Colorectal cancer is the development of a disease in the colon or the rectum. Other names for colorectal cancer are colon cancer, or rectal cancer—depending on where it starts. They’re often grouped into the same category because they have a lot of features in common. While many may hear about “colon cancer”, do you really know the ins and outs of it? This is where we come in. At the Digestive and Liver Center (DLCFL), it is our duty to make sure everyone is educated on all things health wise so that you can take the proper steps in the event you have to deal with it, whether it be first-hand or second-hand.
How Does Colorectal Cancer start?
The majority of this type of disease begins as a growth on the inner lining of the colon or the rectum. These “growths” are known as polyps. There are several types of polyps that can grow onto the colorectal area, and while some may can possibly turn into cancer, not all turn into it. The cancer is created depending on the type of polyp it is. Here is a breakdown on the different types of polyps:
- Adenomatous polyps (adenomas): This polyp category is actually split into three sections.
- Tubular: Small clumps that are less than half an inch in size
- Villous: Larger clumps
- Tubulovillous: Having both types of features
- Adenomas can change into cancer, thus it being a pre-cancerous condition.
- Hyperplastic polyps and inflammatory polyps: These types of polyps are more common and are not usually precancerous. Nevertheless, if someone has large hyperplastic polyps (more than 1 cm), then they should stop by DLCFL in Orlando and get a colorectal cancer screening with a colonoscopy.
- Sessile serrated polyps (SSP) and traditional serrated polyps (TSA): Since they have a higher risk of colorectal cancer, they’re treated like adenomas.
How Does Colorectal Cancer Spread?
This type of cancer spreads as easily as the polyp forming in the wall or rectum over time. Similar to an onion, the wall of the colon and rectum is made up of a plethora of layers. The cancer starts in the innermost layer which is called the mucosa. It then can grow out to the other layers. The stage of the cancer depends on how much it has spread outside the colon or the rectum.
- Stage 0: Known as carcinoma. It’s at the very early stage because it hasn’t grown father than the inner layer of the colon. This is usually easy to treat, especially by our Orlando colorectal surgeons.
- Stage 1: Cancer reached the next tissue layer but not the lymph nodes or other organs.
- Stage 2: Reached the outside layers of the colon but not beyond it.
- Stage 3: It has grown on the outer layers of the colon, and has reached 1-3 lymph nodes.
- Stage 4: Reached other tissues in the body further past the colon wall. As this stage progresses, the cancer reaches other parts of the body.
How Can This Be Treated?
The treatment options vary based on the stage of the cancer. Our expert Orlando doctors will also take into consideration the individual’s age, overall health, and other assets, to decide the best treatment option.
Again, there isn’t a single treatment to remove and avert the spread of colorectal cancer, but the most popular are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
How Can One Prevent Getting Colorectal Cancer?
Unfortunately, there isn’t a guaranteed way to prevent colon cancer but it does help to lead a healthy lifestyle. Actions like eating your fruits and vegetables, regularly exercising, etc., are all things everyone should be doing on a daily basis.
Get a Colon Cancer Screening in Orlando at the Digestive and Liver Center of Florida
Symptoms of colon cancer may not appear until it has progressed. This is why at DLCFL, we urge you to get your regular colonoscopies as soon as your 40th birthday or if you’ve been experiencing unusual symptoms. We have several locations in the Orlando area. You can book an appointment at any of the locations online or by calling (407)384-7388.