Assoc. Dr. Deniz Atasoy, while cancers seen on the inner surface of the large intestine are called "colon cancer"; He said that cancers seen in the last 15-20 cm of the large intestine are called "rectal cancer" and that both types of cancer are generally called "colorectal cancers". He underlined that, according to the data of the Ministry of Health, colorectal cancer is among the top 5 most common cancer types in our country.
Assoc. Dr. Deniz Atasoy stated that colorectal cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, which ranks third among the most common cancers and cancer-related deaths in the world, is generally divided into two as "colon" and "rectum". Assoc. Dr. Atasoy said, “Colorectal cancers can be seen in one in every 20 people. When the distribution by gender is examined, colon cancer ranks second among all cancers in women and third in men. According to research, the incidence of colorectal cancer is 4-10 times higher in developing countries than in developed countries. Reasons such as genetic factors, lifestyle, environmental influences, sedentary life, excessive consumption of processed foods, red meat, alcoholic beverage consumption and obesity increase the risk of colorectal cancer; However, colorectal cancers can be prevented with early diagnosis. In May 2018, the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeon announced that they recommend routine colonoscopy control starting from the age of 45 due to the increased frequency of colon cancer before the age of 50.” he said and answered our questions on the subject.
Questions about large intestine cancer (colon cancer)…
What is Colon Cancer?
The large intestine consists of two parts called “Colon” and “Rectum”. Colon is the name given to the part of the large intestine other than the rectum, where the last 12 centimeters of stool before the anus are stored. If colon cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, it is possible to be completely treated. In cases where it is not diagnosed early, it can spread to nearby lymph nodes, neighboring organs such as the stomach and spleen, and to other parts of the body via blood. ;
What are the Symptoms of Colon Cancer?
The main symptom of colon cancer is the change in bowel habits, defecation routines and stool consistency that lasts longer than four weeks. Long-lasting diarrhea or constipation, change in stool consistency, bleeding from the stool and anus, and a secretion similar to egg white in the stool may be among the symptoms of colon cancer. In advanced stages, complaints such as swelling and pain in the abdominal area may also appear. Pain while defecating and in general in the abdomen, cramps, gas and straining, anemia, unexplained weight loss, feeling of fatigue and the formation of a mass in the abdominal area can also be counted among the symptoms of colon cancer.
In Colon Cancer. What are the Risk Factors?
Age:The possibility of developing colon cancer increases after the age of 50. According to research, 90% of people with colon cancer are over the age of 50.
Genetic factors:In those with a family history of colon cancer, the risk of developing colon cancer may increase due to genetic predisposition. For this reason, they must have a check-up every 10 years, regardless of age.
Polyps: The situation where the layer covering the inside of the large intestine grows abnormally and protrudes into the intestinal tract is called polyp. Polyps, which are considered benign tumors, carry the risk of turning into cancer over time. For this reason, polyps need to be removed and regular check-ups must be made thereafter.
Genetic disorders: Changes in the HNPCC gene increase the risk of developing colon cancer.
Inflammatory bowel diseases: Diseases that occur in the form of intestinal inflammation, such as Crohn's and ulcerative colitis, increase the risk of developing colon cancers.
Unhealthy lifestyle: The risk of colon cancer is high in people who consume low-fiber foods, consume high-fat foods, smoke and drink alcohol, have diabetes, are overweight and have a sedentary lifestyle.
Diagnosis in Colon Cancer
Early diagnosis, treatment and success of colon cancer is a very important step. In addition to those with a family history of colon cancer, every individual aged 50 and over should have colonoscopy check-ups every year. In addition, in those who show symptoms of colon cancer, stool is taken and examined, colon radiography and computed tomography are performed for definitive diagnosis. A piece is also taken with endoscopy and subjected to pathological examination.
What are the Stages of Colon Cancer?
There are four stagings for large intestine cancer (colon cancer). Most of the time, definitive staging can be done after surgery. Staging involves the spread of cancer to the colon wall and lymph nodes; Factors such as whether it spreads to neighboring or distant organs are taken into consideration.
Phase (in situ): It is the initial stage. Cancer is in the innermost layer of the large intestine.
Stage: They have not penetrated the large intestine wall, there is no spread to the lymph.
Stage: They have exceeded the large intestine wall or adhered to neighboring organs. But these are cancers that have not spread to the lymph nodes. It is divided into three as A, B and C.
Stage: These are cancers that may or may not have spread through the large intestine wall and have spread to the lymph nodes. It is divided into three as A, B and C. Stages A, B and C are also divided into subgroups.
Stage: These are cancers that have spread to neighboring or distant organs. It is divided into three as A, B and C.
What are the Treatment Methods for Colon Cancer?
In the treatment of colon cancer, polyps that may turn into cancer are removed and cleaned by the colonoscopy method. If the cancer has reached an advanced stage, the part containing the tumor is removed through surgery. In cases where the disease has spread, chemotherapy is applied.
When and Why is the Stoma Opened?
In most colon cancer surgeries, the bag (stoma) is not opened. However, the bag can be opened temporarily after difficult surgeries or to avoid risking the healing of the stitches. The situation is slightly different in rectal cancers. Nowadays, most rectal cancers are diagnosed before surgery. Radiation therapy (radiotherapy) is given. Chemotherapy may or may not be given together. After the surgery of these patients or in patients with very low level stitches, the bag can be opened for protective purposes in order not to risk the healing of these stitches. These bags are usually closed after 2 months or at the end of chemotherapy.
Do Stitches Secure During Chemotherapy?
Bag closure procedures are generally performed 1 month after chemotherapy. This period is necessary to eliminate the side effects of chemotherapy drugs on the body's healing functions.
How Long After Surgery Should Chemotherapy Be Started?
If no problems (complications) occur after the surgery and recovery continues normally, it usually takes 1 month. Chemotherapy starts within a month.
When can surgery be performed after chemotherapy?
Usually, patients can undergo surgery after two weeks. The stoma can be closed.
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