When the cells start multiplying without any control and form a tumor in any part of the colon in the large intestine, it is known as Colon Cancer. The large intestine is the part of the digestive system which helps to digest the food. The cancer in the colon usually occurs at old age, but it can also occur in young adults. Colon cancer starts as small tumors that are non-cancerous and they develop into cancerous cells with time. Sometimes both the structures of the colon and rectum are involved and the cancer is known as colorectal cancer. The symptoms of colon cancer are not so obvious in the early stage of the disease. In later stages of disease, the symptoms depend on the size and location of the tumor present in the colon. The main cause of colon cancer is the DNA changes that occur in the cells. However, it can also happen due to many other risk factors that are associated with the development of cancer in the large intestine. Colon cancer can also be prevented by maintaining a healthy diet and balanced lifestyle. Other than this, it is important to avoid some risk factors of colon cancer to prevent complications.
Types of Colon Cancer Treatment India
Some of the types of treatments for colon cancer are:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Surgery
Chemotherapy
chemotherapy treatment uses some medications to kill cancer cells. These medicines stop the growth of cancer cells. Chemotherapy is also used in combination treatments after surgery to kill the remaining cancer cells present.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is used to target and destroy cancer cells by the use of high-energy radiation. It is often combined with surgery or chemotherapy for complex cases of colon cancer.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted drug therapy is used to target some specific proteins of the cancer cells and kill them. In this way, the cancer cell dies. Target drug therapy is an advanced technique that limits the damage to healthy cells.
Immunotherapy
The treatment of immunotherapy strengthens the immune system of the body and prepares the body to attack cancer cells. The natural defense system of the body kills the cancer cells and cures the disease.
Surgery
The treatment for colon cancer also involves surgical removal of the tumor. In the surgical procedure, the tumor and the structure are removed alongside lymph nodes through which cancer can spread.
Palliative Care
When the cancer is diagnosed in the end stage of the disease, the treatment cannot cure the disease completely. In such cases, the treatment is used to improve the quality of life of patients by relieving symptoms and proper care.
Diagnosis of Colon Cancer Treatment India
Some of the diagnostic methods used for colon cancer are described below:
Medical History and Physical Examination
The doctor asked about the detailed medical history of the patient and performed some physical examination to diagnose the disease.
Blood Tests
Blood tests can also be performed to find any abnormalities in the blood.
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a diagnostic procedure. In this procedure, a long flexible tube with a camera on the end is used to examine the colon. If any abnormal growths or tumors are found, further tests are performed to check the presence of cancer cells.
Biopsy
In biopsy tests, some tissue samples are taken and sent to a laboratory for examination. This helps to confirm the presence of cancerous cells in the tumor and provides information about its stage and type.
Imaging Tests
Additional imaging tests may also be performed to determine the extent of the cancerous cells. These tests can include CT scans, MRI scans, PET scans, and ultrasound.
Sigmoidoscopy
In some cases, a sigmoidoscopy may be performed to examine only the lower part of the colon and other structures.
Barium Enema
A barium enema involves filling the colon with some material and taking X-rays to detect any abnormal structure. This diagnostic method is less commonly used due to the presence of the latest technology.
Genetic Testing
In some cases, genetic tests are performed to check for specific genetic changes that are associated with colon cancer.
Cost of Colon Cancer Treatment in India
The cost of colon cancer treatment in India ranges from 700 USD to 5000 USD. The cost can vary according to the type of treatment used for an individual patient and the complication of the patient.
The symptoms of colon cancer are as follows:
- Rectal bleeding
- Changes in bowel habits
- Abdominal pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Low level of blood
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Feeling that the bowel doesn't empty completely
- Cramping or discomfort in the lower abdomen
- Weakness or fatigue
- Unexplained iron-deficiency
Risk Factors of Colon Cancer
Some of the risk factors of colon cancer are as follows:
Age
The risk of colon cancer increases with age because it is more common in the elderly population.
Family History
The risk of colon cancer increases if a close family member is suffering from the same disease.
History of Colon Polyps or Cancer
If the patient has a positive history of colon cancer, then there are more chances of reoccurrence of the disease.
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD)
The condition of IBD can be a risk factor for the development of colon cancer. Patients who are suffering from inflammatory bowel disease are at greater risk of colon cancer.
Genetic disease
Some diseases that occur due to genetic changes can also cause different types of cancer including colon cancer.
Lifestyle Factors
An unhealthy lifestyle like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, a diet rich in fats, and low physical activity can increase the risk of colon cancer.
Obesity
Excess of body weight can be the cause of many diseases which also include colon cancer.
Diabetes
Patients who have high sugar levels in their blood are at greater risk of developing colon cancer.
Radiation Therapy
The treatment with high radiations for the previous cancer can cause cancer in the large intestine especially when radiations are used on the pelvic region.
Certain Medications
Long-term use of some specific medications such as medicines that are used to treat pain and swelling can increase the risk of colon cancer.
04/13/2024
