Colon Cancer in Dallas, TX
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Find a ProviderWhat is colon cancer?
Your colon is the last part of your digestive system where the body removes water and salt from solid waste. Colon and rectal cancer present themselves when malignant growths form in the colon. Colon cancer begins as benign growths known as polyps. Polyps are small clusters of cells that can ultimately transform into colon tumors.
This type of cancer is increasingly common in mature adults and is the second most general cancer detected in both men and women combined.
It is critical to have a colonoscopy beginning at age 45 and then as advised by your GI physician. To schedule a colorectal cancer screening in Dallas, TX, get in touch with Digestive Health Associates of Texas.
What are the indicators and risk factors of colorectal cancer?
With proper care and focus, it is our hope that, should you have the early signs of colorectal cancer, quick treatment can provide you with a more optimistic outcome. If you are having any of these symptoms constantly, please book an appointment with a Dallas, TX GI physician without delay:
- A quick alteration in bowel movements, including constipation, diarrhea, or a change in the texture of your feces
- A feeling that your bowel does not empty fully
- Persistent urges to defecate
- Rectal bleeding
- Any of these joined by weakness and fatigue
- Lasting gut soreness, such as cramps, gas, or pain
- Discomfort throughout bowel movements
A few of the factors that might put a patient at higher risk for colon and rectal cancer are:
- Inflammatory intestinal conditions: Chronic ailments, like Crohn's disease and colitis, can expand your risk of colon cancer.
- “Common Western Diet”: Colon cancer has been associated with a reduced fiber, enhanced fat, high-calorie diet.
- Family history: If you or a relative has had colon cancer or colon polyps, you have a higher risk of colorectal cancer.
- Age: Colon and rectal cancer is usually identified in persons who are over 50; however, the rates of colon cancer in younger people have been growing.
- Descent: People of African-American descent have an increased danger of colon and rectal cancer compared to other races.
When Should I Get a Colonoscopy Screening?
All adults need to be screened for colorectal cancer. This is because colon cancer often develops without any warning signs. The American Cancer Society recommends that most adults start colonoscopy screening at the age of 45. The frequency of screening will be determined by your doctor. But some people are at greater risk, and those individuals should begin screening earlier.
Manage Your RiskAlthough a colonoscopy is the most comprehensive and effective screening test, there are alternative ways to get screened, too. If you’re concerned about the colonoscopy, discuss these options with your doctor.
Colon Cancer At-A-Glance and Risk Factors
At-A-Glance
- Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S.
- On average, your risk is about 1 in 20, although this varies widely according to individual risk factors.
- 90% of new cases occur in people 50 or older.
- People with a first-degree relative who has colon cancer have two to three times the risk of developing the disease.
- There are currently more than one million colon cancer survivors in the U.S.
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Risk Factors
- Use of alcohol and tobacco
- Lack of physical exercise
- Low-fiber diet
- Personal history of inflammatory intestinal conditions
- Family history of Colon Cancer
Survival percentages for colon cancer
Cancer rates of survival are distributed into groups and conditional on the degree it has circulated upon diagnosis. Localized colorectal cancer is cancer that is merely in the colon. Regional colon cancer is when the disease has spread to the surrounding tissues and organs, and distant colon cancer is when the cancer has dispersed to far away sections of the body.
- Localized colon cancer: 90% 5-year survival rate
- Regional colon cancer: 71% 5-year survival rate
- Distant colon cancer: 14% 5-year survival rate
If the disease is found early and simply appears in minimal malignant growths, then the growths can be excised, resulting in remarkably elevated rates of survival.
We advise getting a colonoscopy at the time you turn 45 years of age in order to detect cancer quickly. If colon cancer is in your family history, then we propose getting a screening for colorectal cancer at Digestive Health Associates of Texas earlier than that. If you have questions on when the right time to schedule a colon cancer screening is, we suggest you call our office as we'd be happy to help!
What are the treatments for colon cancer?
Treatment for colorectal cancer in Dallas, TX patients will vary depending on the phase of the condition. Each situation is different, but the best way therapy is prevention.
- Prevention: Colon cancer is a unique variety of cancer for the reason that it is avoidable. Colon cancer first exhibits in the form of growths. These polyps can be withdrawn, which diminishes your danger of dying of cancer by 90%. Your individual danger and prevention steps can be determined at a colon cancer screening with your gastroenterologist.
- Stage 0 Colon Cancer Treatment: Stage 0 colorectal cancer is when the colorectal cancer has not spread beyond the inner lining of the colon. If the growth is minuscule enough, it can be simply eliminated using a colonoscope while undergoing a colonoscopy.
- Stage I Colon Cancer Treatment: If the tumor is thoroughly withdrawn while undergoing a colonoscopy with no cancerous tissues at the rims, no continued treatment may be required. If the extracted polyp does have cancerous cells at the extremities, more surgery could be required to remove the residual cancerous tissue. For cancers not in a tumor, a partial colectomy may be required to extract the portion of the colon and neighboring lymph nodes that are cancerous.
- Stage II Colon Cancer Treatment: Generally in stage II, surgery is executed to remove the portion of the colon or closeby lymph nodes containing cancer. Every so often, your doctor will recommend adjuvant chemotherapy (chemo after surgery) in addition.
