One of the most serious diseases that our hospital's general surgery clinic deals with is colon cancer.

What is Colon Cancer?

This disease, also known as bowel cancer, is cancer that occurs on the inner surface of the large intestine. It occurs when tumors originating from the colon mucosa turn into adenomas over time and with age, and adenomas turn into polyps. It can spread to nearby organs, lymph nodes, liver and lungs. Cancer can occur due to genetics, alcohol use, smoking, unhealthy lifestyle, advanced age, inflammatory bowel diseases and fatty and meat-based diet, and polyps are known to be the most important causes.

Polyps usually begin to show symptoms in the late stages, that is, when they start to become cancerous. That's why regular checkups for colon cancer are important. At the same time, colitis and Crohn's diseases can also progress and turn into cancer. The incidence is higher in men than in women. 

What are the symptoms of colon cancer?

Although colon cancer usually does not cause symptoms at first, it may have symptoms such as changes in stool, change in toilet habits, fatigue, shortness of breath, constant diarrhea or constant constipation, anemia due to iron deficiency, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, weight loss and rectal bleeding. Colon Cancer Diagnosis Colon cancer is a disease that can extend to the 4th stage, and as with all diseases, early diagnosis is important. First of all, when polyp diagnosis is necessary, polyp is diagnosed by colonoscopy, stool test and enema methods. Colonoscopy, computed tomography and fecal blood analysis methods are also used to diagnose colon cancer. Colon Cancer Treatment Part of the treatment of colon cancer may include polyp removal, if possible. Polyp removal as an early treatment also plays a major role in preventing cancer. Polyp treatment is determined according to the condition and severity of the polyp, including polyp removal by colonoscopy, polypectomy, that is, injecting fluid to isolate the polyp, and complete removal of the colon-rectum. Before planning colon cancer treatment, the stage of the patient is determined. Surgery is determined according to the patient's general condition and the tumor, and chemotherapy drugs may be used.

Chemotherapy is usually administered after surgical removal of the tumor. This situation may also change with radiotherapy. In case of metastasis, that is, if the cancer spreads to other organs, the life of the individual can be tried to be extended with drug treatment.

After our general surgeon diagnoses the disease with diagnostic methods, he will determine the most appropriate treatment method for you, organize your treatment and help you.