Colon Cancer: Effects
Colon cancer is the cancer of the large intestine or colon, the lower part of the digestive system. It often begins as small, noncancerous clumps of cells called a polyp. Over time some of these polyps continue to divide and spread, becoming colon cancers (Colon cancer, 2008, the Mayo Clinic, p.1).
Surgery is the main treatment for colorectal cancer. The affected portion of the colon is removed, or, in the cases of more advanced stages, surgery is also performed upon the liver if this organ has also become affected. Chemotherapy or radiation may be given in conjunction or in lieu of the surgery, to control tumor growth or to shrink tumors before surgery. Very small cancerous polyps can sometimes be removed during a colonoscopy or with laparoscopic surgery. Three drugs: bevacizumab (Avastin), cetuximab (Erbitux) and panitumumab (Vectibix) can be given along with chemotherapy drugs or alone to reduce tumor growth and cell division Colon cancer, 2008, the Mayo Clinic, p.7).
Early warning signs
One of the reasons that proper screening for cancerous and precancerous polyps is so essential is that polyps usually do not produce any symptoms at first. Later, as they grow, constipation or diarrhea, bloody or black stool, persistent cramping, gas or abdominal pain may become evident (Colon cancer, 2008, the Mayo Clinic, p.1). Patients may experience a sense of their bowl not completely emptying (Colon cancer, 2008, the Mayo Clinic, p.4). However, many of these symptoms have other origins, yet another reason that early screening to determine that cancer is the cause.
Symptoms
As the disease progresses, weakness and general malaise may result. About 90% of people diagnosed with colon cancer are older than 50 with a history of colitis or other inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases (Colon cancer, 2008, the Mayo Clinic, p.1). It is particularly essential that individuals with a family history of the illness or gastrointestinal disorders are screened for colon cancer, as well as individuals over the age of 50, even if they are not symptomatic.
Works Cited
Colon cancer. (2008). The Mayo Clinic. Retrieved 24 Oct 2008 at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/colon-cancer/DS00035/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs
Huether, Sue & Kathryn McCance. (2008). Understanding Pathophysiology. 4th ed. Mosby.
Colon cancer
The second option is worth considering for patients with large or multiple liver lesions because this route results in delivery of a higher dose of chemotherapy to the liver metastases. The underlying principle is that liver metastases derive their blood supply primarily through the hepatic arterial circulation, whereas normal liver derives most of its blood supply through the portal vein. The major adverse effect of intraarterial FUDR is sclerosing
, about 700,000 deaths per annum); Bone (Leukemia) (cancer of the blood or bone marrow and characterized by an abnormal proliferation of white blood cells); Lymphoma (Lymphatic) (cancer that begins in the lymphocytes of the immune system then presents as a solid tumor, many types, many treatments); Brain (Neuro/Nervous) (abnormal growth of cells within the brain, can be cancerous or non-cancerous, 50,000 U.S. cases per annum, 13,000 deaths per annum);
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Who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs297/en/ Colon Cancer." (2008). Mayo clinic.com. Retrieved on February 27, 2008 at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/colon-cancer/DS00035 Colon Cancer Treatment." (2007). National Cancer Institute. Retrieved on February 27, 2008 at http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/colon/patient Lee, Dennis. "Colon Cancer (Colorectal Cancer)" (2007). Medicine net.com. Retrieved on February 27, 2008 at http://www.medicinenet.com/colon_cancer/article.htm Myers, Donna. (2008). "Overview of Colon Cancer Symptoms." About.com: Health. Retrieved on February 27, 2008 at http://coloncancer.about.com/od/cancerprevention/a/Cancer_Symptoms.htm The colon is part of the body's digestive system, which consists of the esophagus, stomach,
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