effects of the sedative to wear off. Don’t drive or make essential decisions or go back to work for the rest of the day. If your physician got rid of a polyp during your colonoscopy, you may be advised to consume an unique diet regimen briefly. You may feel puffed up or pass gas for a couple of hrs after the examination. Strolling might help soothe any type of pain. You may likewise discover a small amount of blood with your very first defecation after the exam. Usually this isn’t peril. Consult your doctor if you continue to pass blood or blood clots or if you have persistent stomach pain or a fever. What is a negative result? A colonoscopy is considered negative if the doctor doesn’t discover any problems in the colon. Your physician may recommend that you have another colonoscopy: • In 10 years, if you have no colon cancer risk elements other than age.• In 5 years, if you have a history of polyps in previous colonoscopy treatments.• In one year, if there was residual faces in the colon that avoided full evaluation of your colon.• If there is a positive result. What is a positive result? A colonoscopy is considered positive if the physician finds any type of polyps or unusual tissue in the colon. Most polyps aren’t cancerous, but some can be precancerous. Polyps are removed during same colonoscopy or in a new session; excised polyps are sent out to a laboratory for evaluation to determine whether they are malignant, precancerous or noncancerous. Depending on the size and number of polyps, you might require to comply with an extra strenuous monitoring routine in the future to try to find even more polyps. Another colonoscopy is advised if: • More than two polyps.• A large polyp– larger than 0.4 inch (1 centimeter).• Polyps as well as also residual stool in the colon that protects against full exam of the colon.• Polyps with specific cell attributes that suggest a greater danger of future cancer.• Malignant polyps. Difficult colonoscopy Sometimes the procedure is not completed because of lot of faecal matter. pain or difficulty in negotiating the entire length of the colon. A repeat colonoscopy in a shorter time is recommended. If your doctor wasn’t able to advance the extent of entire colon, a barium enema or virtual colonoscopy might be suggested to check out the rest of your colon. What are the risks of colonoscopy? Rarely, colonoscopy can have complications. These could be: Adverse response to the sedative used throughout the examination Haemorrhaging from where a tissue example (biopsy) was taken or a polyp or other uncommon cells was removed A tear in the colon or anus wall (perforation). What are the procedures done during colonoscopy? Biopsies of suspicious lesions Polypectomy Stenting of a stricture Argon laser to stop bleeding Laser treatment of proctitis Removal of a foreign body Screening procedure for colorectal cancer To understand how the procedure is performed, its preparation, and what to expect, you can explore our detailed guide on colonoscopy. Conclusion: Colonoscopy is a very useful diagnostic and therapeutic tool available to evaluate the colon and rectum. It is never done on the behest of a patient but needs to be recommended by a physician. One should never say no to colonoscopy when recommended.

Colon Cancer: Presentation, Diagnosis and Treatment
Colon. Cancer, Colorectal Cancer

