Advanced Solutions for Colon Cancer: What You Should Know

You’ll receive one of the best colon cancer surgery and treatment in Thailand at Vejthani Hospital in Bangkok. Understanding the differences between colon cancer and rectal cancer.

Although often lumped under the same generic name — colorectal cancer, it’s worth noting that colon cancer and rectal cancer aren’t the same. Knowing the difference is essential, as it impacts your treatment options and prognosis. Both rectal and colon cancer affect the large intestine, but, crucially, they start in different places. Colon cancer begins anywhere along the colon (large intestine), whereas rectal cancer starts in the rectum (i.e., the last 12 centimeters of the colon).

RISKS, SYMPTOMS & DIAGNOSIS

Typically, people with a family history of cancer, smokers, and those with obesity issues have a higher tendency to be diagnosed with colon cancer.

Most colon and rectal cancer begins as a small growth in the bowel wall called colorectal adenoma. If left unchecked, the cancer can grow into the muscle layers underneath and then through the bowel wall.

Many of the same symptoms can be attributed to both colon and rectal cancer. However, depending on the location of the tumor and whether or not it has metastasized, there will be significant differences.

Common symptoms of colorectal cancer:

• Stomach pain or bloating
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Narrow stools
• Blood in the stool
• Changes in bowel habits
• Black, dark, or red-colored stools
• General stomach discomfort
• General weakness and tiredness
• Unexplained anemia

Doctors typically use the same approach to diagnose both types of colorectal cancer; this could be an occult blood test, endoscopic exam, or colonoscopy. The most common initial course of action is a colonoscopy. In this procedure, the doctor uses a tube to see the inside of your colon and rectum. If they find areas that could be cancerous, the doctor will remove a small sample tissue for a biopsy test.

Note: In terms of early prevention, small growths in the colon, called polyps, may need to be removed even if they are not yet cancerous.

TREATMENT

The first stage of treatment for colon cancer in Thailand is typically a partial colectomy, where a surgeon removes a section of the colon. If the surgery goes well, you will resume regular bowel movements. you Some cases require a colostomy, whereby the surgeon will connect the colon to a hole in your abdomen (ostomy). You’ll then have a colostomy bag attached to the ostomy to collect bowel movements. Chemotherapy will be recommended if the cancer affects a particularly dense part of the colon where major blood vessels and adjacent organs are close by, or has spread to the lymph nodes.

For rectal cancer, doctors will first opt for surgery if they believe they can successfully remove the entire tumor. This will often be performed in conjunction with chemotherapy and radiation therapy to shrink the tumor before surgery and after to kill-off any remaining abnormal cells. When a surgeon performs a rectal cancer operation, they will try to cut out all cancerous tissue without removing the anal sphincter (the muscle which controls bowel movements). However, in some cases, this is not possible because the tumor is too close to the muscle. In such instances, a colostomy will be required.

Colon and rectal cancer surgery and treatment can often be prevented with regular screenings, lifestyle and diet modifications. But if you do find yourself requiring colon or rectal cancer surgery in Bangkok, visit our expert specialists at Vejthani Hospital.

To make an appointment, please contact the Life Cancer Center, at the main building, 5th Fl., Vejthani Hospital or call (+66)85-223-8888 (English Hotline).

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