Colon cancer is a condition that affects 4.3% of American men and 4% of American women. This cancer is found at the end of the digestive tract. If you have been diagnosed with this disease, you may be wondering about your treatment options. That's just one of the things we're talking about today.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Colon Cancer?
Among the signs and symptoms of colon cancer are:
- Fatigue
- Unintended weight loss
- Weakness
- Bloody stool
-
Chronic gastrointestinal distress
- Lasting bowel habit changes, such as regularity and consistency
- Feeling like you can't completely empty your bowels
What Are the Different Types of Colon Cancer?
Colorectal adenocarcinoma is the most common type of colon cancer, representing 95% of all colorectal cancer diagnoses. That said, there are two other types of adenocarcinoma:
- signet ring cell adenocarcinoma
- mucinous adenocarcinoma
Additionally, there are different types of colon cancer, including:
- Gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors
- Primary colorectal lymphomas
- Melanomas
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs)
- Leiomyosarcomas
What Treatment is Recommended for Colon Cancer?
If you have early-stage colon cancer, you can be treated with laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery. This procedure can remove polyps that can't be removed with a colonoscopy, and the recovery after this procedure is minimal. If you have more advanced colon cancer, partial colectomy by a
general surgeon may be advised.
What Happens During Colon Cancer Surgery?
During laparoscopic colon cancer surgery, multiple tiny incisions are made in the abdominal wall. Through these incisions, small tools with cameras attached are used to remove polyps. Dr. Daniel Gay performs most of these procedures via
robotic surgery.
What Is the Recovery Like After Colon Cancer Surgery?
As noted above, recovery following laparoscopic colon cancer surgery. You may feel unusually tired for a few days after your procedure, but you will most likely be back to work within a week. If you have a labor-intensive job, you may need to take a few extra days off work. While recovering, you should refrain from:
- Cigarettes
- Alcohol
- Intense exercise
- Excessive heat and sweating
You may shower one to two days following your procedure. That said, you should pat your tiny incisions dry rather than rubbing them dry. Do not take a bath within the first two weeks of colon cancer surgery.
Be advised, in well over 60% of cases, colon cancer does not recur following surgery. That being said, you can make lifestyle changes to mitigate your personal risk of recurrence.
Why Choose Dr. Daniel Gay for Colon Cancer Surgery?
You should choose
Dr. Daniel Gay for colon cancer surgery because he is caring, compassionate, and qualified. He is a Board Certified surgeon who treats every client with integrity and a servant attitude. He will take the time to understand your preferences and needs when tailoring your ideal colon cancer treatment.
Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today
Colon cancer is a severe disease, but it can be treated. To learn more about colon cancer surgery, don't hesitate to
contact Daniel Gay today. Schedule your initial colon cancer surgery consultation with Dr. Daniel Gay.