Colon cancer (large intestine tumor)

Description Cancer that develop...

Description

Cancer that develops in the large intestine (colon). Colon cancer can develop from certain types of benign polyps, called adenomas. Colon cancer usually grows slowly, but it may reach a very large size. The cancer can obstruct the intestinal tract and/or spread to nearby organs, especially the liver. Detection of these cancers is readily done through colonoscopy. The earlier these cancers are detected the more likely the patient will survive the disease. Colon cancer is rare in patients less than 50. Besides advancing age, risk factors for this disorder include: inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease), family history of colon cancer or adenomas, eating a high saturated fat/low fiber diet, a sedentary lifestyle, alcohol use, smoking, and familial adenomatous polyposis. Ethnic heritage may also play a role, as the disease is highest in Alaska natives and lowest in Hispanics and Filipinos.

Symptoms

Abdominal pain, abdominal bloating, nausea, vomiting, constipation, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, anemia, blood in stools.

Tests

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Colonoscopy and colon biopsy will be performed to confirm the diagnosis. Additional tests include: CT scan, MRI and/or Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan to identify metastases.

Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Positron emission tomography (PET) scan

Other Specific Tests: Colonoscopy, colon biopsy


Specialists:
General Surgery, Gastroenterology, Blood and Cancer Care (hematology and oncology), Nuclear Medicine, Colon and Rectal Surgery, Surgical Oncology

Treatment

Therapy depends on the extent of the disease. If the disease is not advanced, surgical removal of the tumor may be curative. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy treatment is used for residual tumor and any metastases.