What are the warning signs of colon cancer? Colon cancer affects millions of individuals, becoming the second leading cause of cancer deaths. Identifying your risks for colon cancer can help prevent it and provide early treatments. You need routine cancer screenings to check for any potential signs of colon cancer. The symptoms are not usually obvious as they resemble some digestive problems. Talk to Astoria colon and rectal cancer specialists for colorectal cancer treatments and care. Continue reading to understand what colon and rectal cancer entail.
What are colon and rectal cancer?
These are cancers that occur in your large intestine, including the colon and the rectum. The colon is responsible for removing any remaining nutrients and water from the indigestible food matter coming from the small intestines. The rectum marks the last part of your colon and holds waste before its excretion from the body.
Although colon and rectal cancer are the same, they need different treatments, including surgical methods. The Surgical Specialists of the NY team use advanced techniques, including robotic and laparoscopic procedures, to treat these conditions.
What are the different types of colon cancer surgery?
Your type of surgery depends on the stage of your colon cancer. They may include the following.
Polypectomy
This surgery is ideal during the early stage of colon cancer. Polypectomy is a surgical procedure to remove polyps or growths along your colon lining.
Partial colectomy
If your cancerous growth has reached the deeper layers of the colon, your provider may suggest a partial colectomy. It involves removing the tumor and the damaged part of the colon. Your provider joins your healthy colon to the rectum to support your bowel function after the procedure.
Total colectomy
Total colectomy is a surgical procedure to remove your whole colon. Your provider may recommend a total colectomy have other gastrointestinal issues besides colon cancer, such as multiple polyps and inflammatory bowel disease.
What are the different types of rectal cancer surgery?
Like colon cancer, the stage of your rectal cancer determines the type of surgery you need. Nevertheless, rectal cancer surgery may have complications due to the small size of the rectum.
The available surgical treatments include.
Transanal excision
Your provider makes a hole in the wall of the rectum, where they remove the cancerous tumor and the surrounding tissue.
Low anterior resection
This technique involves your surgeon removing a part of your rectum and rejoining the remaining colon.
Proctectomy
The procedure involves removing the entire rectum. Your surgeon then joins the colon to the anus.
What to expect after colon and rectal cancer surgery?
Usually, your provider at Surgical Specialists of NY takes you through what may happen following your surgery. They provide care instructions to follow during recovery to restore your health, depending on the type of surgery you had.
The ideal way to lower your risk of colon and rectal cancer and prevent severe complications is through regular screening and early treatments.
Contact Surgical Specialists of NY today to receive your treatment for colon and rectal cancer, or book your appointment online.