Colorectal Cancer

For most people, a tummy ache is just that. A simple tummy ache. It’s something we tend to take very casually. But, on occasion, a stomach ache can be indicative of a far more serious problem – digestive track complications, colitis and even cancer. Tackling these conditions at an early stage ensures you a better chance of survival. In cases involving colonic cancer and colitis, timely intervention can save the lives of 70-80% of patients. So, make it a point to visit your doctor regularly for check-ups. Colorectal cancer starts in the colon or the rectum. These cancers can also be named colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on where they start.

Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer
  • Persistent constipation or diarrhoea
  • An urgency to move the bowels
  • Rectal cramping, or rectal bleeding
  • Dark patches of blood in or on stool; or long, thin, “pencil stools”
  • Abdominal discomfort or bloating
  • Unexplained fatigue, loss of appetite, and/or weight loss
  • Pelvic pain, which occurs at later stages of the disease
Risk Factors
  • Older age (after 50)
  • Inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis
  • A personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps
  • Lack of regular physical activity
  • Low fruit and vegetable intake
  • A low-fibre and high-fat diet
  • Overweight and obesity
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Tobacco use
Types of Colorectal Cancer
  • Stage I: Cancer has grown through the mucosa and has invaded the muscular layer of the colon or rectum.
  • Stage II: Cancer has grown through the wall of the colon or rectum
  • Stage III: Cancer has grown through the inner lining or into the muscle layers of the intestine and spread to one to three lymph nodes
  • Stage IV: Cancer has spread to different organ like lungs, bones, liver, lymph nodes, brain or spinal cord.
Laparoscopic Surgery for Colonic & Rectal Cancer

Should you observe any of the following symptoms, please refer to a specialist immediately.

  • Bleeding from the rectum in patients above age 40
  • Altered bowel habits (> 6 weeks)
  • Weight loss or family history of cancer
  • Concealed Cosmetic Scar
  • Minimal Pain
  • Faster Recovery and Minimal Post-op Adhesions
  • Minimal Blood Loss as Compared to Normal Surgery