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Liver flexure is a tumor that occurs in the colon at the flexure between the ascending colon and the transverse colon, also known as the right colonic angle. Compared with other sites in the colonic framework, hepatic flexure colon tumors are less common. Symptoms of right lower quadrant pain when infected can be confused with hepatobiliary disease, so patients should go to the doctor soon for timely examination and treatment.
1. Risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma The exact cause of colon cancer is unknown, but there are several factors that increase the risk of the disease. Factors that increase the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma are similar to those of colon cancer in general, including:
Colon polyps Colon cancer can originate from polyps. Polyps can develop into malignant colon cancer if not removed early. A history of adenomatous polyposis before age 60 increases the risk of developing colon cancer.
Family history of colon cancer If a close family member has a history of colon cancer, there is an increased risk of developing the disease, especially if he or she develops the disease before age 45
Lifestyle and diet habits Age is a significant risk factor for hepatomegaly, and the older you are, the greater the risk. About 90% of people who receive a colon cancer diagnosis are over the age of 50. However, recently the disease is also more common in people under 50 years old.
Colon cancer is more likely to occur in people with sedentary lifestyles, obesity, and smoking.
The colon is part of the digestive system, so diet and nutrition play an important role in the development of the disease. According to research, a diet low in fiber, high in saturated fat, and high in red meat or processed foods increases the risk of disease.
Underlying conditions of the body Several underlying conditions and treatments are associated with an increased risk of colon cancer. Such as polyps, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, obesity or being overweight.
2. Symptoms and signs of hepatomegaly. Hepatic cysts in the early stages usually cause no symptoms, but symptoms become more noticeable as the disease progresses.
Constipation or diarrhea Change in stool hardness: loose stools, flat stools. Blood in the stool makes stools dark brown or black Bright red blood in the stool Abdominal pain, often right upper quadrant abdominal pain Abdominal distension or bloating Weakness, fatigue Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting Weight loss unexplained Irritable Bowel Syndrome Iron deficiency anemia If cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it can cause other symptoms, such as metastases to the liver which can cause jaundice.
3. Stages of Hepatic Colon Cancer The stage indicates how far the cancer has spread and the size of the tumor. Staging in liver angle colon cancer is similar to other sites in the colon, colon cancer is usually divided into the following stages:
Stage 0: Also called carcinoma in In situ, abnormal cells are confined to the lining of the colon. Stage 1: The cancer has grown into the muscle layer. But it has not spread to nearby lymph nodes or to another part of the body. Stage 2: Cancer has invaded the serosa of the colon or nearby organs, but has not affected the lymph nodes. Stage 3: Cancer has invaded the lymph nodes but has not spread to other organs. Stage 4: Cancer has spread to other distant organs, such as the liver or lungs.
4. Treatment options for hepatosplenomegaly Treatment will depend on the stage of the hepatoma. The doctor will also further evaluate the patient's age, overall health, and other characteristics before deciding on the best treatment option.
The goal of treatment is to completely remove the cancer, stop the tumor from invading, and relieve symptoms. Possible treatments for hepatomegaly include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Surgery Surgery is the process of removing the cancer and possibly surrounding healthy tissue. This is the most common treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma, applied at all stages of the disease. The indication for radical or temporary surgery depends on many factors of the disease.
Chemotherapy Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. For people with colon cancer, chemotherapy may be prescribed before surgery to help shrink the tumor for easier removal, and after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells. In addition, chemotherapy plays an important role in cases where the tumor has spread to other organs.
Radiation Therapy Radiation therapy kills cancer cells by focusing high-energy gamma rays on them. It is used to treat metastatic colon cancer or when it has not responded to other treatments.
5. Diagnose colon cancer liver angle The earlier the diagnosis of colon cancer, the higher the chance of cure. Most patients with colon cancer have no symptoms in the early stages, so the disease is detected during routine physical exams.
The doctor will do a complete physical exam and get information about your medical and family history. In addition, some laboratory tests are also indicated to help diagnose and stage cancer:
Fecal occult blood test According to the Medical Association of American Gastroenterologists, it is recommended that this test should be conducted annually. This test can detect a small amount of blood hidden in the stool that is invisible to the naked eye, helping to identify potential GI tract damage.
Colonoscopy Colonoscopy is usually indicated when less invasive laboratory tests are in doubt, or in screening. This procedure allows the doctor to view the entire lining of the colon, detect most lesions such as polyps, early cancer, inflammation, ulcers... Besides, colonoscopy can remove polyps. and sent the lesion for pathology.
Double Contrast Colon X-ray This X-ray procedure uses a contrast material called barite to provide a clearer picture of the colon and assess the extent of tumor invasion into the colon lumen.
In addition, if the diagnostic pathology results confirm colon cancer, the doctor may appoint a chest X-ray, an abdominal CT scan... to assess the stage of the cancer.
6. Liver flexure colon cancer screening Symptoms may not appear until the cancer has invaded and metastasized. Therefore, the American Association of Gastroenterologists recommends screening for people 50 years of age and older, and earlier for people at high risk.
For people 50 years of age and older, screening includes fecal occult blood test every 2 years, colonoscopy every 10 years.
Your colon cancer screening plan will depend on your individual risk level. You should consult with your doctor for a suitable screening plan.
Vinmec International General Hospital is one of the general hospitals that is equipped with modern machinery systems with CT, X-ray, MRI machines, etc. to diagnose and treat diseases. , including detection and screening of colon flexure and some other colon diseases. With a team of qualified and experienced medical doctors, who are able to perform CT scan techniques to diagnose colon diseases as well as many other diseases in the best way.
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