colon cancer specialist in Kozhikode

Colorectal Cancer

For most people, a tummy ache is just that. A simple tummy ache. It's something we tend to take very casually. But, on occasion, a stomach ache can be indicative of a far more serious problem - digestive track complications, colitis and even cancer. Tackling these conditions at an early stage ensures you a better chance of survival. In cases involving colonic cancer and colitis, timely intervention can save the lives of 70-80% of patients. So, make it a point to visit your doctor regularly for check-ups.

Colorectal cancer starts in the colon or the rectum. These cancers can also be named colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on where they start.

Symptoms Of Colorectal Cancer

  • Persistent constipation or diarrhoea
  • An urgency to move the bowels
  • Rectal cramping, or rectal bleeding
  • Dark patches of blood in or on stool; or long, thin, "pencil stools"
  • Abdominal discomfort or bloating
  • Unexplained fatigue, loss of appetite, and/or weight loss
  • Pelvic pain, which occurs at later stages of the disease

Risk Factors

  • Older age (after 50)
  • Inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis
  • Lack of regular physical activity
  • A person or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps
  • Low fruit and vegetable intake
  • A low-fibre and high-fat diet
  • Overweight and obesity
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Tobacco use

Types Of Colorectal Cancer:

  • Stage I: Cancer has grown through the mucosa and has invaded the muscular layer of the colon or rectum.
  • Stage II: Cancer has grown through the wall of the colon or rectum
  • Stage III:Cancer has grown through the inner lining or into the muscle layers of the intestine and spread to one to three lymph nodes
  • Stage IV:Cancer has spread to different organ like lungs, bones, liver, lymph nodes, brain or spinal cord.

Laparoscopic Surgery For Colonic & Rectal Cancer

Should you observe any of the following symptoms, please refer to a specialist immediately.

  • Bleeding from the rectum in patients above age 40
  • Altered bowel habits (> 6 weeks)
  • Weight loss or family history of cancer

Advantages Of A Minimally Invasive Approach

  • Concealed cosmetic scar
  • Minimal pain
  • Faster recovery and minimal post-op adhesions
  • Minimal blood loss as compared to normal surgery