Colon and rectal cancer, usually referred to by the combined term colorectal cancer, is the uncontrolled growth of cells in either of these regions of the body. While there are some anatomical differences between the colon and the rectum, the two cancers are almost identical from a genetic and microscopic standpoint. For this reason, they are normally treated as being the same disease. The type of surgery that will be carried out depends on the location and size of the tumor, and also whether it has begun to spread.
Colonoscopy Procedures to Prevent Colon Cancer
Colonoscopy in Los Angeles, generally considered to be a screening procedure, can also be used to remove tumors while they are still at an early stage in their development. Small tumors and polyps (which are fleshy growths that have not yet become cancerous) can be removed during a colonoscopy procedure using a snare or biopsy forceps.
A snare is a loop of thin wire that is passed over the growth and tightened, slicing through the stalk that attaches it to the lining of the colon. This severs the polyp while cauterizing the wound at the same time, in order to prevent bleeding. The growth will then be analysed to determine whether or not it has become cancerous.
Surgery to Remove Part of the Colon
If there is a finding of cancer, then you may need to have part of the colon removed in order to treat the condition successfully. The amount and region of the colon to be removed depends on the location and size of the tumor, and how far it has spread. If one side of the colon is removed, the procedure is referred to as a hemicolectomy. If the middle section (the transverse colon) is removed, then it is a transverse colectomy.
During the procedure, the surgeon will make an incision into the abdomen to enable the affected part of the colon to be removed. Once the tumor has been cut out, the remaining parts of the colon will be rejoined to form a fully complete gastrointestinal tract again. You may need to have a temporary colostomy while this joined area is healing, in order to collect any bowel motions. This will involve the use of a colostomy bag for a short period of time, but this can be repaired in another procedure as soon as possible.
If a large portion of the colon is removed, it may not be possible to rejoin the ends, which means that a permanent colostomy may be necessary. However, your surgeon will try to avoid this if at all possible.
Total Mesenteric Excision (TME)
Total mesenteric excision (TME) is a surgical technique that is required in all cancer cases to make sure a thorough cancer surgery is performed. When a tumor is surgically removed, a clear margin of healthy tissue will also be taken, to reduce the risk of recurrence. In addition, for colorectal cancer, the nearest lymph nodes and the mesentery will also be removed. The lymph nodes are the first area to which the cancer will spread, and from here it is able to travel to any part of the body via the lymphatic system.
The mesentery is a sheet of tissue that surrounds the intestines, bowel and rectum, and is where all of the blood vessels supplying this region are located. For this reason, if the cancer should invade the mesentery, it will easily be able to spread elsewhere. Removing the mesentery will therefore reduce the chances of metastasis (the spreading of the cancer to other areas of the body).
What Do I Do if I Think I Have Colon Cancer?
If you have any concerns or have experienced symptoms that may suggest colon cancer, such as changes in bowel habits, then you should book an appointment with a specialist. You will be able to find your local colorectal surgeon (also known as a proctologist) by either searching online or asking your doctor for recommendations.
A colorectal surgeon will be able to assess your symptoms and perform screening procedures in order to find out whether you have developed colorectal cancer. If so, they will discuss the treatment options and help you to decide how you would like to proceed.
