Cancer that forms in the tissues of the colon. Colon is the longest part of the large intestine. Most colon cancers are adenocarcinomas (cancers that begin in cells that make and release mucus and other fluids).

Colon Cancer Diagnosis

Diagnosis involves screening to detect colorectal cancer in asymptomatic patients (i.e., those without symptoms) with no family history of the disease.

People with more than 50 years old screening is recommended for most average-risk patients beginning, for African-American and African patients beginning at age 45. Screening includes the following:

Digital rectal examination (DRE) and fecal occult blood test annually and

Double-contrast barium enema every 5–10 years and

Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years

Total colonoscopy every 10 years

Diagnosis of colorectal cancer in symptomatic patients and high-risk patients includes laboratory and imaging tests. Biopsy (i.e., removal of a tissue sample for examination under a microscope) is necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

When colorectal cancer is suspected, laboratory tests such as urinalysis, blood tests , and imaging tests are performed.

Colon Cancer treatment

Surgery is the primary treatment for most patients. Most of clinics offers several innovative procedures that avoid a colostomy. Biological therapy uses the body's immune system to combat cancer. Chemotherapy and Radiation therapyare often combined with surgery in patients whose initial cancer has an increased risk of relapse if treated with surgery alone, such as when the tumor extends beyond the colon wall or lymph nodes are involved.