All you need to know about colon cancer including, colon cancer screening, its symptoms, and treatment in San Antonio

In the United States, approximately fifty-thousand deaths are reported every year resulting from colon cancer. However, these deaths could have been prevented if there was proper screening and early treatment of colon cancer. Colon cancer in San Antonio is managed and treated by the leading colon cancer specialists at Digestive & Liver Disease Center, who help patients through carrying out regular screenings, use of advanced diagnostics, and appropriate treatment options.

What is colon cancer?

Colon cancers arise from small clumps of extra tissue known as adenomatous polyps found in your rectum or colon. They later develop into cancerous cells and are seen as masses along the large intestine. An adenomatous polyp is one of the early signs that might indicate you are at risk of developing colon cancer and, in most cases, does not cause symptoms. Therefore it remains undetected unless you get regular colon cancer screenings.

Generally, polyps usually take long before they become cancerous, and also not all polyps develop into cancer. You are therefore encouraged to visit the health facility for regular screening so that polyps can be identified in their early form and have them removed before they become cancerous. Doing so will enable you to stay alive and remain healthy.

When should you have your first colon cancer screening?

Various factors determine when you are supposed to have your first colon cancer screening, including age, family history, and medical history. Therefore, if you are at risk of developing colon cancer due to family history, the specialist recommends that you start your screening early. However, if you have none of the above risk factors, you are encouraged to start colon cancer screening at the age of 45 or 50.

What are the symptoms of colon cancer?

The symptoms of colon cancer may vary depending on its progress and location. During the early stages of colon cancer, you might not experience any symptoms, but some of the possible symptoms are weakness, abdominal bloating, breathing difficulties, weakness, unintended weight loss, anemia, exhaustion, rectal bleeding, or abdominal cramping, even though some conditions like inflammatory bowel disease can also result in similar symptoms.

How does colon cancer diagnosis work?

The oncologist starts by performing a physical examination, an imaging test such as barium enema x-ray, and colonoscopy during which a biopsy can be obtained or collected. All these diagnostic procedures are done to help in the diagnosis of colon cancer.

What are some of the treatment options available for colon cancer?

The treatment option offered to you by the oncologist depends on your age, systemic health, cancer stage, and other factors. In other cases, surgery is recommended to remove the cancerous cells. Also, radiation, chemotherapy, or both can be used in treatment. When colon cancer is diagnosed early while still in a localized stage, your chances of recovering are approximately ninety percent or more. The care provider also comes up with individualized protocols to enable you to achieve maximum recovery.

In summary, if you require support for colon cancer or experience any of the above symptoms, consult colon cancer specialists for expert care at Digestive & Liver Disease Center of San Antonio PLLC. You can also visit their offices or book an appointment by phone or online.