colon cancer - This blood test may help determine if you're at
if you have a family history of colorectal cancer, you may be a candidate for genetic testing. This blood test may help determine if you're at increased danger of colon cancer or of rektalem cancer, but, them are not without drawbacks. The results can be ambiguous, and the presence of a defective gene doesn't necessarily mean you'll develop cancer. Knowing you have a genetic predisposition can alert you to the need for regular screening. Still, you'll also want to consider the psychological impact of what the test may reveal. Knowing you may develop cancer affects not only your own life, but also the lives of everyone close to you. Genetic testing for children is even more complex and problematic. It's best if you discuss all of the ramifications of genetic testing with your doctor or a medical geneticist.
illustration characterized of colon cancer in halbmondfã¶rmigem on screening in the setting of Crohn's disease . Colorectal cancer can take many years to develop and early detection of colorectal cancer greatly improves the chances of a cure. Therefore, screening for the disease is recommended in individuals who are at increased risk. There are several different tests available for this purpose. Digital rectal exam (DRE): The doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to feel for abnormal areas. It only detects tumors large enough to be felt in the distal part of the rectum but is useful as an initial screening test. Fecal occult blood test (FOBT): a test for blood in the stool. : A lighted probe (sigmoidoscope) is inserted into the rectum and lower colon to check for polyps and other abnormalities. : A lighted probe called a colonoscope is inserted into the rectum and the entire colon , in order to look up
most sporadic polyps enter between the ages of 40 and 60. There may be only one or two present and they may take ten years or more to develop into a cancer. There is a hereditary link. Eventually some of these become cancer. Hereditary Familial Polyposis -- This is a true hereditary condition in which the entire colon is studded with hundreds, even thousands of polyps. They begin at a very early age even under ten years old. Virtually every patient will finally expand themselves up colon cancer . The only known preventive treatment is surgical removal of the colon. Fortunately, the condition is not common. Lynch Syndrome (Hereditary Non-Polyposis Colorectal Cancer) -- This disorder is more common than familial polyposis but less so than the ordinary polyp. There is a strong tendency for adenoma type polyps to occur in close blood relatives such as sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles and children. More polyps are seen and at an early age. Polyps and even cancer occur at earlier ages, 40's, 30's and even in the 20's. In some families there is also an increased incidence of breast, ovarian, and other cancers. So a family history of this type warrants very close surveillance of all direct blood relatives.
since your genes cannot be changed, if there is a family history of colon polyps or cancer, a colonoscopy should be performed to remove the polyps before they become malignant. Calcium and aspirin may have a protective role. Ask your physician about taking a calcium supplement and/or aspirin. While dietary fiber and regular exercise are not clearly protective, they play a real role in promoting long-term good health. Summary Cancer of the colon is a serious but readily detected malignancy. Early detection promises a particularly high chance of survival. most colon cancer s start as polyps, which announced can usually be removed through a colonoscopic exam. Today, there is much that can be done to prevent and cure this cancer. The essential first step involves action by the patient.
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cancer of the step ii colon or rectum means the tumor has grown deeper into the wall than with stage I cancer. Stage II cancer goes through the inner layer of the colon or rectum but usually does not go completely through the wall. There are some step of the ii colon cancer s, which have a level risk of recurrence (coming back). The tumor that was removed at surgery will be examined in a lab to help your doctor tell whether the cancer has a high risk of recurrence. If you have a stage II cancer with a high risk of recurrence, your doctor may recommend that you have chemotherapy. Radiotherapy may be used if you have rectal cancer.