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Colon Cancer
- Days In Hospital 7 days
- Outside Hospital Stay 30 days
- Success Rate 75%
Minimum Cost
$ 2000
Maximum Cost.
$ 5000
Overview of Colon Cancer in India
Colon cancer refers to the formation of tumors when cells in the body multiply uncontrollably in any part of the colon in the large intestine. The large intestine is the part of the digestive system that assists in digesting food. Colon cancer typically occurs in older adults but can also occur in young adults. Tumors in the colon first start as small non-cancerous tumors that turn into cancerous cells over time. At times both the structure of the colon and the structure of the rectum are affected and this cancer is called colorectal cancer.
In the early stages of colon cancer, symptoms don't tend to be apparent. In the later stages of the disease, the symptoms depend on the size and location of the tumor in the colon. The primary cause of colon cancer is the DNA changes that occur in the cells, but it can result from other risk factors associated with the development of cancer in the large intestine. Colon cancer can also be prevented by keeping a healthy diet and a good balance of fitness. In addition to this, it is important to avoid some risk factors of colon cancer to prevent complications.
What Is Colon Cancer?
Colon cancer (colorectal cancer) is a malignancy initiated in polyps that form in the colon and rectum lining. Colon cancer is a cancer that can affect your colon and or rectum in your large intestine.
Colon polyps can become neoplastic. A neoplastic polyp can grow into other areas of your body through your colon. Healthcare providers can do tests, like colonoscopies, that will identify colon polyps before they become neoplastic. The tests will also identify neoplastic colon polyps.
Colon is a potentially serious diagnosis. If healthcare providers remove pre-neoplastic polyps, they can prevent colon cancer before it even starts. Also, when there is an early diagnosis and even if the polyp is neoplastic and the healthcare provider goes ahead with treatment to remove the neoplastic polyp, they may be able to cure the disease.
What Are the Types of Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer can be classified into more than one disease. There are several subtypes, and the vast majority of cases can be grouped into these types:
- Adenocarcinoma: The most common type of colorectal cancer and accounts for about 95% of colorectal cancer. It originates in the glandular cells that secrete mucus in the colon or rectum.
- Mucinous adenocarcinoma: A subtype of adenocarcinoma that has mucus in the tumor itself, which may make it somewhat difficult to treat.
- Signet-ring cell carcinoma: A rare and aggressive type that grows and spreads quickly.
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs): Rare tumors that start in the connective tissue of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Carcinoid tumors: Begin in the hormone-producing cells in the intestine.
- Lymphomas: Very rare, arise from immune cells in the colon or rectum.
Types of Colon Cancer:
Staging refers to how far the cancer has progressed, whereas grading refers to the appearance of cancer cells under a microscope.
Stages of colorectal cancer include:
Stage 0 (Carcinoma in situ): Abnormal cells present only in the inner lining.
Stage I: Cancer there is invasion into the colon wall, but there is no spread.
Stage II: Cancer has grown into the colon wall but has not yet spread to the lymph nodes.
Stage III: Cancer has spread to adjacent lymph nodes.
Stage IV: Cancer has spread (metastasized) to a distant organ like the liver or lungs.
Staging is very important because it will assist in treatment decisions and help determine prognosis. The stage of cancer will help the doctor decide if surgery alone is sufficient or whether they should also include chemotherapy, radiation or more advanced therapies.
Procedure:
Chemotherapy
Medications in chemotherapy treatment kill cancer cells. The medicines stop cancer cells from growing. Chemotherapy is additionally used in treatment plans after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to damage and kill cancer cells. It is often used with surgery or chemotherapy for complicated cases of colon cancer.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted drug therapy allows some cancer-specific proteins to be targeted, causing cancer cells to die. Targeted drug therapy is an advanced modality and limits damage to healthy cells.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that enhances the body's immune system, allowing it to target and kill cancer cells. The body's immune system is the natural defense mechanism that kills cancer cells and cures the disease.
Surgery
In addition to immunotherapy, treatment for colon cancer also includes surgical removal of the tumor. In the surgery, the tumor and all tissue surrounding it, including lymph nodes that may be a route of spread of cancer, is removed.
Palliative Care
If the cancer is diagnosed at an advanced and end stage of the disease, treatment cannot cure the disease completely. Instead, treatment is used to help enhance patient's quality of life through symptom relief and care.
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Cost of Colon Cancer in India
In India, colon cancer treatment might cost anywhere between $700 and $5,000. The type of treatment a patient receives and the severity of their ailment can both affect the cost.
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Indications of Colon Cancer:
Colorectal cancer often starts with no symptoms. Early on, the symptoms might be mild and easy to ignore.
Some common early symptoms might be:
- Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or stool that is narrower than usual).
- Blood in stool (bright red or dark red).
- Unexplained stomach discomfort, cramps, or gas.
- Feeling like your bowel has not finished emptying.
- Fatigue and weakness.
More advanced symptoms might be:
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Constant pain in stomach.
- Severe anemia (low red blood cells).
- Bowel obstruction (blockage).
Many of these symptoms can also be caused by something non-cancerous like piles or infections. If you have these symptoms, it is always better to get checked sooner rather than later. If you notice these symptoms, see a doctor. If you can be treated early, you are better to be cured.
Risk Factors:
The following risk factors are associated with colon cancer:
Age
Incidence of colon cancer has a positive correlation with age due to its propensity for elderly populations.
Family History
A family history increases the risk of colon cancer, if the patient has a close family member who has had the same diagnosis.
History of Colon Polyps or Colon Cancer
If the patient has a positive history of colon cancer, then there is more likelihood of recurrence.
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD)
Inflammatory bowel disease is associated with a risk of developing colon cancer. Patients suffering from inflammatory bowel disease are at increased risk of developing colon cancer.
Genetic Conditions
Genetic alterations can lead to illness that can result in a number of cancers including colon cancer.
Lifestyle Choices
Having an unhealthy lifestyle such as smoking, drinking too much alcohol, having a diet high in fats, and little physical activity can increase the risk of colon cancer.
Obesity
Excess body weight can be a cause of many diseases, which includes colon cancer.
Diabetes
Having high blood sugar levels puts individuals at a greater risk of developing colon cancer.
Radiation Treatments
Receiving radiation treatments for previous cancer with high levels of radiation, especially in the pelvic region, may cause cancer in the large intestines.
Certain Medications
Long-term use of specific medications will increase the risk of colon cancer, particularly pain reducing and anti-inflammatory medications.