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Colon cancer is now the third most common cancer in the U.S.
Diagnosis & Tests
Laboratory Findings:- Biopsy of colonic tumour is necessary for definitive diagnosis.
- Occult or gross blood in stool.
- Leukocytosis and increased sedimentation rate indicate inflammation or necrosis of the tumour.
- Microcytic anaemia, iron-deficiency type, due to chronic blood loss.
Decreased serum potassium as a result of potassium loss from mucus-secreting villous tumour of the rectum.- Increased serum carcioembryonic antigen - this test is used to monitor the adequacy of treatment and evidence of recurrence.
- Decreased serum protein reflects protein loss in stool or poor dietary intake.
No matter what your age, there is a lot you can do to lower your risk of developing it: there are many lifestyle changes that will successfully lower your risk. The best way to detect colorectal cancer is to have screening tests performed on a regular basis after the age of 50 or sooner if there is a family history of this cancer or if you have had a predisposing condition. These tests may find non-cancerous tumors, called polyps, that sometimes develop into cancer. Colorectal cancer screening tests include checking a stool sample for hidden blood, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy and barium enema.
Complications
Complications can include intestinal hemorrhage, peritonitis due to perforation, obstruction of the colon.
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