Colon cancer symptoms, treatment

Colon cancer usually develops slowly and may not present apparent symptoms in its early stages. Some individuals with undiagnosed colorectal cancer may detect blood in their bowel movements (feces). They may also experience persistent constipation or diarrhea, abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss.

Two simple tests can detect most colon tumors while they are still in an early, easy-to-treat stage. The first test is the digital rectal examination, during which the physician uses a gloved finger to gently check the smoothness of the rectal lining.

The second test is the fecal occult blood test, in which a small sample of the patient’s feces is smeared on a card coated with a chemical called guaiac, which reacts with blood.

The card is analyzed in a laboratory for occult (hidden) blood. A positive result does not necessarily indicate the presence of cancer.

The primary treatment for colon cancer is surgery to remove the tumor. The surgery may be combined with radiation, chemotherapy, or both.

Using a combination of high-dose radiation and chemotherapy prior to surgery now makes it possible to avoid permanent colostomies in many patients who previously would have needed this procedure.

A colostomy is a surgical procedure to create an artificial opening through the abdominal wall to the exterior of the body for elimination of wastes into a plastic bag.

If cancer has spread from the colorectal area to the lymph nodes or liver, surgery or chemotherapy used in combination with three drugs—fluorouracil, leucovorin, and irinotecan—prolongs the lives of some patients.