Colon and Rectal Cancer
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Colon and Rectal Cancer
is just a shortened way of saying colon and rectal. пїЅ пїЅ
Colorectal cancer can be serious. But there are many ways to treat it. пїЅ пїЅ
Is there a test for colorectal cancer? " пїЅ Yes, there are a few tests that can find colorectal cancer. Your doctor or nurse can explain your choices. пїЅ пїЅ
If your doctor or nurse thinks you have colorectal cancer, he or she will probably suggest a test called a "colonoscopy. " пїЅ During a colonoscopy, the doctor inserts a tube and a tiny camera into your anus and up to your colon. That way he or she can look for cancer or other problems. пїЅ пїЅ
What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer? " пїЅ Colorectal cancer might not cause any symptoms at first. When it does cause symptoms, it can cause: пїЅ пїЅ
How is colorectal cancer treated? " пїЅ Most types of colorectal cancer are treated with one or more of these: пїЅ пїЅ
Will my body work normally after surgery? " пїЅ That depends on what type of surgery you have. If your doctor can reconnect your colon or rectum after removing the part with cancer, you should be able to have bowel movements normally. But if your doctor cannot reconnect your colon or rectum, he or she will make a hole in your belly and attach the end of the colon or a loop of intestine to that hole. The hole is called a "colostomy. " пїЅ Your bowel movements will come out through the opening into a bag that is glued to your skin. пїЅ пїЅ
Some people need to have a colostomy only for a short time. Then they can have another surgery to reconnect their colon or rectum. Other people need to have a colostomy for the rest of their life. If you need a colostomy, your doctor or nurse will put you in touch with people who can help you learn to use it. пїЅ пїЅ
What happens after treatment? " пїЅ After you finish treatment, you should see your doctor or nurse every so often for a few years. That way he or she can check to see if the cancer comes back. You will probably have to have blood tests every so often, a few more colonoscopy tests, plus a special kind of X-ray called a "CT scan. " пїЅ пїЅ пїЅ
All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. пїЅ пїЅ
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. пїЅ пїЅ
Release: 22.8 - C22.208 пїЅ пїЅ
пїЅ пїЅ 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. пїЅ пїЅ
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.The use of UpToDate content is governed by the UpToDate Terms of Use. пїЅ пїЅ2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. пїЅ пїЅ
- Stomach pain
- A change in your bowel movements (number, texture, or size)
- Blood in your bowel movements
- Feeling weak or tired
- Surgery to remove the part of the colon or rectum that has cancer
- Medicine called chemotherapy that kills cancer cells
- Radiation therapy
Digestive system
This drawing shows the organs in the body that process food. Together these organs are called "the digestive system," or "digestive tract. " пїЅ As food travels through this system, the body absorbs nutrients and water.
Graphic 66110 Version 4.0
Digestive system
This drawing shows the organs in the body that process food. Together these organs are called "the digestive system," or "digestive tract. " пїЅ As food travels through this system, the body absorbs nutrients and water.
Graphic 66110 Version 4.0