DEFINITION
Colon cancer is a disease in which cancer cells are found in tissues of the colon. In this type of cancer is a family heritage that is transmitted by a gene (DNA strand), carriers of this gene can be detected and treated very early
DIAGNOSIS
Early detection is therefore essential preventive examinations should be performed as the DRE, rectoscopy, and colonoscopy, especially those who have risk factors (colon polyps, ulcerative colitis) or family history of colon cancer. We also perform a blood test to detect carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), which rises in the blood in this type of cancer.
STAGE EXTENSION
Staging is a classification that is performed after the appropriate studies that can define the extent of cancer (cancer cells) through the lining of the colon and neighboring areas or remote.
* Stage 0 or (carcinoma in situ). Cancer cells only in superficial tissues of the colon.
* Stage I. Cancer cells outside the innermost layer of the colon to the second and third layers and complicates the inside wall of the colon, but not the outer wall of the colon (colon cancer Dukes A).
* Stage II. Cancer cells have spread outside the colon to nearby tissue, but not to the lymph nodes. (colon cancer Dukes B).
* Stage III. Cancer cells have spread outside the colon and nearby lymph nodes but not to other organs (Dukes C).
* Stage IV. Cancer cells have spread outside the colon and other body organs (Dukes D).
* Appellant. When re-appear once treated cells may occur in the colon or elsewhere in the body (liver, lungs)
TREATMENT
For the treatment of colon cancer three kinds of treatments, surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy
- Surgery is used in all stages of colon cancer spread and can be used:
* In very early cancers, can be done through the colonoscope to cut the affected area, usually a polyp (polypectomy).
* If the cancer is larger, which removes the cancer and some surrounding healthy tissue, then connect the resulting ends, and cleaned ganglia area
* If the union is performing a difficult opening to the outside of the colon, which is called a colostomy. This may be transient and to improve the box resealed. If the colostomy is permanent will require a special bag to collect feces.
- Radiation therapy for colon cancer may be internal or external, is used alone or with surgery and / or chemotherapy.
- Chemotherapy is done through a tube into the vein left in place while a small pump provides continuous treatment for a period of weeks or periodic injections were performed in the cannula installed. It is usually given after surgery operation.
- In the colon cancer treatment can be applied biological or synthesized from natural products to stimulate or restore the immune system.
The stepwise treatment of colon cancer depend on the extent of disease and overall health of the person concerned.
* COLON CANCER – STAGE 0
1. Simple colonoscopic polypectomy to remove all the cancer.
2. Bowel Resection
* COLON CANCER – PHASE I
1.Cirugía with bowel resection to remove the cancer
* COLON CANCER – STAGE II
1. Bowel resection surgery to remove the cancer
2. Clinical trials of chemotherapy, radiotherapy or biological therapy after surgery.
3. If the tumor has spread is added to chemotherapy and / or radiotherapy after surgery
* COLON CANCER – STAGE III
1.Cirugía with bowel resection to remove the cancer, followed by
chemotherapy.
2. Clinical trials of chemotherapy, radiotherapy or biological therapy after surgery ..
* COLON CANCER – STAGE IV
1. Bowel resection surgery to remove the cancer or to improve or maintain function of the colon
2. Invasive Surgery cleaning other affected organs
3. Radiation therapy to relieve pain.
4. Chemotherapy.
5.Estudios clinical chemotherapy or biological therapy.
* COLON CANCER – RECURRENT
1.Cirugía invasive cleaning of the affected organs
2. Radiation therapy to relieve pain.
3. Chemotherapy.
4. Clinical studies with chemotherapy or biological therapy.
WHAT DOCTOR CAN TREAT ME?