Colon cancer
Colon cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the large intestine (colon). The colon is the final part of the digestive tract. Colon cancer typically affects older adults, though it can happen at any age. It usually begins as small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells called polyps that form on the inside of the colon. Over time some of these polyps can become colon cancers. Polyps may be small and produce few, if any, symptoms. For this reason, doctors recommend regular screening tests to help prevent colon cancer by identifying and removing polyps before they turn into cancer.
Colorectal Cancer: Screening
Colorectal cancer can often be prevented through regular screening, which can find polyps before they become cancerous. Talk with your doctor about when screening should begin based on your age and family history of the disease. People with an average risk should begin screening at age 45. Because colorectal cancer usually does not cause symptoms until the disease is advanced, it is important for people to talk with their doctor about the pros and cons of each screening test and how often each test should be given. Under the guidelines below, people should begin colorectal cancer screening earlier and/or undergo screening more often if they have any of the following risk factors for colorectal cancer:
- A personal history of colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps
- A strong family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, such as cancer or polyps in a first-degree relative younger than 60 or in 2 first-degree relatives of any age. A first-degree relative is defined as a parent, sibling, or child.
- A personal history of chronic IBD
What is a polypectomy?
A polypectomy is a procedure used to remove polyps from the inside of the colon, also called the large intestine. A polyp is an abnormal collection of tissue. \ The procedure is relatively noninvasive and is usually carried out at the same time as a colonoscopy.
What’s the purpose of a polypectomy?
Many tumors of the colon develop as a benign (noncancerous) growth before becoming malignant (cancerous). A colonoscopy is first done to detect the presence of any polyps. If any are detected, a polypectomy is performed and the tissue is removed. The tissue will be examined to determine if the growths are cancerous, precancerous, or benign. This can prevent colon cancer.
Polyps aren’t often associated with any symptoms at all. However, larger polyps may cause:
- rectal bleeding
- abdominal pain
- bowel irregularities
A polypectomy would help relieve these symptoms as well. This procedure is required any time when polyps are discovered during a colonoscopy.
Stent Placement
A coronary artery stent is a small, metal mesh tube that expands inside a coronary artery. A stent is often placed during or immediately after angioplasty. It helps prevent the artery from closing up again. A drug-eluting stent has medicine embedded in it that helps prevent the artery from closing in the long term.