Colon Cancer

Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., affecting both men and women.Texas Center for Digestive Health is a top provider of colon cancer treatment for men and women throughout the Greater Houston Metro area, using state-of-the-art technology and techniques based on each patient’s unique medical needs.

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What causes colon cancer?

The specific cause of colon cancer is unknown, but researchers have identified factors that increase the risk of developing colon cancer. These include:

  • being overweight or obese

  • being physically inactive

  • having a diet high in red meats or processed meats like hot dogs and lunch-meat

  • smoking

  • heavy use of alcohol

  • older age

  • personal or family history of colon cancer or polyps

  • personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

  • having type 2 diabetes

What are the symptoms of colon cancer?

Colon cancer causes very few symptoms in its early stages, which is why it’s so very important to have a colonoscopy on a regular basis beginning at age 50 or earlier for patients with a family history of the disease or other risk factors. As the disease develops, it can cause symptoms like:

  • changes in bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation

  • rectal bleeding

  • blood in the stool (bowel movement)

  • stools that appear sticky or tar-like

  • fatigue

  • unexplained weight loss

  • bloating

  • abdominal cramping

Symptoms can vary depending on the location of the tumor, its size and the stage of the disease, including whether the cancer has spread to other tissues or organs.

How is colon cancer diagnosed?

Colonoscopy is the leading method for diagnosing colon cancer, and when performed regularly, it can help prevent colon cancer from occurring. Colon cancer begins as fleshy growths called polyps, and regular colonoscopies allow these polyps to be removed in their early stages, before they have a chance to become cancerous.

How is colon cancer treated?

Treatment for colon cancer depends on the size of the tumor and the stage of the cancer. When cancer is completely contained within small polyps, treatment may consist of polyp removal and evaluation, followed by regular monitoring. Larger polyps can be removed with minimally invasive procedures using a special instrument called a laparoscope, which is designed to be used with very small incisions. Larger tumors including those that have metastasized (invaded areas beyond the bowel) will need more extensive surgery to remove the tumor and usually part of the colon as well. Additional tissue may also need to be removed. Radiation or chemotherapy (or both) are often recommended following more extensive surgery to help destroy cancer cells elsewhere in the body.