Colon cancer is the presence of cancer in the large intestine (colon). Individuals over 50 (or sometimes younger, depending on risk factors) are recommended to receive an annual screening for this condition
Colon cancer may be present for some time without displaying any obvious symptoms, but the sooner treatment begins, the better the results often are. Here is a look at 10 terms that will help you get familiar with colon cancer.
- Adenomatous polyps: Small groups of cells that develop in the colon but are benign are called adenomatous polyps. These polyps can be indicative of the development of cancer in the future, and even polyps that are benign, or noncancerous, at first can become cancerous.
- Colorectal cancer: When cancer is present in the end of the colon (the rectum), it is considered rectal cancer. However, when cancerous areas are present throughout, the two terms are lumped together (and often used interchangeably or as an umbrella term) and considered colorectal cancer.
- Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy utilizes a thin, flexible tube with a small light and camera attached to examine the entirety of the colon while the patient is sedated. If polyps are detected, they can be removed. Samples of tissue may be taken for further study as well.
- Sigmoidoscopy: A sigmoidoscopy is very similar to a colonoscopy. Tissue samples can still be taken and polyps removed, but this procedure only allows medical professionals to examine the lower part of the large intestine—it can help determine if a full colonoscopy is necessary.
- Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNCC): Also called Lynch Syndrome, HNCC is an inherited disease that makes the chances of developing cancer, especially colorectal cancers, greater than normal. A mutation occurs in specific sets of genes which keeps the cells that repair DNA mistakes from repairing them.
- Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP): FAP is an uncommon inherited disease that results in the formation of excessive amounts of polyps in the colorectal area. Individuals with FAP who take no action are much more likely to develop colon cancer at a much earlier age.
- Anemia: Blood in the stool can be indicative of the presence of colon cancer. It can also cause anemia, another common symptom of colon cancer, in which there is a lack of hemoglobin or red blood cells in the blood. A complete blood count (CBC) can check for this deficiency and help diagnose colon cancer.
- Endoscopic Mucosal Resection: Removing polyps from the colon may sometimes require removing part of the colon as well. This is called an endoscopic mucosal resection. The abnormal tissue is removed, and a small “tattoo” is left in its place so doctors can locate the area again easily. Different types of mucosal resections may be used in different circumstances.
- Partial Colectomy: This surgery involves the removal of cancerous tissue in the colon, as well as healthy tissue surrounding it. The colon is then reconnected to itself to promote normal functioning.
- Colostomy: When reconnecting the colon is not possible, a colostomy may be used. Where the cancerous colon tissue has been removed, a small hole is created using the intestines to go the outside of the abdomen, where a small bag is attached for excrement to go into.
