Colon Cancer

Being diagnosed with colorectal cancer can be scary and intimidating. Here at Colorectal Surgery Associates, we focus on treating your condition with the most cutting-edge standard of care so that you experience as few functional life changes as possible. Our surgeons perform a high volume of robotic colon cancer surgery, making us one of the most experienced practices in the region.

Colon cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the large intestine or colon, which is the final part of the digestive tract. It typically affects the older population, although it can occur at younger ages. It usually begins as small, noncancerous clumps of cells called polyps. Colon polyps are small growths of tissue that extend from the inner wall of the colon. While most are harmless, some can develop into cancer. It is important to note that 99% of all colorectal cancers start as a polyp. That is why regular screening for colon cancer is essential.

What Causes Colon Cancer?
For most cases, the exact cause of colon cancer is unclear. Commonly colon cancers are adenocarcinoma cancers. Certain inherited gene mutations, such as Lynch Syndrome, Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP),and MYH polyposis mutation can increase risk but do not guarantee cancer will develop. Genetic testing can identify these and other inherited syndromes.

We prioritize a multi-disciplinary approach when treating colorectal cancers, this involves cutting edge treatment care.

Other risk factors, similar to those for colon cancer, include:

• Obesity, smoking, and alcohol use
• Diets high in fat and refined carbohydrates
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Older age (though rates are rising in people under 50)
• History of inflammatory bowel disease or colon polyps
• Diabetes
• Family history of colon or rectal cancer
• African-American race

Symptoms
Common symptoms include:

• Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation
• Blood in the stool, dark maroon or bright red
• Narrow stool
• Feeling that the bowel doesn’t empty completely
• Abdominal pain, weakness, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss

Due to the location of the cancer, some patients are asymptomatic.

Diagnosis
Colon cancer is often detected during routine colorectal screening, such as a colonoscopy. Suspicious areas are biopsied for further analysis. Additional staging studies such as CAT scan, PET scan may be ordered.

Treatment
Treatment typically involves surgical resection of a portion of the colon and reconnection.

Segmental Colectomy

Minimally invasive approaches help reduce recovery time and complications:

• Robotic-assisted surgery: Uses the da Vinci® system for precise, small-incision surgery. This approach takes up 99% of the surgeries that we perform for colon cancer.
• Laparoscopic surgery: Uses small incisions and long-handled tools with a camera for guidance.

After surgery, additional treatments such as chemotherapy or targeted drug therapy may be recommended to ensure the best outcome.