Colo-Rectal Oncosurgery

Cancer that begins in the colon is called colon cancer, while cancer in the rectum is known as rectal cancer. Cancer that affect either of these organs may be called colorectal cancer. Through not true in all cases, the majority of colorectal cancers generally develop over time from adenomatous (precancerous) polyps. Polyps (growths) can change after a series of mutations (abnormalities) arise in their cellular DNA. Some of the risk factors for colorectal cancer involve a family history of colon or rectal cancer, diet, alcohol intake, smoking and inflammatory bowel disease.

Cancers of colon and rectum present with symptoms such as:

• Change in bowel habits
• Bleeding in stools
• Weight loss
• Fatigue or tiredness

How is colorectal cancer treated?

Colorectal cancer is treated based on the stage of cancer. Staging identifies the severity of the cancer. Treatment options can include the use of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.