Colon Cancer: Presentation, Diagnosis and Treatment

Colon cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the big intestine (colon). The colon is the last part of the digestion tract starting at cecum on right side and ending at rectum and anal canal. Colon cancer commonly impacts older adults, though it can happen at any kind of age. It usually starts as a tiny polyps that form on the inside of the colon and grows larger. Polyps are benign. Gradually these polyps can become colon cancers. Colon cancer is often called colorectal cancer, which is a term that integrates colon cancer and rectal cancer, which begins in the rectum. Large Intestine Polyps might be tiny as well as multiple, if any type of, signs. For this reason, doctors advise regular screening tests to aid protect against colon cancer cells by identifying as well as getting rid of polyps before they develop into cancer. If colon cancer develops, lots of therapies are readily available to help get rid of it, consisting of surgical treatment, chemotherapy treatment as well as medicine treatments, such as radiation treatment, targeted therapy and immunotherapy. What are the Signs and Symptoms of colon cancer A persistent modification in your bowel practices, consisting of diarrhoea or irregularity or a change in the consistency of your faecesAnal bleeding or blood in your faecesPersistent abdominal painA sensation that your bowel doesn’t empty totallyWeakness or exhaustionInexplicable weight reduction Many individuals with colon cancer experience no symptoms in the beginning of the illness. When symptoms show up, they’ll likely differ, relying on the cancer cells’ size and also location in your large intestinal tract. When to see a medical professional If you see any one of the above symptoms or signs that stress you, make an appointment with your medical professional. How does colon cancer starts Physicians aren’t certain what creates most colon cancers. However, generally, colon cancer begins when healthy and balanced cells in the colon develop modifications (anomalies) in their DNA. A cell’s DNA includes a collection of directions that inform a cell what to do. When a cell’s DNA is harmed and also ends up being cancerous, cells proceed to split– also when brand-new cells aren’t needed. As the cells accumulate, they create a growth. With time, the cancer cells can expand to invade as well as damage typical organs nearby. As well as malignant cells can travel to other parts of the body to develop deposits there (spread). What are the causes or risk factors of colon cancer? Older age. African-American race. A personal history of colon cancer or polyps. Family history of colon cancer Inflammatory digestive tract conditions. Inherited syndromes like familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and also Lynch disorder, which is likewise known as hereditary nonpolyposis intestines cancer cells (HNPCC). Low-fiber, high-fat diet. An inactive way of life. Obesity. Diabetes mellitus. Smoking cigarettes. Heavy use of Alcohol. How do we diagnose colon cancer? • Colonoscopy: It uses a long, versatile and also slender tube affixed to a camera and screen to see your whole colon as well as anus. If any questionable areas are discovered, your medical professional can pass medical tools via television to take tissue examples (biopsies) for evaluation and get rid of polyps.• Blood examinations• CEA levels: Tracked gradually, the degree of CEA in your blood may help your medical professional comprehend your prognosis and also whether your cancer is responding to therapy.• CT Scan• PET Scan What is Staging of Colon Cancer? Staging helps establish what therapies are most appropriate for you. The stages of colon cancer are shown by Roman numerals that vary from 0 to IV, with the most curable stages being I to III suggesting cancer that is limited to the lining of the within the colon. By stage IV, the cancer cells has actually spread (metastasized) to other locations of the body and the cure becomes limited. How do we treat Colon Cancer? Treatment depends on the staging of the colon cancer. Type of surgery depends on the location of the colon cancer. Modality of surgery depends on the expertise of the surgeon as well as the stage and extent of the tumour. Therapy for colon cancer generally entails surgical treatment to get rid of the cancer. Various other therapies, such as radiation treatment and chemotherapy, may likewise be advised as required according to the final stage. Surgery for very early-stage colon cancer like polyps If your colon cancer is extremely tiny, your medical professional might advise a minimally invasive method to surgical procedure, such as:• Polypectomy: If your cancer is small, localized, entirely included within a polyp and in a really beginning, your medical professional may be able to remove it totally with colonoscopy.• Endoscopic mucosal resection: Larger polyps might be eliminated during colonoscopy making use of unique devices to remove the polyp and a percentage of the internal lining of the colon in a treatment called an endoscopic mucosal resection. If it is a limited growth in the colon then the options available are: Keyhole surgical procedure (laparoscopic surgical procedure): In this treatment, your doctor does the operation via a number of tiny cuts in your stomach wall, placing instruments with affixed electronic cameras that display your colon on a video clip display. The specialist might likewise take samples from lymph nodes in the location where the cancer is located. Open Surgery: The surgery is done by the open method in which a large incision is used. If the tumour is badly stuck all around or it is very large or invading surrounding structures, then this traditional method is used. The decision depends on the operating colorectal surgeon. Partial colectomy: Throughout this treatment, the surgeon eliminates the part of your colon which contains the cancer, in addition to a margin of regular colon on either side of the cancer cells Your surgeon is often able to reconnect the ends of your colon or rectum. This treatment can frequently be done by a minimally invasive technique (laparoscopy or robotic surgery). Its called right

Colorectal Cancer, Colorectal Surgery, General Surgery, Rectal Bleeding, Rectal Cancer

