Colon cancer is triggered by a malignant tumor that forms in the mucous membrane on the walls of the colon. This disease has shown a significant trend of increase in recent years, ranking among the top in terms of patient numbers among other oncological diseases. Generally, older individuals are most susceptible to colon cancer, although a considerable percentage of cases also affects young people.
Causes
Doctors have determined that colon cancer most often occurs at the bends of the intestine, where stool accumulates, so frequent constipation can be a cause of tumor formation. Important factors include colitis and polyposis of the colon.
Decisive causes of colon cancer also include factors such as genetic inheritance, a sedentary lifestyle, age parameters, improper diet, excess weight, frequent consumption of spicy and fried foods, insufficient fiber intake, as well as smoking and alcohol.
Diagnosis of Colon Cancer in Israel
The symptoms of this disease are very diverse and often depend on the degree of damage, the period of tumor development, and the site of the lesion. In the early stages, the disease manifests as a general feeling of weakness, decreased performance, and poor appetite.
The main symptoms that directly indicate the onset of colon cancer are:
- rumbling in the intestines, constipation, diarrhea;
- wave-like dull abdominal pain regardless of food intake;
- uneven abdominal bloating;
- intestinal obstruction, bloody stool;
- inflammatory processes, peritonitis.
Having reviewed the causes of the disease and the main factors of damage, specialists at the Ichilov clinic carefully select the sequence and set of examination methods for the patient.
Among the existing diagnostic methods for colon cancer, the following can be highlighted:
- Biochemical blood analysis and general;
- Stool and urine analysis;
- Blood test for CEA marker (determines the presence of colon cancer)
- Rectosigmoidoscopy (using a flexible sigmoidoscope, the specialist examines the lower parts of the intestine and rectum)
- Colonoscopy (examination of the intestine using a thin tube with a special camera and lighting. This method allows monitoring of the colon along its entire length, as well as taking tissue samples)
- CT, PET-CT;
- MRI;
- Double-balloon endoscopy (a more in-depth analysis when affected areas are unreachable by traditional instruments);
- NRAS gene testing (with this study, the specialist can accurately determine which drug is necessary for a particular tumor);
Treatment of Colon Cancer in Israel
Treatment of this disease at the Ichilov clinic is aimed either at alleviating the patient's condition through medication or at removing the tumor through various types of interventions, primarily surgical. The surgical method is the main approach at the clinic. With the growth of scientific and technological advancements in Israel, microsurgery methods are gaining wide popularity.
Among the main surgeries offered at the Ichilov clinic, the following can be highlighted:
- Laparoscopy (this method allows for the removal of the tumor through a small incision);
- Transanal microsurgery;
- Polypectomy (removal of polyps inside the intestine, performed together with colonoscopy);
- Colectomy (removal of a part of the colon), hemicolectomy (removal of the left or right section) – also allows for the examination of nearby lymph nodes for tumor cells. The operation can be performed traditionally or through a small incision;
- Endoluminal stenting (installation of stents for intestinal patency).