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Detecting Colon Growths
Maybe you've had symptoms of a colon growth. These symptoms may include abdominal or rectal pain, rectal bleeding, a change in bowel habits that lasted longer than a week, or fatigue. More likely, though, it was your doctor who noticed that unhealthy changes might be taking place. That's because checkups are one of the surest ways of detecting colon growths. And, if your doctor spots a problem early chances of successful treatment and recovery are good.
Seeking Early Treatment
Do you suspect that you have a colon growth? Get prompt medical treatment. By seeing your doctor right away, you greatly increase your chances for successful recovery. You and your doctor can work together to diagnose and treat your colon problem before it becomes worse.
Your Evaluation
A prompt evaluation is the key to diagnosing a colon growth. A medical history, thorough exam, and tests help your doctor diagnose your colon problem and plan the right treatment.
Surgical Treatment
The next step, if needed, is surgery. The colon growth is removed. If cancer is found, further treatment may be needed. This may include chemotherapy or radiation to reduce the chances of recurrence or spread of cancer.
Follow-up Care
After your recovery from surgery and any other treatments you may have, you can slowly return to your daily activities. Follow-up exams, a healthy diet, and help from friends, family, and support groups can soon help you get back to your routine.
Diagnostic Tests
Your doctor may order certain tests. Each test gives information about a specific part of your colon. These tests can help pinpoint any problems you may have. They involve only a small amount of discomfort. They may be performed in your doctor's office or in the hospital on an outpatient basis.
Digital Rectal Exam
A digital rectal exam detects growths in the rectum.
In this simple test, your doctor inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to inspect it for signs of tissue change. The exam takes less than a minute. But it can detect many easily overlooked rectal cancers.
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy provides a clear view of the inside of the sigmoid colon.
Your doctor checks the health of your lower colon by inserting into your anus a sigmoidoscope, a lighted tube, to view the sigmoid colon and remove tissue samples. This procedure requires no sedation, causes little discomfort, and takes only a few minutes. However, it can detect about half of all colon cancers.
Barium Enema
This test gives a picture of your entire colon.
A radiologist fills your colon with liquid barium. Then x-rays are taken. Air may also be pumped inside the colon to make small abnormalities more visible. The test is done on an outpatient basis at a hospital or radiology center. You'll need a special bowel prep to cleanse your colon beforehand. In a barium enema x-ray, the colon appears as a white image; growths are dark areas.
Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is an advanced technique for viewing the whole colon.
A screen or eyepiece may be used. The colonoscope is a thin, lighted flexible tube that is moved through your colon. Colonoscopy is used both to diagnose growths and to confirm findings of other tests. It can also be used to remove small polyps and to collect tissue samples for analysis. You will be lightly sedated during the procedure.
Making the Diagnosis
After your evaluation, your doctor will discuss your diagnosis with you. He or she will also explain surgery or other treatments you may need.
Treatment for Polyps
Removal of the growth is the main way of treating polyps. Often, polyps are removed through a colonoscope. A polyp in the rectum, however, may be surgically removed through the anus. A polyp in the colon that is large, flat, or can't be removed with a colonoscope may require abdominal surgery.
Treatment for Cancer
If you have colon cancer, your doctor may test to see if it has spread. Tests may include a chest x-ray to check the lungs, CT scans of the abdomen and pelvis, and blood tests. After these tests are done, your doctor surgically removes the cancerous portions of your colon and reconnects the healthy parts. You may also need more treatment, such as radiation or chemotherapy, before or after surgery.
Getting Support
Support groups can be a helpful resource if you have colon cancer.
Contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345. |
