If people experience symptoms like those of colorectal cancer, they need to make an appointment with their family physician, a gastroenterologist, a physician specially trained in the management of digestive system disorders, or a colon and rectal surgeon, a specialist in treatment of diseases of the colon. The doctor performs a thorough clinical evaluation that […]
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Staging is a method to describe how advanced a cancer is. Staging for colorectal cancer takes into account the depth of invasion into the colon wall, and spread to lymph nodes and other organs: Stage 0 (Carcinoma in Situ): Stage 0 cancer is also called carcinoma in situ. This is a precancerous condition, usually found in
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The outlook for people with colon cancer has improved steadily in recent years. Three types of treatment are available for individuals with colon cancer: Surgery is an operation that involves removing the cancerous section of the colon. This is the primary treatment for colon cancer for most individuals. Chemotherapy involves treatment with drugs that destroy fast-growing cells,
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The goal of surgery for colorectal cancer is to eliminate the cancer or, in the case of advanced disease, relieve symptoms. With the exception of some less serious operations performed through the anus, surgery for colorectal cancer is a major operative procedure. Some very early, small colorectal cancers may be removed with a colonoscope. In most
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Chemotherapy is the planned, periodic administration of a special drug or a combination of drugs that destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be given: Orally, in pill form By intravenous (IV) infusion, meaning by direct injection into a vein. The drug enters the bloodstream rapidly and circulates throughout the body. Through a catheter or thin tube
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Radiation therapy is a treatment option for colon cancer. This form of therapy involves the use of x-rays or other high-energy rays to shrink tumors by destroying cancer cells. Because colon cancer sometimes recurs at its original site, radiation therapy may used to decrease the chances of cancer recurrence. Radiation treatments may be used prior
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Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects part or all of the large intestine (colon). Ulcerative colitis is characterized by periods of active inflammation, called flare-ups, and periods of reduced or no symptoms, called remission. Ulcerative colitis has a genetic component,
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Here are definitions of medical terms related to ulcerative colitis. Barium enema: A procedure in which the special dye called barium is inserted into the colon through a tube inserted into the rectum, and a series of X-rays is taken. Colectomy: Colectomy is the removal of the colon. Colonoscopy: Colonoscopy is an examination of the entire colon, using
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Here are some reliable sources that can provide more information on ulcerative colitis. Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America Phone: (212) 685-3440 or Phone: (800) 932-2423 http://www.ccfa.org The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America is the preeminent organization involved in patient education, advocacy, and research intoinflammatory bowel disease. CCFA has chapters in most states, and
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Living with a chronic disease has often been called the equivalent of having another full-time job. For some, it may be a constant struggle of management: managing medication, appointments with health-care providers, and one’s own physical and mental energy. People with ulcerative colitis must carry out their daily lives in ways that help to maintain
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On a daily basis, scientists are gaining a better understanding the genetic aspects of ulcerative colitis, as well how the immune system malfunctions and the relationships between infections and long-term inflammatory diseases such as ulcerative colitis. New medications are in human trials and promise to provide greater relief with fewer side effects. And surgical techniques
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Here are some frequently asked questions related to ulcerative colitis. Q: Is ulcerative colitis an autoimmune disease? A: There is certainly a malfunction in the immune system that takes place in ulcerative colitis. However, immunosuppressive medications used to keep individuals from rejecting transplanted organs have shown less effectiveness in treating ulcerative colitis than in treating Crohn’s
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