Colon cancer refers to a type of cancer that starts in the rectum or colon. Timely diagnosis and treatment can help in the effective management of this condition. Here, the best colon cancer doctor in Kolkata has discussed them in detail.
Diagnosis of Colon Cancer
1. Screening Tests: Screening for colon cancer is essential, especially for individuals with risk factors or those over the age of 45-50. Common screening methods include colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, faecal occult blood tests, and stool DNA tests. These tests help detect abnormal growths or precancerous polyps in the colon or rectum.
2. Biopsy: If suspicious growths or abnormalities are found during a screening test, a biopsy is performed. This involves removing a small tissue sample from the affected area for further analysis.
3. Imaging Tests: Imaging tests such as CT scans, MRI scans, PET scans, and X-rays might be utilized to determine the extent of cancer spread, identify tumour size, and locate potential metastases in other parts of the body.
Treatment of Colon Cancer
According to a colon cancer specialist in Kolkata, the treatment options for colon cancer depend on various factors, including the cancer stage, location, and size. The main treatment modalities include:
1. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses medications to destroy cancer cells or prevent their growth. It can be administered before surgery (neoadjuvant) to shrink tumours or after surgery (adjuvant) to eliminate any remaining cancer cells or in cases where cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
2. Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells. It might be used before surgery to shrink tumours or after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells. In some cases, it can help alleviate symptoms in advanced cancer stages.
3. Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy: These newer treatment approaches involve medications that target specific molecules within cancer cells or boost the body's immune system to fight cancer.
Early detection through regular screenings and prompt intervention significantly improves the prognosis for colon cancer. A personalized treatment plan developed in consultation with the best colon cancer doctor in Kolkata is essential to effectively combat this disease and improve the chances of successful outcomes and long-term survival.
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