colonic cancer, identification and management?

Question

colonic cancer, identification and management?

Answer 1

Colon cancer is a common cancer-related cause of death in the US. Everyone above 50 years of age should be screened for it. The standard screening tool is the colonoscopy, where a flexibly scope is inserted into the rectum, and all the way to the other end of the colon. The physician looks for any polyps along the way. If polyps are detected, they can be removed at that time for tissue study. The pathologist will render a diagnosis on the tissue -- cancerous or benign. Other signs a patient might notice that could signal colon cancer include blood in the stool, weight loss, and anemia.



The management of colon cancer depends on the grade (how cancerous the cells are) and the stage (how far they've spread). Sometimes, a precancerous polyp can be removed with no need for further treatment. Other times, aggressive regimens of chemotherapy are necessary. Some unlucky patients even have their entire colon removed.