Cancer that initially develops in the large intestine (colon) is called colon cancer. Colon is the last part of the digestive tract.
Colon cancer is commonly found in elders. However, patients of any age can have the disease. Colon cancer generally starts with small, noncancerous accumulations of cells, known as polyps. These occur on the inside of the colon. As time progresses, these polyps can develop into colon cancers.
Most patients with colonic polyp are asymptomatic. Therefore, regular screening tests are recommended in order to prevent colon cancer by detecting and removing polyps before they develop into cancer.
Treatment options for colon cancers are surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
Colon cancer is also known as colorectal cancer. The term implies the combination of colon cancer and rectal cancer, which starts in the rectum.
Early-stage of colon cancer is usually asymptomatic until the disease has progressed to the late stage.
The definite causes of colon cancer are unknown. The mutation in DNA of colon cells causes uncontrolled duplication resulting in forming a mass of cells also known as a tumor. This tumor then begins to invade and destroy the healthy cells and tissues. These cells have the tendency to metastasize (spread to other parts of the body).