There is Blood in my Stools … What should I Do

What is rectal bleeding? Looking down right into a toilet and seeing blood can be alarming. If you’re experiencing rectal bleeding, you might see blood in a couple of various means– on your toilet paper as you wipe, in the water of the commode bowl or in your stools. It can be various shades, ranging from bright red to a dark maroon to black. The shade of blood you see can actually show where the bleeding might be originating from. Bright red blood usually indicates bleeding that’s low in your colon or rectum. Dark red or maroon blood can indicate that you have hemorrhaging  from right colon or small intestine.  Melena (dark, smelly as well as tar-like stool) typically indicates hemorrhaging in the stomach. In some cases, rectal blood loss isn’t noticeable to the naked eye and can only be seen through a microscope. This type of blood loss is typically discovered during a laboratory test of a faeces sample as a part of screening or test stone to diagnose anemia. Is rectal bleeding of concern? In some cases, anal blood loss can be a small symptom of a problem that can be conveniently dealt with. Piles, as an example, can cause you to experience rectal bleeding. This usually doesn’t last long and piles are frequently very easy to treat. Rectal blood loss can sometimes be a sign of a significant problem like colon or rectal cancer. It’s vital to track any kind of blood loss you are experiencing. If it’s hefty, frequent or triggering you to worry, call your doctor to check it out. How does anal bleeding appear? You may see or experience anal bleeding in a couple of different means, including: Seeing blood on your toilet paper when you clean. Seeing blood in the toilet water of the bathroom when you are making use of the restroom– the water in the bowl may look like it’s been dyed red. Noticing dark red, black or tarry poop while you are having a bowel movement. What are the signs and symptoms of anal bleeding? The symptoms of anal bleeding can differ depending upon what is creating the bleeding. Some signs and symptoms you may have with rectal blood loss can include: Feeling anal discomfort and/or pressure. Seeing bright red blood in or on your stool, undergarments, toilet paper or in the toilet dish. Having stool that’s red, maroon or black in shade. Having stool that has a tar-like appearance. Experiencing fatigue or restlessness. Feeling lightheaded or lightheaded. Fainting. In some very severe instances, anal bleeding can result in shock. The signs and symptoms of shock can include: Experiencing an unexpected decrease in your blood pressure. Having a rapid heart rate. Not being able to urinate. Slipping into unfamiliarity. What creates rectal bleeding? There are several reasons why you might experience rectal blood loss. The sources of rectal blood loss can differ from usual and also moderate conditions to much more severe as well as unusual problems that require immediate clinical therapy. Causes of rectal bleeding can include: Hemorrhoids Anal Fissure  Anal abscess Anal Fistula Diverticulosis/Diverticulitis Inflammatory digestive tract condition (IBD) Large polyps Colon Cancer Rectal Cancer Can foods transform the shade of my stool in a similar way to rectal blood loss? There are certain foods that can make your stools an unusual colour. Foods like black licorice, beetroots, dark berries (blueberries and also blackberries) and red jelly can all make your stools appearance extremely dark. This can easily be confused for blood in your stool. If you observe extremely dark poop throughout a bowel movement, think back to what you consumed lately. There’s a chance that what you consumed could be the cause for the usually dark stool. Can constipation and straining result in anal bleeding? Yes it can. Straining can trigger rectal bleeding. This is commonly related to bowel constipation. Really hard faeces can actually cause the skin around your anus to tear, creating you to see blood. Dealing with constipation can aid prevent this from happening. What are the tests required to diagnose the cause of rectal bleeding? There are a number of means your doctor can utilize to review rectal blood loss to help determine the cause. These are: A physical exam of the rectum as well as anus. A colonoscopy. A sigmoidoscopy. A faecal occult blood examination  Haemoglobin and other lab tests CT Scan Exactly how do I deal with rectal blood loss? For you, the only instruction is to go and consult a surgeon. For the most part, rectal bleeding can be dealt with by taking care of the cause of the blood loss. Once that condition has actually been dealt with, the bleeding usually quits. Treatment options can vary relying on the condition.  Will anal bleeding vanish by itself? Depending on the cause of the bleeding, your rectal blood loss can in fact quit on its own. You need to pay attention to your body and maintain track of the blood loss. If it occurs one-time and then quits, remember of it, yet it more than likely isn’t an emergency. If you have heavy rectal blood loss or are on a regular basis seeing blood, connect to your doctor to get prompt care.  Conclusion Blood in your stool could just be due to piles, but it could also be a sign of something more sinister and dangerous. The only way to be sure is to consult your doctor or a surgeon. People tend to be shy about talking of blood in ones stools or giving a stool sample and that may cause significant loss of blood as well as delay in diagnosing the cause.  To develop the right treatment plan, a correct history should be provided. Nip the evil in the bud before it can create havoc.

