Colon is a approximately 5 Ft long tube like structure which connects small intestine to rectum. Cancer in colon is called colon cancer and that in rectum is called rectal cancer. Since the two of these organs are interconnected hence the cancer in either of two is generally called colo-rectal cancer. The cancer in colon especially can form in ascending colon which is the starting point or transverse colon, which is the middle part or the descending colon which is the lower part or in sigmoid colon which is the end part of colon.

The best part about colo-rectal cancers is that it starts as polyps which are non-cancerous or pre-cancerous in nature. Another good thing is that these polyps are slow growing in nature. So this gives ample time for the gastro specialist or the doctor to diagnose and take neccessary steps to control the growth. Still the main issue is how soon a patient observes the changes and goes to the gastro doctor for consultation.

There can be various reasons that can make you more prone to getting colo rectal cancer. Patients that Dr Mayank Chugh, Gastroenterologist has seen at the Gurgaon centre located in Asiaz Hospital have following common causes:

More than 50 years of age

Chronic intestinal problems like colitis

Family history of colon cancer

Smoking and alcohol

Diabetes and obesity

As per Gastroenterologist and Liver Specialist Dr Mayank Chugh, "problem with colon or rectal cancer is that they do not present with symptoms in early stage. Even the polyps are mostly incedental findings." However, following are the most common symptoms of colo-rectal cancer as seen in patients at Gastro Clinic in Gurgaon, Haryana and should not be missed or taken casually:

Change is bowel pattern that may include frequent diarrhea or constipation

Presence of blood in stool

Continuous gastric pain or abdominal discomfort

Unintended weight loss

Unable to empty your bowel completely

Fatigue or lethargy

Fall in haemoglobin levels

Diagnosis

The best way to diagnose colorectal cancer is an examination by a gastroenterologist in OPD. This could be followed by series of investigations that may include:

Colonoscopy is considered as one of the best way to diagnose a cancer in colon or rectum at Liver and Gastro Clinic at Asiaz Hospital in Gurgaon

With development in medical science in India now there is option of virtual colonoscopy through CT Scan which does a 3D reconstruction of colon.

CECT of whole abdomen is also a very good test to diagnose growth in colon or rectum.

No blood test is there that can tell if you have colon cancer. CEA test however may direct towards it.

Treatment of any cancer depends upon the staging. PET CT is the gold standard and one of the best test for staging of cancer in India.

In case the colorectal cancer is localized in colon then our gastoenterologist can remove it during the colonoscopy at Gastro and Liver Centre at Asiaz Hospital, Gurgaon, Haryana. Even a bit bigger polyps can be removed during the colonoscopy procedure.

However, there are cases where the cancer has advanced in that case more extensive procedure may be performed by a team of Gastroenterologist and Gastro cancer surgeon in India. They may include:

Partial Colectomy - In this surgery gastro cancer surgeon will remove the affected part of the colon along with wide margin clearance. Post removal the surgeon will connect the colon with rectum. During the stay in hospital in Gurgaon patient is managed by the gastro specialist

Colostomy - There might be the scenaria that the colon and rectum cannnot be reconnected. In that case surgeon creates the way for the waste to pass. An opening is created in the wall of stomach and a bag is attached to it for collection of the waste passed. This is called colostomy. Post colostomy patient needs to be in regular consultation with the gastro specialist for management of the colostomy area

Palliative Surgery with Chemotherapy - When cancer has gone into very advanced stage and curing it is not possible for the gastro specialist or cancer surgeon in Gurgaon will perform the surgery to remove the blockage from the colon or rectum and manage the symptoms of the patient with an aim to improve the quality of life.