What Is Colon Cancer?

Description of the Disease

Colon cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in the large intestine. It can begin to grow on the walls of the intestine and then spread to nearby tissues and organs. Later, the cancer can metastasize, meaning it can form distant foci of lesions in other organs.

Classification

• Adenocarcinoma (polyps and adenomas)
• Invasive cancer
• Carcinoid tumors

Symptoms

• Change in stool character
• Blood in the stool
• Abdominal pain
• Unexplained weight loss

Causes

The exact causes of colon cancer are unknown, but it is believed that the risk of the disease increases with a genetic predisposition, unhealthy diet, low physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption.

Diagnosis

• Colonoscopy
• CT and MRI
• Biopsy

Treatment

Treatment of colon cancer includes surgical removal of the tumor, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy.

Prevention

• Healthy diet
• Physical activity
• Quitting smoking and alcohol

Doctor

An oncologist or a coloproctologist is involved in the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of patients with colon cancer.