 |
|
|
At age 30, Pat* experienced one of the greatest joys as well as one of the
greatest fears life has to offer.
Shortly after learning that she and her husband were expecting their first
child, Pat was diagnosed with cancer.
"It was such an emotion... |
|
|
|
What is anal cancer?
Anal cancer, an uncommon cancer, is a disease in which cancer (malignant)
cells are found in the anus. The anus is the opening at the end of the rectum
(the end part of the large intestine) through which body waste passes. Cancer in... |
|
|
|
The results of a recent national trail show that a daily dose of aspirin
reduces the risk of polyp recurrence in people with a history of colon polyps.
But before you reach for the aspirin bottle, read on.
Called the Aspirin-Folate Polyp Prevention Stud... |
|
|
|
A biopsy is a diagnostic test in which a small sample of tissue is
removed and then examined under a microscope. This test is used to diagnose
cancer as well as to determine if existing cancer has spread to the surrounding
tissue. When a biopsy is nee... |
|
|
|
Cancer of the colon and rectum is currently the second most common cause of
cancer death in USA. When it is possible to perform a curative resection, 66% of
patients survive 5 years and are considered as cured. The overall outcome after
surgery is large... |
|
|
|
What is chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy is a term used by doctors to refer to drugs that can kill
cancer cells. Chemotherapy drugs can be given in a variety of ways, including
intravenously by injection, intravenously with a pump, or even in pill form
tak... |
|
|
|
OverviewCancer is predicted to become
the leading cause of death in the United States in this decade (surpassing heart
disease). Colon and rectal cancer is second only to lung cancer as the most
common cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Over 5... |
|
|
|
Treatment of colorectal cancer depends on the size, location, and extent of
the cancer, as well as the patient’s general health. Patients often are
treated by a team of specialists that might include the following:
Surgeon
Gastroent... |
|
|
|
What is a colonoscopy?
Colonoscopy is an outpatient procedure in which the rectum and the inside of
the lower large intestine (colon) are examined.
Colonoscopies are commonly used to evaluate bowel disorders, rectal bleeding or polyps
(usually benig... |
|
|
|
Abdominoperineal resection
The surgical removal of the anus, rectum and sigmoid colon, resulting
in the need for a permanent colostomy
Abscess
A localized formation of pus in a cavity caused by the disintegration or
displacement of tissue due to b... |
|
|
|
Please note: This information is only a guide and should not replace the
advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for advice about your
personal colorectal cancer risk.
What is hereditary colorectal cancer?
The term hereditary colore... |
|
|
|
This listing is provided for your reference. The information provided by
these organizations is not necessarily endorsed by The Cleveland Clinic or WebMD.
The Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Department of Colorectal Surgery
9500 Euclid Ave.
Cleveland,... |
|
|
|
Any type of surgery is a serious procedure that has associated risks. There
are great benefits to surgery, including saving life, preventing or curing
cancer, restoring normal function, and making life more comfortable — and this
is best done by havin... |
|
|
|
What is colorectal cancer?Cancer that
begins in the colon is called colon cancer, and cancer that begins in the rectum
is called rectal cancer. Cancers affecting either of these organs also might be
called colorectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer is the se... |
|
|
|
Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in American
men and women. A newer, noninvasive screening method now makes prevention easier
than ever. Called a fecal DNA test, the new method just became commercially
available.
Dete... |
|
|
|
What is a colostomy?
The colon, rectum and anus are the last sections of the body’s digestive
system. Although they are an important part of the system, they have little to
do with digesting food or absorbing nutrients. In fact, the large intestine can
... |
|
|
|
Facing cancer may be overwhelming. After finding out they have cancer, some
people experience a period of mourning or grieving for the
loss of their health, as well as stress and anxiety over the uncertainty of
their future. This process is different ... |
|
|
|
What is my risk for cancer recurrence?
Even after treatment for colorectal cancer,
there is a risk that your cancer will come back. In 35 to 40 percent of people
treated for colorectal cancer, the cancer will come back within 3 to 5 years of
treatment.... |
|
|
|
Many Americans eat an unhealthy diet and have poor toilet habits. Over the
course of several years, the effect of this lifestyle can cause a person to have
problems with the large bowel.
This article will describe some of the more common bowel problems.... |
|
|
|
Why is follow-up care necessary?
Surgery is the most effective treatment for colorectal cancer. But even when
all of the visible cancer has been removed, it still is possible for the cancer
to return or to be present in other areas of the body. Becaus... |
|
|
|
Functional disorders
Functional disorders are those in which the bowel looks normal but doesn't work
properly. They are the most common problems affecting the colon and rectum, and include
constipation and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The primary ca... |
|
|
|
Abdominoperineal resection
Surgical removal of the anus, rectum and sigmoid colon, resulting in the need for
a permanent colostomy.
Adenoma
Glandular lesion thought to be the precursor to colorectal cancer.
Adhesion
A band of scar tissue that con... |
|
|
|
This listing is provided for your reference. The information provided by
these organizations is not necessarily endorsed by The Cleveland Clinic
Web Sites
Celiac Disease
www.icondata.com/health/pedbase/files/CELIACDI.HTM
Columbia University Gastroen... |
|
|
|
There is a test that can be used to detect the variant APC gene
predisposing some Ashkenazi Jewish people to developing colorectal cancer. This
test, which is performed on a small sample of blood, does not rule out mutations
that cause other forms of ... |
|
|
|
Colorectal polyps and cancer develop because of a gradual build-up of changes
in the genes of cells lining the colon and rectum. A gene is a block of DNA that
holds the genetic code, or instructions, for making one particular protein.
