This is an automatically translated article.
Posted by Dr. Do Minh Hung - Head of General Surgery Department, Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in men and women in the United States. It is the second leading cause of death from cancer. However, colorectal cancer has a high cure rate when it is detected early.
1. What is colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer is the result of cancer cells forming in the lining of the colon or rectum. These cancers have much in common and are often referred to together as colorectal cancer.Colorectal cancer usually begins as a benign tumor known as a polyp (93% from adenomatous polyps). Adenomas are a type of polyp and are benign tumors of the lining of the colon or rectum. Most polyps remain benign, but over the long term some adenomas have the potential to turn cancerous (3-5 years). Therefore, all polyps must be checked for the presence of cancer cells. If removed early will prevent the progression of these polyps to cancer.
2. What is the incidence of colorectal cancer?
Colon cancer is the third leading cause of death in Vietnam. In people at high risk, 1 in 20 people develops the disease. 90% of new cases occur in people over the age of 50. The risk of cancer is highest in people who have a close relative with the disease. The number of new cases of colorectal cancer is increasing in Vietnam.3. What are the symptoms of colon cancer?
Most people with colorectal cancer won't know until they are screened for colorectal cancer. That's because most cases have no symptoms. However, people with symptoms may experience:Constipation Bloody stools Loose or diarrhea Blood in stools Abdominal discomfort Unexplained fatigue Loss of appetite Weight loss Pain in the lower abdomen
Sụt cân là một trong những triệu chứng thường gặp của ung thư đại trực tràng
4. What causes cancer?
The exact cause of cancer is still unknown. However, there are factors that increase the risk of colorectal cancer. Some risk factors for colorectal cancer are out of your control.Uncontrollable risk factors include:
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease) Colon polyps Age over 50 Family history of colorectal cancer History breast or ovarian cancer However, there are other risk factors that you can control. The following risk factors can be adjusted:
Eating a diet high in red or processed meat, or eating meat cooked at high temperatures Being overweight or obese Inadequate exercise Smoking Smoking Drinking alcohol
5. How is colorectal cancer diagnosed?
The symptoms of colorectal cancer can be confused with other conditions, so you should see your doctor if you have any suspicious symptoms.If colorectal cancer is suspected, the doctor will examine the rectum and order some tests:
Contrast X-ray of the colon Colonoscopy through which polyps or lesions can be treated. biopsy. CT scan or abdominal MSCT
6. What are the stages of colon cancer?
Staging is the process that determines how a tumor has spread beyond its original site. The stage may not be related to the size of the tumor. The decision to treat also depends on the stage of the tumor.Colorectal cancer is divided into 5 stages from stage 0 to 1, 2, 3, 4.
Ung thư đại trực tràng được chia thành 5 giai đoạn
7. How is colorectal cancer treated?
There are main methods of treatment for people with colorectal cancer:Surgery: Depending on the stage of the tumor, it can be removed locally through flexible bronchoscopy, or resection of the colon and rectum with lymph node dissection through open surgery or laparoscopic surgery. When the cancer is advanced, surgery is mainly to remove the cancerous mass. It may be necessary to open the colon to the skin or to embolize it in cases where it cannot be removed.
Chemotherapy: Using drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy is usually given after surgery if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. In this way, chemotherapy can help reduce the risk of cancer coming back. Chemotherapy may be used before surgery to shrink the tumor. Chemotherapy may also be given to relieve symptoms of colorectal cancer that has spread to other organs. Today, targeted therapy is a good "weapon" in cancer treatment.
Radiation therapy: Using radiation to kill cancer cells that may be left after surgery, to shrink a large tumor before surgery so it can be removed more easily, or to relieve symptoms of disease.
Supportive (palliative) treatment: The goal is to relieve pain and other symptoms to improve the patient's quality of life
Alternative therapy: People with cancer are often sad, angry, have difficulty concentrating, difficulty sleeping and loss of appetite. Alternative treatments can help redirect a patient's thinking, at least temporarily. Alternative treatments can include art therapy, movement therapy, exercise, meditation, music therapy, relaxation exercises
8. How to screen for colorectal cancer?
A high-fiber diet, enough sleep, exercise, and body fat control can prevent 45% of colorectal cancer. In addition, regular cancer screening every 6 months is a way to detect the disease at an early stage.Screening is important because colorectal cancer in its early stages often doesn't have any symptoms. Screening can find cancer before it causes symptoms, when the chances of a cure are greatest. .
It is recommended that most people ≥ 50 years of age have a colonoscopy to detect cancer at an early stage.
Chế độ ăn uống nhiều chất xơ là một trong những yếu tố ngăn chặn ung thư đại trực tràng
9. What is the prognosis of colon cancer?
A higher stage means a more serious cancer and a worse prognosis. Patients with stage I cancer have a 5-year survival rate of 74%, while this rate drops to 6% for stage IV tumors.At Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital (HCMC), applying a new technique – Robotic surgery with a hand-held robot for colorectal cancer treatment.
This method has many advantages compared to both classical laparoscopic surgery and robotic surgery such as: Instruments with flexible surgical heads such as wrist joints to help access narrow angles, increasing the possibility of dissection. and less damage to the surrounding area compared with classical laparoscopic surgery; Automated endoscopes through voice, laser, eye tracking, ... help doctors actively control and have better vision and control, increase accuracy and safety in performing surgery ; With the advantage of compactness, robotic arm surgery is less invasive and has many advantages such as small incision, less pain, low risk of infection, thereby helping customers less blood loss during surgery, quick recovery; The cost is much lower than robotic surgery.
>>> Customers can refer to information: Day surgery, outpatient surgery
Patients will be consulted and treated with experienced endoscopic doctors and directly operated by Dr. Do Minh Hung - Head of General Surgery - Vinmec Central Park General Hospital. Dr. Hung has more than 25 years of experience in the field of General Surgery and has carried out dozens of valuable scientific research works, published many unique surgical techniques, bringing positive treatment effects.
To register for examination and treatment at Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital, please contact Hotline: 0283 6221 166 or register online HERE.
