What is Adenocarcinoma of the Colon?
Adenocarcinoma of the colon is the most common type of colon cancer. It arises from the glandular cells lining the colon, which is part of the large intestine. These cells are responsible for producing mucus and other fluids that aid in the digestion and movement of food through the intestines. Adenocarcinomas typically begin as small, benign clumps of cells called polyps, which over time can become cancerous.Symptoms
Symptoms of colon adenocarcinoma may include:- Changes in bowel habits, such as persistent diarrhea or constipation.
- Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding.
- Abdominal discomfort or pain.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Fatigue and weakness.
- A feeling that the bowel does not empty completely.
Disease Aetiology (Causes)
The exact cause of adenocarcinoma of the colon is unknown. However, several risk factors have been identified, including:- Age (most commonly occurring in people over 50).
- Family history of colon cancer or polyps.
- Genetic syndromes, such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis.
- Lifestyle factors such as a diet high in red or processed meat, obesity, alcohol consumption, and smoking.
- Chronic inflammatory diseases of the colon, like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing adenocarcinoma of the colon generally involves:- Colonoscopy: Allows for direct visualization of the entire colon and the removal of polyps for biopsy.
- Blood Tests: Including a complete blood count to check for anemia and other markers.
- Imaging Tests: Such as CT scans, MRI, or PET scans, to determine the extent of the cancer and whether it has spread.
- Biopsy: Examination of tissue samples under a microscope is crucial for a definitive diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment for colon adenocarcinoma depends on the stage of the cancer and may include:- Surgery: The primary treatment for localized cancer, involving the removal of the cancerous part of the colon and adjacent lymph nodes.
- Chemotherapy: Used either post-surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells or as the primary treatment for advanced cases.
- Radiation Therapy: Typically used in conjunction with chemotherapy for advanced or recurrent cases.
- Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy: For certain types of colon adenocarcinomas, particularly those that have spread or are not responding to traditional therapies.