Colon and rectal cancer

colon and rectal cancer (colorectal cancer) is a type of cancer no 2 are the most common cause of cancer deaths and No. 2. The incidence of colorectal cancer begins to increase at age 40 years and peak at age 60-75 years. Colon cancer is more common in women, rectal cancer is more often found in men.

Approximately 5% of patients with colon cancer or rectal cancer have more than one colorectal cancer at the same time. Colon cancer usually begins with swelling like the buttons on the surface of the intestinal lining or the polyp. Then the cancer will begin to enter the intestinal wall. Nearby lymph nodes can also be affected. Because blood from the intestinal wall was taken to the liver, colon cancer usually spreads (metastasis) to the liver soon after spread to the lymph nodes nearby.


CAUSE
Someone with a family history of colon cancer, have a high risk of cancer. Hereditary polyposis or a history of similar disease also increases the risk of colon cancer. Patients with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease have a higher risk for cancer. The risks associated with patient age at the time of these abnormalities arise and old people develop this disorder.

Food holds important role in colon cancer risk, but how, is unknown. Around the world, people with the highest risk are living in urban and eat typical western people are rich. These foods high in fiber and low animal protein, fats and carbohydrates. The risk seems to decline with a diet high in calcium, vitamin D and vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, cabbage and broccoli.


SYMPTOMS
Colorectal cancer grows slowly and takes a long time before causing symptoms. Symptoms depend on the type, location and spread of cancer. Right colon (ascending colon) has a large diameter and thin walls. Because the contents are liquid, ascending colon will not be blocked until the occurrence of late-stage cancer.

The tumors in the ascending colon could be so enlarged that can be felt through the abdominal wall. Weak because of severe anemia may be the only symptom. The left colon (descending colon) has a smaller diameter and thicker walls and a little stool solid.
Cancer tends to surround the colon, causing constipation and frequent bowel movements, alternately.

Because the descending colon is narrower and thicker walls, clogging occurs earlier. Patients experiencing abdominal pain cramps or severe abdominal pain and constipation. Feces can be bloody, but more often hidden blood, and can only be known through laboratory tests.

Most cancers cause bleeding, but usually slowly. In rectal cancer, the most common first symptom is bleeding during a bowel movement. If rectal bleeding, even if the person is known to also suffer from hemorrhoids or diverticular disease, also should difikirkan possibility of cancer. In rectal cancer, the patient may feel pain during bowel movements and a feeling that the rectum has not completely empty. Sitting can be a pain. But usually people do not feel pain due to cancer, unless the cancer has spread to tissue outside the rectum


Diagnosis
Like other cancers, regular screening, early detection help from colorectal cancer. Feces examined microscopically to calculate the amount of blood. To help ensure proper examination results, patients with high-fiber eating red meat for 3 days prior to fecal sampling. If this screening indicates the possibility of cancer, further investigation is needed.

Before endoscopy, the gut is emptied, often by using laxatives and several enemas. Approximately 65% ​​of colorectal cancers can be viewed with sigmoidoskop. When visible polyps that may be malignant, the entire colon examined with colonoscopy, which its range is longer. Some are visible malignant growth removed using a surgical instrument through a colonoscopy, other growth should be removed with ordinary surgery.