Colorectal Cancer: Its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments

Colorectal cancer, that is, the cancer of the colon and the rectum region affects a large population of people throughout the world. According to the National Cancer Institute, the cases of colorectal cancer are estimated to reach as high as 1,51,030 in 2022. With the expected emergence of such high cases of colorectal cancer, it is very important that you understand the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer. You must have heard about the new cancer medicine that has shown complete eradication of colorectal cancer during its clinical trials. It was a small trial done on 12 people with colorectal cancer. The tumours in all people were found to disappear after the use of this new medicine for 6 months. This has opened up the chances of complete treatment of cancer through medicines in the future. 

What are the symptoms of Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer occurs in four different stages. The symptoms of colorectal cancer differ in all four stages. During the early stages of colorectal cancer, you might or might not experience any symptoms. Here are some of the common symptoms that occur during different stages of colorectal cancer.

Symptoms seen in Stages I and II of Colorectal Cancer

• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Presence of blood in stool
• Changes in the colour or consistency of stool
• Excessive gas
• Bleeding from rectum
• Abdominal pain and cramps

Symptoms seen in Stage III of Colorectal Cancer

• Unexplained weakness
• Excessive fatigue
• Unintentional weight loss
• Vomiting
• A feeling of incomplete emptiness of your bowels
• Prolonged changes in the pattern of stool

Symptoms seen in Stage IV of Colorectal Cancer

• Swollen hands and feet
• Jaundice
• Difficulty in breathing
• Blurred vision
• Chronic headache
• Fractures in bone

How is Colorectal Cancer diagnosed?

There are several diagnostic tests available for the diagnosis of colorectal cancer. Tests that your doctor might prescribe you for the diagnosis of colorectal cancer are:

• Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT): This test is done to detect the presence of blood in stool. This test requires your stool sample which is collected in a tube for testing.
• Faecal DNA test: In this test, the DNA present in the colon cells which are passed with your stool everyday are collected for testing the mutations or genetic abnormalities that may occur due to the development of colorectal cancer or large polyps.
• Guaiac-based Faecal Occult Blood Test (gFOBT): This test is also done to detect the presence of hidden blood in the stools. Additional tests are generally prescribed along with this test to know the exact location in the digestive tract from where the blood is coming.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: In this test, a sigmoidoscope device is used to have a view inside the rectum and the lower colon. In this test, small polyps that develop in the colon are collected and tested in the lab for cancer. Colonoscopy is done only when the test results of a sigmoidoscopy are positive.
• Colonoscopy: It is one of the best diagnostic tests that are done for the diagnosis of colorectal polyps and cancer. In this method, a colonoscope is used to view the entire colon and rectum. The polyps removed from the colon during this procedure are tested in the laboratory for the presence of cancer markers.
• Double Contrast Barium Enema: In this test, an X-ray of the colon and rectum is done by giving barium through the rectum. It is not one of the most advised screening tests for colorectal cancer.
• CT Colonography: In this test, the X-ray of the abdomen and the pelvis region is done. If these scans show the presence of polyp, then getting a colonoscopy is recommended.
• Other Diagnostic Tests: Apart from the screening tests available for colorectal cancer, certain diagnostic tests like blood test, X-ray, CT scan, PET scan, MRI, angiography, ultrasound, biopsy, diagnostic colonoscopy, and proctoscopy are also prescribed.

How is Colorectal Cancer treated?

The treatment of colorectal cancer depends on the stage of your cancer. Majorly the treatment options available for colorectal cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and medicines.

• Surgery: Surgeries are generally done to remove the cancerous polyps from your colon at an early stage. The process may require the removal of a part of the colon for excellent results.
• Chemotherapy: This technique involves the use of drugs like fluorouracil, capecitabine, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin to kill the lingering cancerous cells.
• Radiation: This technique uses powerful radiation beams to destroy cancerous cells.
• Targeted therapy: This approach involves the use of approved FDA drugs for the treatment of colon cancer. This method helps in the treatment of metastatic or late stage colon cancer that may not respond to other treatment options. 

Takeaway

Colorectal cancer is a common form of cancer occurring in people nowadays. Recent studies have shown that colorectal cancer can be completely cured by the use of the new medicine for cancer. This new cancer medicine is known as Dostarlimab. This is a revolutionary innovation in the field of Oncology. Colorectal cancer can be treated if the treatment is given at the right time. Now that you know the symptoms of colorectal cancer, get it diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is the new cancer medicine 2022?

The new cancer medicine passed in 2022 is Dostarlimab which has shown to completely eradicate colorectal tumours in 12 patients during its clinical trial.

• How does the drug Dostarlimab work?

Dostarlimab directs your immune system to attack the cancerous tumours growing in your body. This drug has been tested to treat endometrial cancer and certain types of solid tumours as well.

• What is the future of cancer treatment?

With successful trials of Dostarlimab, the future treatments for cancer which are currently under study include personalised medicine, gene editing, cell therapy, and microbiome treatment.