Colon Cancer Surgery Facts

Cancer. The big “C” word that everyone dreads hearing. When you do hear it, thoughts automatically turn to lung cancer. The fact is that cancer of the colon is responsible for over 10% of all cancer deaths in the USA. To help understand a little about this disease, it is necessary to know a bit about the colon.

Most of the time, the colon is mistakenly mentioned as part of the entire large intestine, but is actually only the largest part of that organ.
It is about six feet long and moves solid waste along to the rectum. Along the way, it absorbs water and harmful materials from the waste. The longer it takes to move the waste out, the better chance of removing those materials.

Colon cancer is the third most diagnosed cancer and holds the second highest mortality rate of all cancers worldwide with 655,000 deaths expected this year.
In the US alone, it is estimated that approximately 106,000 people will be newly diagnosed with colon cancer this year and some 56,000 will die from the disease. Very somber statistics, if I may say so.

Colon cancer is thought to originate from mushroom-like polyps that form in the colon, rectum and appendix. These polyps are usually benign (harmless), but can develop into cancer over time. The key is prevention, which is mainly achieved through colonoscopy.

A colonoscopy is a simple procedure where a thin cable-like camera is inserted into the anus all the way to the top of the cecum. It is then removed slowly and affords the doctor a full view of the colon. He also has the ability to remove polyps should any be found.

Sometimes, surgery is necessary in extreme cases. During surgery, several things could be done.

· The tumor and surrounding area is cut away and resectioned to make the colon fully functional.

· Occasional cancerous intrusion into the liver requires removal of metastases, or places on the liver where the cancer has traveled.

· If a tumor has invaded other vital parts, it may be better to bypass it rather than remove it.

· In the worst case, a surgeon may be able to do nothing at all due to the spread of the cancer. This is called “open and close” surgery. This however is rare.

There are some complications that arise from time to time including infection, bleeding and bowel obstruction. Occasionally, heart trouble results and embolisms or pneumonias may form spontaneously.

After having colon surgery, the use of radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be prescribed. This could prevent a recurrence of the disease in the surgical areas. Normal full recovery from colon surgery takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks. This is to allow for the healing, both internal and external, and for normal bowel function to return.

The quality of life during recovery is somewhat lessened yet not completely inhibitive. Using the bathroom can be a chore, but is possible. A physician will sometimes use a temporary colostomy bag during recovery to avoid injuring the surgical areas. When healing is judged to be nearly complete, the patient is weaned back to normal bowel functionality and the colostomy is removed.

Symptoms are sometimes not prevalent. However, stool frequency and consistency, bloody stool and bowel obstruction are indicators of an early cancer. Advanced cancers will have advanced symptoms like anemia, body weakness and even shortness of breath.
With any of these, pleas see your doctor immediately

Jason R Davidson owns and operates [http://www.coloncancersurgery.net] Colon Cancer Surgery [http://www.coloncancersurgery.net]

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