Colorectal Cancer Specialists in Karnataka
Colorectal Cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in the colon or rectum, usually beginning as a benign growth called a polyp that can gradually become cance…
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What is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal Cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in the colon or rectum, usually beginning as a benign growth called a polyp that can gradually become cancerous over years. It is among the most common cancers globally and one of the leading causes of cancer-related death, though it is also one of the most preventable through regular screening. The disease typically develops slowly, giving screening tests a valuable window to detect and remove precancerous polyps before they progress. Risk increases significantly with age and certain hereditary conditions.
Severe
Common — the third most common cancer worldwide
No
Causes of Colorectal Cancer
Arises from genetic mutations that transform normal colon cells into cancerous ones, often beginning in polyps. Risk factors include a diet high in red or processed meat and low in fiber, obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, heavy alcohol use, inflammatory bowel disease, and inherited syndromes such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis.
Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer
Change in bowel habits such as diarrhea or constipation, blood in the stool, persistent abdominal discomfort or cramping, unexplained weight loss, weakness and fatigue, a feeling of incomplete bowel emptying, iron deficiency anaemia
Treatment & Types of Colorectal Cancer in Karnataka
Surgery to remove the tumor is the primary treatment for localized disease, often combined with chemotherapy for higher-stage cancers to eliminate remaining cancer cells. Radiation therapy is frequently used for rectal cancer, and targeted therapy or immunotherapy may be added for advanced or metastatic disease based on tumor genetic characteristics.
Colorectal cancer is staged from stage 0 (confined to the innermost lining, or carcinoma in situ) through stage IV (spread to distant organs like the liver or lungs), and classified by location as colon cancer or rectal cancer, since rectal cancer often involves a different combination of treatments, particularly a greater role for radiation therapy.
Medical Oncology Specialists in Karnataka (0)
No specialists listed yet in Karnataka — browse all doctors instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every polyp turn into cancer?
No, only certain types of polyps have the potential to become cancerous over years, which is why colonoscopy screening removes polyps before they can progress.
At what age should I start screening?
Regular colonoscopy screening is generally recommended starting at a specific recommended age, or earlier if there's a family history or genetic syndrome like Lynch syndrome.
Is colorectal cancer curable if caught early?
Yes, cancer detected at an early, localized stage has a substantially better prognosis, which is one of the main reasons screening is so effective at reducing deaths from this cancer.
Will I need a permanent colostomy bag?
Most people don't need a permanent colostomy; when one is needed, it's often temporary, though the need depends on the tumour's location and extent.
Can diet reduce my risk?
Yes, a fibre-rich diet with limited red and processed meat, along with maintaining a healthy weight and staying physically active, are all associated with lower risk.