Colon Cancer in Indianapolis, IN
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Find a ProviderWhat is colon cancer?
Your colon is the last portion of your digestive tract where your body extracts fluid and salt from your stool. Colorectal cancer presents itself when cancerous growths evolve in the colon. The tumors begin as mild, harmless growths named polyps. Polyps are tiny clumps of cells that can ultimately transform into colon tumors. Colorectal cancer is increasingly common in mature adults and is the second-leading general cancer found in both genders combined.
It is imperative to receive a colonoscopy starting at age 45 and then as suggested by your gastroenterologist. To book a colorectal cancer screening in Indianapolis, IN, call Indianapolis Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
What are the signs and risk factors of colon cancer?
By catching signs of colon cancer early and giving the condition the appropriate care and consideration, we hope to help you achieve a more favorable health outcome. If you are having any of these signs persistently, please book an appointment with an Indianapolis, IN GI physician as soon as possible:
- Persistent intestinal discomfort, like cramps, gas, or pain
- A sensation that your bowel does not clear completely
- Constant urges to have a bowel movement
- Pain throughout bowel movements
- A abrupt change in bowel habits, including obstruction, diarrhea, or a change in the consistency of your feces
- Bloody stool
- Any of this list coupled with weakness and fatigue
Some of the factors that could position a person at higher risk for colon cancer are:
- Age: Colorectal cancer is usually discovered in individuals who are more than 50; however, the rates of colorectal cancer in young individuals have been increasing.
- Heritage: African American individuals are at greater risk of colorectal cancer compared to other races, but it may develop in people of any descent.
- Family history: If you or a family member has had colon and rectal cancer or colon polyps, you possess a higher risk of colon cancer.
- Inflammatory intestinal ailments: Persistent conditions, including Crohn's disease and colitis, can expand your risk of colorectal cancer.
- "Typical Western Diet": Colon cancer has been connected with a decreased fiber, high-fat, and high-calorie way of eating.
What is the survival rate for colon cancer?
Survival rates for colon cancer are split into groups based on the degree to which the cancer has progressed. Limited colon cancer is cancer that is purely in the colon. Regional colon cancer is when the cancer transfers to the surrounding cells and organs, and distant is when the condition has dispersed to faraway sections of the body.
- Localized colon cancer: 90% 5-year survival rate
- Regional colon cancer: 71% 5-year survival rate
- Distant colon cancer: 14% 5-year survival rate
If the disease is diagnosed early and purely manifests in minimal malignant tumors, then the growths can be removed, greatly enhancing survival rates.
We advise having a colonoscopy when you turn 45 and as recommended afterward in order to detect cancer early. If colon cancer runs in your family, then we urge you to have a screening for colon cancer at Indianapolis Gastroenterology and Hepatology immediately.
What are the ready treatments for colorectal cancer?
Therapy for colorectal cancer in Indianapolis, IN patients will differ based on how much the cancer has advanced. Every case is different, but the best way to "treat" colon cancer is to stop it before it starts with proactive care.
Avoidance
Colon cancer is a special type of cancer because it is preventable. Colon cancer first appears in the form of tumors. These polyps can be eliminated, which diminishes your danger of passing away from cancer by 90%. Your individual danger and prevention steps can be discussed at a colorectal cancer exam with your gastroenterologist.
Stage 0 Colon Cancer Treatment
Stage 0 colorectal cancer is when the colorectal cancer has not moved beyond the inward lining of the colon. If the tumor is tiny enough, it can be freely removed with the use of a colonoscope while undergoing a colonoscopy.
Stage I Colon Cancer Treatment
If the growth is entirely removed while doing a colonoscopy with no cancerous tissues at the margins, no further intervention may be required. If the extracted polyp does possess cancerous cells at the edges, more extraction could be needed to withdraw the remaining cancerous cells. For cancers not in a polyp, a partial colectomy may be needed to withdraw the segment of the colon and close-by lymph nodes that are cancerous.
Stage II Colon Cancer Treatment
Commonly, in stage 2, surgery is performed to withdraw the piece of the colon or nearby lymph nodes retaining cancer. Sometimes, your doctor will endorse adjuvant chemotherapy (chemo after surgery) in addition.
Stage III Colon Cancer Treatment
A partial colectomy followed by adjuvant chemotherapy is the regular treatment for this type of colon cancer.
Stage IV Colon Cancer Treatment
This phase of the condition normally means that the cancer has spread to different tissues or body parts. Surgery may be necessary to extract parts of the cancer established in the colon and different organs, along with chemotherapy. Chemotherapy at this stage is commonly administered prior to and after surgery.
Colon Cancer FAQs
What causes colorectal cancer?
Although the exact cause behind colon and rectal cancer is not well understood, the condition occurs when cell mutation in the walls of the rectum or large intestine proliferates of control, generating a growth or tumor. There are specific factors that may heighten the risk of disease occurrence. These can involve lifestyle factors, such as tobacco and alcohol use, inadequate amounts of exercise, and poor eating habits, in addition to having a hereditary or genetic predisposition.
How is colon cancer diagnosed?
Colon cancer is commonly detected and diagnosed during a colon cancer test. A colonoscopy procedure is the most common, precise, and comprehensive screening option for catching colorectal cancer. Other exams, such as flexible sigmoidoscopy, virtual colonoscopy, fecal tests, and double-contrast barium enema, could also be performed when evaluating for colon cancer. Your Indianapolis Gastroenterology and Hepatology provider will advise you on the best option for diagnosis and screening to address your unique needs.
How rapidly does colorectal cancer grow?
Colon and rectal cancer is generally slow-growing in most cases. It often arises as a benign growth or polyp in the colon or rectal area that turns cancerous over time. Noticing symptoms when polyps are present is uncommon, which means that regular colorectal cancer screenings are crucial to identifying this type of cancer as quickly as possible.
Is colorectal cancer preventable?
Colorectal cancer can commonly be prevented with routine colon cancer screenings. Because most cases of colorectal cancers start as premalignant growths, getting screened as recommended by your medical provider can help decrease the risk of experiencing this disease. Our GI specialists in Indianapolis, IN can offer additional details on how to minimize your colorectal cancer risk when you meet with our team for a consultation.
Hope for colon cancer patients
If you have been diagnosed with colon cancer or think you have it, rest assured that there are skilled physicians nearby who are ready to help you. Indianapolis Gastroenterology and Hepatology is a physician-led group of gastroenterologists, and every one of our board-certified specialists plans to place the reassurance and protection of our clients before everything else. To learn more about colon cancer and how it may be diagnosed and prevented, or to get treatment for colorectal cancer in Indianapolis, IN, please get in touch with our team today.
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Dr drake is a very good doctor and very nice
Dr. Brian sperl the very good doctor he listens to you he's concerned on what your problems are I would recommend him to anybody I wish I found him sooner
Dr. Morelli was very professional and attentative to my concerns. He gave .me practical suggestions and solutions
This was my first colonoscopy at age 47. I was going to wait until 50 until I had a hospice patient of mine pass from colon cancer at 50 a few months ago. I promised her I would not wait. The entire staff was amazing from the waiting room to recovery and made it clear as to what would be taking place. The anesthesiologist, Dr. Hall prayed with me and Dr. Haynes explained the procedure thoroughly. I highly recommend this group.
Dr. Cheng is a wonderful caring doctor. He listens and is so good with figuring out what the problem is and has a plan to fix it. I feel fortunate to have found him because I had been dealing with stomach issues for many years.All the ladies in the office are very caring and helpful too. Noone rushes you.
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