Early Stage Colon Cancer: Symptoms, Treatment, and Care

Q: Early Stage Colon Cancer: Symptoms, Treatment, and Care

Hello everyone： Early-stage colorectal cancer has a metastasis rate of less than 10%. <br>In the past, surgical resection was considered, but the cost of surgery is quite high. <br>Currently, colonoscopy with polypectomy is also a viable option; however, the depth of the lesions

Early-stage colorectal cancer issues?

Hello Dr.
Chen,
I have some questions regarding early-stage colorectal cancer that I would like to ask you:
A.
Symptoms: In mid-August, my mother tested positive for colorectal cancer through a stool test.
Subsequently, she underwent a colonoscopy at the hospital, where a polyp approximately the size of a ten-dollar coin was found about 20 centimeters inside the anal opening.
In early September, the polyp was removed via endoscopy.
Since the polyp was firmly attached to the colon wall, the doctor cut it into four pieces for removal.
The biopsy results, as explained by the doctor, indicated that there were cellular changes consistent with cancer cells in the upper part of the polyp, but no cancer cells were found in the portion connected to the colon.
The doctor referred to this situation as early-stage colorectal cancer.
The next step in the treatment plan is to perform another colonoscopy in early November to confirm whether the polyp has been completely excised.
If it has been fully removed, the treatment will be considered complete; however, if any residual polyp remains, it will need to be excised for further testing.
If the biopsy results show no cancer cells in the portion connected to the colon, the treatment will also conclude.
Conversely, if cancer cells are detected in the connected tissue, surgery will be scheduled to remove the segment of the colon where the polyp was located.
B.
Questions: Given my mother's current situation, I have some inquiries:
1.
Would it be better to proceed with surgery to remove the segment of the colon with the polyp, regardless of the results from the November examination, rather than relying on endoscopic removal, to avoid concerns about whether it has been completely cleared?
2.
In my mother's case, what is the likelihood of recurrence after the treatment is completed, and how soon might it occur?
3.
After treatment, how often should follow-up examinations be conducted, and what should they entail?
4.
What measures should be taken to maintain colon health moving forward, and are there specific dietary habits that should be observed?
I kindly ask for your assistance in answering these questions.
I apologize for taking up your valuable time, and I thank you in advance for your help.

wedding, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2001/09/14

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello everyone: Early-stage colorectal cancer has a metastasis rate of less than 10%.
In the past, surgical resection was considered, but the cost of surgery is quite high.
Currently, colonoscopy with polypectomy is also a viable option; however, the depth of the lesions can be difficult to assess, requiring specialized instruments and techniques to ensure complete removal.
After the procedure, regular follow-up is necessary (initially every few months, then extending to once a year).
Maintaining colon health does not require any special dietary methods.
Wishing you all good health!

Reply Date: 2001/09/14

More Info

Understanding early-stage colon cancer is crucial for effective management and treatment. Based on your mother's situation, let's address your questions systematically.

A. Symptoms and Diagnosis
Your mother was diagnosed with early-stage colon cancer after a fecal test indicated a positive result. Subsequent colonoscopy revealed a polyp approximately 20 cm from the anal verge, which was removed and found to contain cancerous cells. However, the connection to the colon wall showed no cancer cells, which is a positive sign indicating that the cancer may be localized.

B. Questions and Answers
1. Is it better to perform surgery to remove the affected part of the colon rather than relying on endoscopic removal?
- If there is uncertainty about whether the polyp has been completely removed, surgical resection may be a more definitive approach. Surgery can ensure that any potentially cancerous tissue is removed, reducing the risk of recurrence. Endoscopic removal is less invasive, but if there are concerns about completeness, surgery may provide peace of mind and a more thorough treatment.

2. What is the likelihood of recurrence after treatment, and how soon might it occur?
- The risk of recurrence in early-stage colon cancer is generally low, especially if the cancer was localized and completely removed. However, the exact risk depends on various factors, including the size of the tumor, histological features, and whether there were any cancer cells at the margins. Recurrence can happen within the first few years, but regular follow-up can help catch any issues early.

3. How often should follow-up examinations occur after treatment?
- After treatment for early-stage colon cancer, it is typically recommended to have follow-up colonoscopies every 1 to 3 years, depending on the initial findings and the presence of any risk factors. Additionally, regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor for any symptoms or changes are essential.

4. What dietary and lifestyle changes should be made to maintain colon health?
- Maintaining a healthy diet is crucial for colon health. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help. It's advisable to limit red and processed meats, as well as high-fat foods. Staying hydrated and engaging in regular physical activity can also promote overall health. Additionally, avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol consumption are important for reducing cancer risk.

Conclusion
Your mother's early-stage colon cancer diagnosis is a critical moment, and understanding the treatment options and follow-up care is essential. The approach to treatment should be individualized based on her specific circumstances, and open communication with her healthcare team is vital. Regular monitoring and a healthy lifestyle can significantly contribute to her long-term well-being. If there are any uncertainties or concerns, seeking a second opinion or further clarification from her medical team can provide additional reassurance.

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