Understanding Colorectal Cancer and Treatment

Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that grows in the large intestine (colon) or rectum. This cancer usually starts from polyps that grow along the surface of the wall of the large intestine and rectum.Polyps or tissue that grows is usually benign and do not cause interference. However, there is also the potential to become malignant, especially which already exist in the colon and rectum for 5 to 15 years.

 
Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer
Symptoms of colorectal cancer will usually be felt by the patient when the cancer has grown considerably. Types of symptoms also depends on the location of the growth of cancer. Some of the signs and symptoms that commonly occur include:

• Diarrhea or constipation.
• The process of defecation (BAB), which was not completed.
• Blood in the stool, usually not much.
• Stools with mucus.
• Nausea.
• Gag.
• Stomach ache.
• Limp and tired.
• Weight loss for no apparent reason.

If you experience any of these symptoms, immediately consult a doctor. In the early stages, colorectal cancer symptoms are often not felt. Therefore, regular inspections should be done as a precaution.

Causes and Risk Factors Colorectal Cancer
The growth of abnormal cells is the source behind all cancers, including colorectal cancer. But until now, the cause of the proliferation of abnormal cells that are not controlled it is not known with certainty.

Experts suspect there are several factors that can trigger cancer growth. These risk factors are:

• Influence of age. The risk of colorectal cancer increases with age. This cancer is estimated diidap by 9 out of 10 people aged 50 years or more.
• Heredity. People with family members who have cancer or colorectal polyps have a higher risk for colorectal cancer.
• The influence of lifestyle, such as lack of exercise, lack of fiber intake, alcohol consumption, overweight, obesity, or smoking.
• Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis over 9 years.

Diagnosis of Colorectal Cancer
Examination of the physical condition (usually by checking the rectum) and ask the symptoms is the first step in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer. Patient's medical history and family will also be a consideration.

If the initial diagnosis is less clear, the doctor also may recommend a number of checks to confirm the diagnosis. Some of them are:

• Colonoscopy, which is evaluating the condition of the inside of the rectum and colon. This procedure is done by inserting a long flexible hose and with lights at the ends through the anus. This examination may also be accompanied sigmoideoscopy flexible examination that uses a shorter slang, CT colonography uses X-rays to take pictures of the series that details of the intestinal wall, and barium enema X-ray flow is monitored
• A biopsy or tissue sampling the abnormal cells to be examined in a laboratory. Biopsies were performed to confirm the diagnosis.
• Ultrasound, X-ray, CT, and MRI scan to see the spread of the cancer and determine the stage of cancer development (staging).

In addition to diagnosis, methods such checks are also carried out to determine the level of development and spread of cancer.

Step Treatment of Colorectal Cancer
Diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer as early as possible will increase the chance of a cure in patients. However, if the cancer has grown at an advanced stage, treatment measures will be taken to prevent the spread while soothing the symptoms experienced by the patient.

Just like other cancers, colorectal cancer treatment usually involves surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. The third combination treatment step depends on various factors, such as the patient's medical condition and the level of development and spread of cancer.

Cperating procedures
Surgery is the main treatment for colorectal cancer. Usually the colon or rectum cancer dtumbuhi discarded and each end of the digestive tract sewn together.

In patients with rectal cancer, usually not many healthy parts remaining after the cut. Then connecting the two ends of the gastrointestinal tract will be very difficult for the network to be connected so scarce. These cases are resolved with colostomy usual. Colostomy is a surgery making the hole in the abdominal wall which is then connected to the ends of the intestine has been cut, in order to eject feces directly through the abdominal wall and is contained in a bag taped to the outside of the abdominal wall.

This procedure is divided into two types: temporary and permanent. A temporary colostomy is done when the cancer has spread beyond the walls of the gastrointestinal tract and organs or other parts also need to be cleared of cancer cells. To wait for the recovery of organs or other parts of the after-action, then made temporary colostomy and will be closed again. While a permanent colostomy is generally recommended for patients who have undergone removal of the rectum as a whole.

Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy
The purpose of chemotherapy and radiotherapy is to kill cancer cells or stop breeding. Chemotherapy is increasingly being used to tackle colon cancer. While radiotherapy is mostly undertaken by people with colorectal cancer that grows in the rectum.

Both also are used as therapy before and after surgery. When done after surgery, to kill any remaining cancer cells that have spread from the primary site of cancer. While chemotherapy or radiotherapy before surgery is given to shrink the tumor to be more easily removed.

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