Colon and rectal cancer

The article was written by Dr. Pham Thi Thu Huong - Head of Gastroenterology - Hepatobiliary - Endoscopy - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital.

The most common symptoms of colorectal cancer include:
Abdominal pain or pain with frequent bloating Change in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea) Fresh blood in the stool Feeling weak or tired blood, iron deficiency Black and gray stools

When you have one or more of the above symptoms, you need to see a doctor to determine if there is a colon and rectal cancer.
Colonoscopy is indicated by the doctor to look for abnormal lesions in the colon and rectum. When a tumor lesion is found in the colon - rectum, a pathology biopsy (removing small pieces of tissue from the tumor surface for microscopic analysis) will be performed to determine the presence of tumor cells. cancer cells.

When colorectal cancer is diagnosed, it is next necessary to evaluate the extent of invasion and spread of the tumor. The stage of colorectal cancer is divided based on:
There are signs of spread of cancer on computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis, or other imaging tests Presence of cancer specimens seen under the electron microscope removed during surgery Colorectal cancer is classified as stage I (cancer has invaded but not penetrated). colorectal wall) to stage IV (the cancer has spread or metastasized to distant organs, such as the liver or lungs. Treatment will be given based on the stage of the disease.
Early stage of the disease (stage) I to III), or cancer in situ, is usually indicated with surgery with or without chemotherapy
Stage IV cancer is called advanced colorectal cancer, which is usually treated. With chemotherapy, in some cases, surgical treatment is indicated to remove the primary tumor before treating the metastatic lesion if the primary tumor causes symptoms that require intervention (eg, intestinal obstruction, semi-obstruction or bleeding, etc.).

A family member with colorectal cancer means that family members are classified as at risk for colorectal cancer. If a person has a family member: parent/sister/sibling or child with colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps at a young age (before age 60), or 02 members are diagnosed with colorectal cancer Cancer or polyps at any age, the person should be screened for colorectal cancer early, typically at age 40, or 10 years earlier than the youngest family member was diagnosed. Some genetic diseases increase the risk of colorectal cancer. The most common are: Lynch syndrome (also called hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer) and familial polyposis.
If you have a strong family history of colon cancer (two or more blood relatives with colon cancer) you need to talk to your doctor so he can order an abnormal screening. about genes. Genetic test results can help determine if you and your family members need more testing or treatment or more frequent monitoring.

Vinmec International General Hospital is implementing a Package of Screening and Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer, implemented by a team of experienced doctors and nurses in the field of colorectal cancer diagnosis and treatment. colonoscopy, with the support of a system of modern technological equipment, a full range of specialized means to diagnose the disease and stage it before treatment such as: Endoscopy, CT scan, PET-CT scan, MRI, Mammogram, histopathological diagnosis, gene-cell testing, ... help detect colon cancer early even when there are no symptoms.
Vinmec International General Hospital is one of the hospitals that not only ensures professional quality with a team of leading medical doctors, modern equipment and technology, but also stands out for its examination and consultation services. comprehensive and professional medical consultation and treatment; civilized, polite, safe and sterile medical examination and treatment space.

References: Update, Overview of the management of primary colon cancer