Colorectal Cancer

What is Colorectal cancer?

Colon and Rectum, a.k.a large bowel, disorders are grouped together due to the cimilarities in the origin and management principles of the disorders. Cancers occurring in the colon and rectum are grouped under colorectal cancers. Most of these cancers have a predictable course with a premalignant polyp to cancer growth and hence surveillance principles can be applied for early detection of these cancers.

How colorectal cancers begin?

Like any other intestinal lining the inner cells of the colon and rectal region undergo normal process of substitution. Any disturbance in this normal substitution process results in the formation of polyps in this region. And further aberration in the growth of the polyps result in uncontrolled multiplication of the cells and lead to tumour formation. Once cancers is formed it further spreads locally with the adjacent organs or can spread to distant places like liver, lungs etc.,

What are causes of colorectal cancers?

Causes of colorectal cancers are as listed below


• 1. Age group more than 40years is increasingly associated with colorectal malignancies
• 2. A family history on colorectal polyps or cancers
• 3. Consistent and prolonged intake of fat rich foods
• 4. History of inflammatory bowel disease especially ulcerative colitis
• 5. Genetical inheritance

What are signs and symptoms of Colorectal cancer?

Symptoms of the colorectal cancer include


• 1. Sudden onset changes in the bowel habbit, both constipation and loose stools(diarrhea)
• 2. Blood in stools or per rectal bleeding
• 3. Abdominal cramps and pain
• 4. Abdominal bloating or distension
• 5. Unexplained weight loss
• 6. Persistent weakness or fatigue
• 7. Constant urge to defecate
• 8. Tissue prolapsing per anally

How are colorectal cancers diagnosed?

The various diagnostic tools available in Hyderabad for diagnosis of colorectal malignancies are


• 1. Colonoscopy and biopsy
• 2. Contrast enhanced CT scan (CECT)
• 3. MRI Pelvis
• 4. PET-CT

What are the best options for treatment of Colorectal cancers?

Depending on the stage of the colorectal cancers treatment is tailor made. Following are the treatment options for colorectal malignancies

• • Surgery remains the corner stone of treatment of the colorectal malignancies. Colectomy or proctectomy are the surgical options depending on the location. For rectal cancers Anterior or low anterior resection are considered. Dr.Harish offer the best colorectal surgery services in Hyderabad.
• • Chemotherapy is considered pre or post operative period depending on the stage of the cancer. Chemotherapy can also be used to target the systemic metastasis especially to liver, lung etc.,
• • Radiation is considered especially in the rectal malignancies to deal with the local disease
• Targetted therapies involving the immune or monoclonal antibodies are also being increasingly used in the colorectal cancers

What is the role of diet in colorectal malignancies?

Including fibre rich food like fruits and vegetables along with cut down on processed or red meat is found to be good for large bowel. Lean proteins like fish or chicken can be included in diet. A good hydration also adds on to your good gut health.