Colorectal Cancer

Cancer that starts in the colon or rectum is known as colorectal cancer. Due to the similar properties, colon cancer and rectal cancer are often grouped together.

An out of control cell growth in the body is the primary reason for cancer to start.

The colon and rectum

You will need to understand the natural structure and function of the colon and rectum to understand colorectal cancer.

Both colon and rectum make up a portion of the colon. This muscular, five feet long tube is divided into four segments: ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, and sigmoid colon. The portion of the colon consisting of the ascending and transverse colon is known as the proximal colon, while the descending and sigmoid colon make up the distal colon.

The function of the colon and rectum

The primary function of the colon is to transport stools from the ileum to the rectum and anus. It absorbs water, salts, and electrolytes from feces as they move. The rectum serves as a reservoir for waste materials. When it becomes full, we need the urge to pass stools. The ring-shaped muscles around the anus prevent the leaking of feces. These muscles are known as sphincters.

How does colorectal cancer start?

Colorectal cancer usually starts due to the presence of cancerous polyps in the rectum or colon area. Sometimes, noncancerous polyps convert into cancerous polyps, but that’s a rare instance. Whether or not those polyps will turn into cancer depends on the polyp types.

• Adenomatous polyps: These polyps, also known as adenomas, can turn into cancer. That is why the formation of adenomas is also referred to as a precancerous condition.
• Hyperplastic polyps and inflammatory polyps: Although these polyps are more common, they are not precancerous. A patient with these polyps may, however, need to undergo cancer screening and colonoscopy more often.
• Sessile serrated polyps (SSP) and traditional serrated adenomas (TSA): These polyps, like adenomas, can result in colorectal cancer.

You will also need to keep an eye on some factors that may be linked to colorectal cancer. Those factors include the following.

• The polyp is larger than one centimeter.
• There are more than three polyps.
• The presence of dysplasia has been detected after its removal. Dysplasia is another precancerous condition.

Spreading of colorectal cancer

Cancer, after its formation in the polyp, can spread grow and spread into the wall of the colon or rectum. The wall of the colon consists of several layers. Colorectal cancer starts in the innermost layer and grows outward through the layers.

Cancer can also grow into the blood vessels or lymph vessels, resulting in the spreading of cancer to the nearby lymph nodes or distant parts of the body.

Prevention and treatment

Regular cancer screenings can help you prevent cancer entirely or get rid of it while it is in the initial stages. Your doctor or surgeon will continue with the staging of cancer after noticing the presence of cancer cells in your colon or rectum. The type and complexity of the treatment procedure will depend on the stage of cancer. The more advanced the stage is, the more aggressive will be the treatment. You can discuss all treatment options with your doctor or surgeon.