Colorectal Cancer Surgery in Surat
What is the colon and rectum?
For better understanding of colorectal cancer surgery one needs to know the physiology of these organs. In this segment we give details of all about Colorectal Cancer Surgery in Surat.
The colon is part of the digestive system. It is a long ,coiled, tube-like organ about 1.8m long, also known as a large intestine. Its function is to reabsorb fluids and process waste products from the body and prepare for its elimination.
The rectum is a chamber that begins at the end of the large intestine, immediately following the sigmoid colon, and ends at the anus. Ordinarily, the rectum is empty because stool is stored higher in the descending colon.
What is colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer occurs in the colon or rectum. Sometimes it is called colon cancer, for short. As the drawing shows, the colon is the large intestine or large bowel. The rectum is the passageway that connects the colon to the anus. Sometimes abnormal growths, called polyps, form in the colon or rectum.
Most colorectal cancers start as a growth on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. These growths are called polyps. Some types of polyps can change into cancer over time (usually many years), but not all polyps become cancer. The chance of a polyp turning into cancer depends on the type of polyp it is.
Different stages of colorectal cancer
Within each category, the disease is classified even further and assigned a number or a letter to indicate the extent of the disease. These assignments are based on the structure of the colon, as well as how far the cancer has grown through the layers of the colon wall. Depending upon the extent of disease there are 4 stages of cancer.
Risk
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer, and the third most common cancer overall. Men and women aging 50 or older are at almost equal risk of developing colorectal cancer. Those who have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps are at higher risk of developing the disease. Anyone who has a long-term personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn’s Disease) also is at higher risk. The other disorder is Hereditary Non-Polyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC). In this syndrome, cancers also occur early and develop from polyps. The disease also can present at a later age.
What causes colorectal cancer ?
The exact causes of colorectal cancer are unknown, but the disease appears to be caused by both inherited (genetic) and lifestyle factors. Lifestyle factors – such as cigarette smoking, lack of physical exercise, and obesity – may increase the risk of developing the disease.
Symptoms
Colorectal cancer can be associated with blood in your stools, unexplained abdominal pain, unexplained change in bowel habits, unexplained anaemia or unexplained weight loss. It is also important to remember that colon cancer may not be associated with any symptoms, which is why early detection through screening is so important. The most common causes of bleeding from the rectum and anus are haemorrhoids and anal fissures or tears, which are usually easily treated. Some less common causes are infections of the colon (infectious diarrhoea), inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s colitis), colonic diverticula, or abnormal blood vessels (arteriovenous malformations or angiodysplasia). Colonic obstruction, or blockage of the passing of stool and gas through the colon, is a late symptom of colon cancer.
Screening
Colorectal cancer screening should be a part of routine healthcare for people starting at the age of 50. People at higher risk for colon cancer should be screened earlier. Several screening options exist. These include the fecal occult blood test (FOBT), flexible sigmoidoscopy, double contrast barium enema, and colonoscopy. Colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening should be done by an endoscopists only.
Polyps
Polyps are mushroom-like growths that form when cells lining the colon grow, divide and reproduce in an unhealthy, disorderly way. Polyps can become cancerous over time. Colorectal cancer can occur without polyps.
At SIDS Hospital
With the most advanced endoscopic / colonoscopes / laparoscopic system we are doing more than 30 diagnostic, screening and surgical procedures per day. Our experienced surgical team has successfully treated more than 200 patients suffering from colorectal cancer. Our experienced surgical team is performing the highest number of procedures for colorectal cancer in south Gujarat. Dr Dhaval Mangukiya with vast experience for Colorectal Cancer Surgery in Surat available at SIDS Hospital for his expert advice and solutions.