Colorectal Cancer, Rectal Cancer

How to Treat Rectal Cancer

Rectal cancer: An intricate cancer needing specific professionals Cancer happening in the rectum is called rectal cancer. Rectum is the last several inches of the large intestinal tract beginning at the end of the final sector of colon and ends when it gets to the anal canal and opening. Cancer growth or lump inside the rectum (rectal cancer) as well as cancer growth inside the colon (colon cancer) are referred to with each other as “colorectal cancer.” Rectal as well as colon cancers cells are treated very differently. This is mainly because the rectum is located in a very limited area, hardly divided from various other organs and also frameworks therefore making surgery to get rid of rectal cancer complicated. Signs and symptoms of rectal cancer A modification in digestive tract practices like diarrhea, constipation or both; at times there is more-frequent bowel movements Dark maroon or bright red blood in feces Slim stools A sensation that your bowel does not empty totally Discomfort in the abdomen Inexplicable weight-loss Weakness or exhaustion Examinations to detect as well as confirm rectal cancer Rectal cancer can be found throughout a screening examination for intestines cancer or it might be presumed based on signs and symptoms. Nonetheless, specific tests are required to be done to validate cancer and as well as also evaluate the spread of the cancer. These are: Colonoscopy: Colonoscopy is done by utilizing a long, adaptable tube (colonoscope) attached to a camera and display to see your colon and rectum. If cancer is found in your intestine, biopsy i.e. a small piece with a biopsy forceps is taken. The tissue is sent to a lab to be examined as well as confirm cancer cells, aggressiveness and genetics in the cancer cells. These will certainly figure out the treatment options. Tests to seek  cancer cells spread: 1. Complete blood count (CBC). A reduced haemoglobin, recommends that a growth is creating blood loss. 2. Liver Function Tests. Abnormal degrees of some of these chemicals may suggest that cancer has spread to the liver. 3. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), may be greater than typical in people with colon and rectal cancer. CEA testing is specifically useful in keeping track of success to treatment. 4. CT Scan or PET Scan: It assists figure out whether rectal cancer has actually infected other organs, such as the liver and lungs. 5. MRI of the pelvis. An MRI offers an in-depth picture of the muscular tissues, organs and various other cells surrounding a rectal tumour within the pelvis. An MRI also shows the lymph nodes near the rectum and anus and various layers of tissue in the rectal and anal wall. This is a really crucial examination to make a decision the sort of therapy to begin with. 6. A few other tests might be called for to assess physical fitness for surgery. Staging of rectal cancer The stages of anal cancer are suggested by an array from stages ranging from 0 to IV. The I stage suggests cancer cells that are restricted to the lining of the wall within the lumen of the rectum and anus. By phase IV, the cancer is thought to be complex and also has actually spread out (spread) to various other areas of the body. Treatment of rectal cancer Rectal and anal cancer therapy typically involves a mix of treatments. Surgery is made use of to cut away the cancer. Various other therapies, such as chemotherapy and also radiation treatment, may be used after or before to decrease the danger that cancer will return or make the surgery possible. If doctors are concerned that the cancer can’t be gotten rid of totally without removing nearby organs and also structures, a mix of radiation treatment and chemotherapy  treatment as preliminary treatment is advised. These combined treatments reduce the cancer and make it easier to eliminate throughout an operation. Surgery for rectal cancer Surgical procedure is the mainstay of therapy. Which procedure is applicable relies on a particular situation, such as the area as well as stage of cancer, aggressiveness of the cancer cells, general health, and occasionally choices. Workflow used to treat rectal cancer consist of: Extremely small  cancers may be gotten rid of utilizing a colonoscope or another specialized sort of scope placed via the rectum (trans anal regional excision). This is utilized in limited scenarios or to get rid of polyps. In some cases, after the biopsy is back, we suggest additional surgical procedure. Bigger rectal cancers that are far sufficient far from the anal opening are eliminated in a procedure (anterior resection) that removes all or part of the rectum. Nearby tissue and also lymph nodes are additionally eliminated. This treatment protects the rectum to make sure that waste can leave the body generally. For rectal and anal cancers  that are located near the anal opening, it is not possible to remove the cancer completely without damaging the muscular tissues that control defecation. In these scenarios, we advise a procedure called abdominoperineal resection (APR) to get rid of the anus, rectum and also some part of the colon, along with nearby tissues and also lymph nodes. An opening in the abdominal area is developed and also affixes the remaining colon (colostomy). Waste is discharged with the opening and also accumulates in a bag that affixes to abdomen. Chemotherapy for rectal cancer There are lots of reasons why chemotherapy is required and is called for. These are: Might be recommended after surgical procedure to kill any type of cancer cells that might remain. Radiation treatment integrated with chemmotherapy can also be used prior to a procedure to reduce a huge cancer so that it’s less complicated to eliminate with surgical procedure. Chemotherapy can likewise be made use of for palliation to control symptoms of rectal and anal cancer that cannot be removed with surgery or that has actually spread to other locations of the body. Radiation treatment for rectal cancer Radiation treatment uses powerful energy resources, such as X-rays and also protons,

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