Colorectal cancer, also known as colon cancer, is a cancer that starts in the colon or rectum of the large intestine. It is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and second leading cause of death from cancer in both men and women.

The primary cause of colon cancer is unknown but risk factors include age, diet, smoking, genetics, obesity, lack of physical activity and unhealthful lifestyle habits.

Dr. Ankit Potdar, a renowned specialist in Colon Cancer Surgeon in Goregaon, emphasizes the importance of regular screenings like colonoscopies in preventing colon cancer. With his expertise, he advocates for early detection to identify precancerous conditions and initiate timely interventions. By promoting proactive healthcare measures, Dr. Potdar aims to significantly reduce the risk of individuals developing colon cancer, ultimately contributing to better outcomes and improved overall health in his patients.

There are four stages of colon cancer, each with different treatment options. The treatment for stage I colon cancer is typically surgery to remove the cancerous tissue, with or without chemotherapy. For stage II colon cancer, the treatment may be surgery followed by chemotherapy, or just chemotherapy alone.

Stage III colon cancer is usually treated with surgery and chemotherapy, while stage IV is treated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and/or biologic therapy. Clinical trials may also be an option for some patients with stage IV colon cancer.

The treatment process for colon cancer typically begins with a physical exam and medical history review, followed by imaging tests such as an MRI or CT scan. A biopsy may also be recommended to examine the cells in the colon more closely. The stage of the cancer is then determined based on the results and treatment options can be discussed.

Surgery is typically recommended as a first line treatment for early stage cancers (stages I and II). In terms of pre-operative care, patients will likely undergo further medical testing and consultation with their doctor prior to surgery. During this time, it is important for patients to ask any questions about the procedure, risks, and post-operative expectations.

Surgery is usually done under general anaesthesia with either traditional open surgery or laparoscopic minimally invasive techniques. Depending on the extent of disease, surgeons may remove part or all of the affected section of the colon along with any nearby lymph nodes during surgery.

Post-operative care usually entails monitoring for post-surgical complications which can include infection, blood clots and even bladder problems due to changes in anatomy resulting from surgery.

It is also important to monitor for signs of recurrence in follow up appointments with your doctor. Additionally, treatments including chemotherapy or radiation may need to be started after surgery as well depending on the stage of cancer before operation.

Dr. Ankit Potdar’s clinic is renowned in Colon Cancer Treatment in Chemburfor its comprehensive approach to colon cancer treatment, particularly post-surgery care. Following colon cancer surgery, patients undergo a recovery process that may span several weeks or months, contingent upon the procedure’s extent. Typical post-operative symptoms include fatigue and abdominal discomfort, which alleviate gradually as healing progresses. Dr. Potdar emphasizes strict adherence to post-surgery guidelines to facilitate smooth recovery and optimize outcomes. With his expertise and patient-centric care,

Dr. Potdar ensures that individuals undergoing Colon Cancer Treatment in Chembur, Mumbai receive comprehensive support throughout their healing journey. Following up regularly with your physician for checkups and scans during this period is essential in order to measure progress and monitor for any signs of recurrence or side effects from treatment methods used before or after surgical intervention.

• What are the symptoms of colon cancer?

Colon cancer usually presents with symptoms such as anemia, fatigue, changes in bowel habits (including constipation or diarrhea), unexpected weight loss, abdominal pain or cramps, or rectal bleeding. In more advanced stages of the disease, symptoms may include abdominal distension, vomiting and jaundice due to blockage caused by a tumor. 

Some patients may experience other issues such as unexplained fever or anemia due to blood loss from gastrointestinal bleeding. If any of these symptoms are present for an extended period of time without explanation, it is important to contact your doctor immediately for further investigation.

The length of a colon cancer surgery can vary based on the stage and severity of the disease, as well as other factors. On average, surgeries take between 1.5 to 6 hours depending on how extensively the cancer is spread and whether any lymph nodes need to be removed.

After surgery, post-operative care such as monitoring for infection or other complications may add additional time before patients are discharged from the hospital.

Recovery time from colon cancer surgery depends on the type of procedure performed, whether or not any additional treatments are necessary, and the individual patient’s overall health. Generally, patients can expect to spend about a week in the hospital followed by several weeks at home for rest and rehabilitation. 

During this time, it is important to follow all instructions from your doctor or healthcare team regarding activity levels and diet. With proper care and follow up treatment, most patients will experience a full recovery within three to six months.

Colon cancer surgery carries risks associated with any major abdominal surgery, such as infection and possible complications of anaesthesia. Additionally, specific risks associated with removing a portion or all of the colon include bloating, difficulty controlling bowel movements, and in rare cases, incontinence. 

Some patients may also experience scarring at the surgical site which can be minimized through proper post-operative care. In some cases, removal of lymph nodes during colon cancer surgery may lead to lymphedema in the legs or arms.

Depending on the stage of the cancer, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be recommended after colon cancer surgery. Patients with Stage I and II colon cancer typically do not need additional treatment, but a doctor may suggest close monitoring of their health for recurrence. 

Patients with Stage III or IV colon cancer are more likely to require additional treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, targeted drugs or immunotherapy.