We have two copi... |
|
|
|
One of the risk factors for colorectal cancer is a family history of the
disease. Colorectal cancer is referred to as being "hereditary" or
"inherited" when several generations of a family have colorectal
cancer. Several gene mutat... |
|
|
|
Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer
and cancer death in American men and women. Approximately one out of every 18
people will develop colorectal cancer in their lifetime.
Is colorectal cancer preventable?
Unfortunately, half o... |
|
|
|
Imaging tests are also used to screen for and detect colorectal cancer. These
tests use technologies that visualize your bodily organs and present them like a
picture. Imaging tests are also used to determine how far the cancer has spread
or how well ... |
|
|
|
Immunotherapy is a comparatively new type of therapy in the fight against
colorectal cancer. Much of this therapy is still in its clinical stages. The
idea behind immunotherapy is to boost a patient’s immune reaction to cancer
cells, thus enabling the... |
|
|
|
What is a laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection?
A laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection is a surgery in which the anus,
rectum, and sigmoid colon are removed (figure 1). It is used to treat cancer
located very low in the rectum or in the anus, cl... |
|
|
|
What is a laparoscopic ileocolectomy?
A laparoscopic ileocolectomy is an operation that removes a diseased section
of the ileum (last segment of the small intestine) and ascending colon (first
segment of large intestine).
(Figure to right: L... |
|
|
|
Common brand name: Wellcovorin
Other names: Leucovorin may also be called folinic acid, calcium
leucovorin or citrovorum factor.
Why is this drug prescribed?
Leucovorin is used to lessen the harmful effects of methotrexate (a cancer
medication), wh... |
|
|
|
In 2004, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
approved two new treatments for advanced colon cancer that has spread outside of
the colon (metastasized). These drugs, Avastin and Erbitux are both part of a
new class of drugs called monoclonal antibo... |
|
|
|
Proper nutrition and diet are important in helping to prevent many diseases
and colorectal cancer is no exception. In the fight against this disease,
nutritional guidelines include eating less fat and getting more nutrients from
the food you eat rathe... |
|
|
|
In some people it is clear why they developed colorectal cancer – they
inherited it; but, in many people, there is no identifiable cause. Without a
known cause, preventing the disease is tricky business. Research has suggested
that aspirin may help prev... |
|
|
|
What is the prognosis for people with colorectal cancer?
Every person is different and responds differently to treatment. However,
with prompt and appropriate treatment, the outlook for a person with colorectal
cancer is hopeful. The survival rate f... |
|
|
|
Radiation therapy is the use of high-energy rays to attack cancer. The intent
of using radiation therapy is to damage or destroy the genetic material of
cancer cells, rendering them unable to grow and thus spread.
During treatment, radiation is aimed ... |
|
|
|
Rectal cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the
tissues of the rectum.
The rectum
is part of the body's digestive
system. The digestive system removes and processes nutrients (vitamins,
minerals, carbohydrates, fats, proteins,... |
|
|
|
Who is at risk for colorectal cancer?
Every one of us is at risk for colorectal
cancer. One out of every 50 people, or 2% of the population, will get colorectal
cancer. Most people who develop colorectal cancer have no particular risk
factors.
Althoug... |
|
|
|
I’ve had treatment for colorectal cancer. Can my cancer come back?
Each year in the United States, an estimated 131,000 people are diagnosed
with non-inherited colorectal cancer. Sixty percent are diagnosed with stage II
or stage III cancer, which is tr... |
|
|
|
Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in American
men and women. Fortunately, through regular screenings, it is one of the most
preventable cancers.
Traditional screening tests include flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy and
... |
|
|
|
Getting regular doctor check-ups may be the best way to prevent colorectal
cancer. Early detection of any abnormal cells allows for prompt treatment and
makes curing colorectal cancer more likely. Experts in the medical profession
have created screeni... |
|
|
|
How does colorectal cancer develop?
All of the body’s cells normally divide, grow, and die to keep the body
healthy and functioning properly. Sometimes this process goes out of control,
and cells keep dividing and growing even when the cells are sup... |
|
|
|
Stage 0
For cancers that are stage 0, the disease has not grown beyond the lining of
the colon or rectum. Therefore surgical removal or destruction of the cancer is
all that is needed. For larger tumors, a rectal or colon resection may be
required.... |
|
|
|
Unfortunately, colorectal cancer may strike without symptoms. For this
reason, it is very important to have regular examinations, called colorectal
screenings, to detect early problems.
However, not all colorectal cancers are without symptoms. One of ... |
|
|
|
What is a cancer registry?
Expertise in managing inherited colorectal cancer is concentrated in a few
centers around the country. Since 1979 the David G. Jagelman Inherited
Colorectal Cancer Registries at the Cleveland Clinic has been following patients... |
|
|
|
What is ultrasonography?
In ultrasonography (also called ultrasound), high-frequency sound waves,
inaudible to the human ear, are transmitted through body tissues. These sound
waves are reflected back to a receiver by the tissues, and the echoes vary
a... |
|
|
|
Virtual colonoscopy: Is it ready for prime time?
Virtual colonoscopy (VC) is a new method of screening the colon for
precancerous polyps. Using a CAT or CT scanner and new computer methods of
rendering or reconstructing the images, the colon can be eval... |
|
|
|
In order to understand colorectal cancer, it might first help to understand
what parts of the body are affected and how they work.
The colon
The colon is a 6-foot long muscular tube connecting the small intestine to
the rectum. The colon, which alo... |
|
