Dr Kshitij Manerikar

Menu

Colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer

It can affect any part of the colon and rectum.
The colon is divided into four main parts, and the rectum is the final part of the large intestine.

1.Cecum and Ascending Colon

  • Cecum: The first part of the colon, located in the lower right abdomen, where the small intestine meets the large intestine.
  • Ascending Colon: Extends upward on the right side of the abdomen.

2. Transverse Colon

  • This part runs horizontally across the abdomen from right to left.

3.Descending Colon

  • Travels downward on the left side of the abdomen.

4. Sigmoid Colon

  • An S-shaped segment that connects the descending colon to the rectum, located in the lower left part of the abdomen.

5.Rectum

  • The final part of the large intestine, ending at the anus. The rectum is usually about 12 centimeters long.

Risk factors for Colorectal Cancers

Non-Modifiable Risk Factors:

  1. Age: The risk of colorectal cancer increases with age, particularly after age 50.
  2. Personal History of Colorectal Polyps or Cancer: Individuals who have had adenomatous polyps or colorectal cancer in the past are at increased risk.
  3. Family History: Having a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) with colorectal cancer or polyps increases risk, especially if the relative was diagnosed before age 50.

      4. Inherited Syndromes:

  • Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC or Lynch Syndrome): This genetic disorder significantly increases the risk of colorectal cancer and other cancers.
  • Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP): A rare genetic condition that causes hundreds to thousands of polyps in the colon and rectum, leading almost inevitably to cancer if untreated.

     5. Racial and Ethnic Background:

 African Americans have the highest incidence of colorectal cancer in the United States. Ashkenazi  Jews  also have a higher risk.

Modifiable Risk Factors:

1. Age

  • High intake of red and processed meats is linked to an increased risk.
  • Diets low in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can also increase risk.

2. Physical Inactivity: Lack of regular physical activity increases the risk of colorectal cancer.

3. Obesity: Being overweight or obese increases the risk, particularly for men.

4. Smoking: Long-term smokers are more likely to develop and die from colorectal cancer.

5.Alcohol: Heavy alcohol use is associated with a higher risk.

Medical Conditions

1. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

  • Ulcerative Colitis: Chronic inflammation of the colon.
  • Crohn’s Disease: Chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, particularly the colon.

Additional Factors:

1.Radiation Therapy for Cancer:

  • Previous radiation treatments to the abdomen or pelvic area can increase the risk of colorectal cancer.

2. Certain Lifestyle Factors

  • Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of exercise.
  • Poor Diet: Diets low in calcium, folate, and fiber.
  • Vitamin D Deficiency: Low levels of vitamin D might increase the risk.

Common symptoms….

1.Changes in Bowel Habits:

  • Persistent diarrhea or constipation.
  • A change in the consistency of your stool.
  • Narrow stools.

2.Rectal Bleeding or Blood in Stool:

  • Bright red or very dark blood in the stool.
  • Blood might not always be visible but can be detected through tests.

3. Abdominal Discomfort:

  •  Persistent cramps, gas, or pain.
  • Abdominal bloating or a feeling of fullness.

4. Unexplained Weight Loss:

  • Losing weight without trying can be a sign of colorectal cancer.

5. Fatigue and Weakness:

  • Feeling tired or weak due to blood loss from the tumor, leading to anemia.

6. A Feeling that Your Bowel Doesn’t Empty Completely:

  • Constant urge to have a bowel movement even after having one.

7. Anemia

  • Chronic bleeding can lead to anemia, characterized by symptoms such as fatigue, paleness, and shortness of breath.

Symptoms Based on Tumor Location:

1. Right-Sided (Cecum and Ascending Colon) Cancer:

  • May cause vague abdominal pain and anemia due to chronic blood loss.
  • Often larger and may go unnoticed until advanced.

2. Left-Sided (Descending and Sigmoid Colon) Cancer:

  • Can cause partial or complete bowel obstruction.

  • May result in changes in bowel habits and visible blood in the stool.

3. Rectal Cancer:

  • Often presents with rectal bleeding and a feeling of incomplete evacuation.

  • May also cause a change in bowel habits and pain during bowel movements.

Symptoms Based on Tumor Location:

  • Colonoscopy and Biopsy.
  • CECT,MRI, PET scan.
  • Blood Test: sr. CEA.

Treatment

Surgery remains the mainstay of Treatment. Effective in the early stages, when cancer cells are restricted in the colon region.

  1.  It may involve Right or Left Hemicolectomy (removal of a portion of the colon) or a proctectomy (removal of the rectum).
  2. Laparoscopic Inter-Sphincteric Resection of Anal Cancer Tumor with Colo-Anal Anastomosis with Temporary Diversion Ileostomy in feasible candidates in whom Sphincter can be preserved.
  3. Abdomineal and Perineal Resection of Complete tumor with Permanent Colostomy.

Other Treatment modes includes Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, Targeted Therapy or a combination of these approaches.

Consult Best Cancer Surgeon in Pune Dr. Kshitij Manerikar for Colorectal cancer

FOR AN APPOINTMENT, CALL