Area of care 04

कोलन और मलाशय का कैंसर

01Overview

  • Colon cancer
  • Rectal cancer
  • Advanced laparoscopic colorectal surgery

The colon is the large bowel. The rectum is its last part, just before the anus. These cancers often begin as small growths called polyps. A colonoscopy can find them. This is a test that uses a thin camera to look inside the bowel.

Surgery is a main treatment for most colon cancers. Rectal cancer is often treated with a mix of radiotherapy (high-energy rays), chemotherapy (cancer medicines) and surgery. Where suitable, the operation can be done by keyhole (laparoscopic) methods.

Labelled illustration of the large intestine in the abdomen, from the ascending colon through the sigmoid colon to the rectum and anusBruceBlaus (Blausen.com staff) · CC BY 3.0
Labelled illustration of the large intestine in the abdomen, from the ascending colon through the sigmoid colon to the rectum and anus

02Warning signs

Colon & rectal cancer:
when to see a doctor.

These can also have other causes, such as piles, but they are worth showing to a doctor.

Heavy bleeding, trouble breathing, chest pain or fainting: go to the nearest emergency department now.

  • Blood in the stool, or bleeding from the back passage
  • A lasting change in bowel habit, such as new constipation or loose motions
  • Feeling that the bowel has not emptied fully
  • Pain in the belly or a lump in the belly
  • Thin pencil-like stools
  • Weight loss, tiredness or anaemia with no clear reason

03Where surgery fits

Colon & rectal cancer in Bikaner:
surgery in plain words.

  1. 01

    Colonoscopy and biopsy

    A colonoscopy looks inside the bowel. A biopsy confirms the diagnosis.

  2. 02

    Removing the affected bowel

    The part of the bowel with the growth is removed. Nearby lymph nodes (small glands that filter body fluid) are removed too. Then the two ends are joined. This is called a resection.

  3. 03

    Rectal cancer surgery

    Operations for the rectum aim to remove the growth. Where possible, they also protect the muscles that control the bowel. Treatment before surgery may be advised.

  4. 04

    Stoma, if needed

    Sometimes a stoma is made. The bowel is brought out to an opening on the belly wall. It may be temporary or permanent. You get training and support.

  5. 05

    Keyhole approach

    Where suitable, advanced laparoscopic surgery uses small cuts and a camera instead of one large cut.

04How the plan is made

Decided together,
step by step.

  1. 01

    Your doctor listens to your complaints and examines you, which may include a gentle rectal examination. The colonoscopy is also reviewed.

  2. 02

    Your doctor studies your reports and scans and advises any missing tests.

  3. 03

    The case is discussed with other specialists where needed. These may be doctors for scans, tissue tests, cancer medicines and radiotherapy. This is called a multidisciplinary discussion.

  4. 04

    The plan is explained to you and your family in plain words, with all the options. You decide together with the doctor.

05What to bring

Your papers
save time.

06Questions

Asked about
colon & rectal cancer.

Is bleeding from the back passage always piles?

Piles are common and often the cause. But do not assume it is piles without an examination, especially if the bleeding continues.

Will I need a stoma?

Not always. It depends on where the growth is and on the plan. This is discussed before surgery.

Can the surgery be done by keyhole?

In suitable cases, yes. It depends on where the growth is, any earlier surgeries and your general health.

Next step

Talk it through
in person.

Bring your reports and a family member. You will leave knowing what is known so far, and what comes next.