- Stage III Colon Cancer Treatment: A partial colectomy succeeded by adjuvant chemotherapy is the common treatment for this phase of colon cancer.
- Stage IV Colon Cancer Treatment: This phase of the condition typically means that the cancer has dispersed to more tissues or organs. Surgery could be required to extract pieces of the cancer discovered in the colon and different organs, as well as chemotherapy. Chemotherapy at this stage is generally conducted before and after surgery.
Colon Cancer FAQs
What is colon cancer?
Colon cancer is when a cancerous polyp, or a clump of cancerous cells, begins to grow in the large intestine or rectum.
What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?
One of the reasons colon cancer is a big problem in our population is that it often has no symptoms. However, some people may have symptoms that include:
- Prolonged changes in bowel movements and/or not feeling relieved by bowel movements
- Dark stools, stools with blood, or rectal bleeding
- Abdominal cramping or pain
- Weakness, fatigue, and weight loss
What are the causes of colon cancer?
Although the specific reason for colorectal cancer development is unknown, it arises when cell mutation in the inner lining of the rectum or large intestine grows out of control, leading to a tumor or growth. There are specific factors that may elevate the chance of developing colorectal cancer. These circumstances include lifestyle habits, like using tobacco or drinking alcohol, lack of physical activity, and poor eating habits, along with having a genetic or hereditary predisposition.
How is colorectal cancer diagnosed?
Colon cancer is generally diagnosed during a colon cancer test. A colonoscopy is the most frequently performed, accurate, and comprehensive screening for identifying colorectal cancer. Other exams, like virtual colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, fecal tests, and double-contrast barium enema, might also be used during the screening process for colorectal cancer. Your Digestive Health Associates of Texas provider will advise you on the best screening and diagnostic approach for your health.
Is colon cancer curable?
How quickly does colorectal cancer grow?
Colorectal cancer tends to be slow-growing in many cases. The disease usually arises as a noncancerous growth in the large bowel or rectum that becomes malignant over time. Having symptoms with polyps is rare; therefore, periodic colon cancer screenings are crucial to diagnosing it as soon as possible.
Can colorectal cancer be prevented?
Colon cancer can often be avoided with periodic colorectal cancer screenings. Because the majority of colorectal cancers start as precancerous growths, scheduling screenings as advised by your medical provider can help reduce your chance of getting this disease. Our gastroenterologists in Dallas, TX can offer additional information on how to manage your colon cancer risk when you visit one of our locations for a consultation.
How does colonoscopy screening work?
Does insurance cover my colonoscopy?
Hope for colorectal cancer patients
If you or a family member has symptoms of or has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, rest assured that help is not far off. Digestive Health Associates of Texas is a doctor-led network of gastroenterologists, and all of our board-certified doctors put the reassurance and safety of our clients first. To learn additional information about colorectal cancer and how it may be discovered or even avoided, or to get treatment for colorectal cancer near Dallas, TX, contact our GI specialists today.
Reviews
I've been a patient of Dr Hall for over 12 years. I wod highly recommend him. I've been thru 3 colonoscopies, 3 endoscope and a round a of colon cancer. I don't know about the other doctors in that office but Dr Hall is tops!!
It was 15 yrs ago when my mom decided not to get a colonoscooy when my dad made an appt for his. A year later she was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. She survived but knew she wouldn't have had to endure so much pain and heartache if she had went with my dad. That time was so traumatic and I know getting a colonscopy is the most intelligent choice to make. I met Dr. Shah for a consultation and I'm confident that she is the right doctor for me. She took time to answer all my questions and explained in detail the instructions on getting prepared the day before . Dr. Shah.also went through everything that would take place the day of my colonoscopy and alleviated all fears.
Dr. Eric Hill and his staff are so amazing. Dr. Hill is the one who found my colon cancer and was able to help me through things. That happened in 2020. As of March 2021... I was declared 100% cancer FREE!. Dr. Hill has kept things up in making sure I stay cancer free in that area and takes things very seriously and is very serious about treatments and being proactive to mo itor things and keeping you healthy. He also found the polyps in my dad and has removed them as well. Dr. Hill is the best there is in my book. He takes the time to sit with you and listen to all your concerns. He doesn't make you feel like your on a time limit. Dr. Hill is a very caring and compassionate man. He goes above and beyond in my book. Thank you Dr. Hill. You are totally awesome!!!
I’m so thankful I ended up in Dr. Kankanala’s office. I was turned away by another GI for not having a GP referral even though my insurance doesn’t require one. But because he saw me, he discovered my colon cancer. I don’t want to think about how much more time would have passed had he not taken me as a patient. Also the staff here is amazing. The nurses are wonderful and Susan the office manager went above and beyond helping me making sure all my records got where they needed as very quickly I had to see a surgeon and oncologist. I will recommend this practice to anyone needing a caring GI. Thanks Dr. Kankanala for listening to my concerns and handling things so quickly. Forever grateful for this practice.
Dr. Chittajallu and his staff are the best by far. They are very respectful of your time and concerns. I highly recommend that a person get this test as recommended. I further recommend that you use Dr. Chittajallu for a thorough examination and peace of mind. It would be a true shame for a person to succumb to colon cancer when it can be detected and treated in the earliest stages.
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