Colorectal cancer—cancer of the colon or rectum—is the third most common type of cancer and the second cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. Most cases of colon cancer begin as small groupings of noncancerous cells called polyps, which can become colon cancers over time.
Many people with colon cancer show no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. When symptoms appear, they will likely vary, based on the size and location of cancer cells. The symptoms are often attributed to other benign conditions.
Diagnosis
If your tests or symptoms are relevant to colon cancer, your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy. This procedure involves using a long flexible tube with a tiny video camera at the end to examine the colon and rectum. The tube can also be fitted with surgical tools for collecting tissue samples. If cancer is discovered, and it is small, your doctor may be able to remove it completely during the colonoscopy.
Treatment
Your treatment will largely depend on how advanced the cancer is and how far it has spread. Surgery may be the only required treatment, or it may be part of a broader treatment program. In many cases, surgery can be performed using minimally invasive techniques that require only small incisions. This includes laparoscopic or robotic technology. Our specialists at Dignity Health can help you understand the benefits and details of these techniques during your consultation.
Pre-surgery
Before your surgery, you may be asked to drink plenty of water and follow a special diet to help limit your discomfort. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to suppress the bacteria found naturally in your colon and prevent infection. The day before your procedure, we will recommend a clear-liquid diet and an enema or laxative to clean out your system.