If you’ve seen changes in your stool or have unexplained fatigue or sudden weight loss, these could be signs of colorectal cancer. At Southwest Gastroenterology in Goodyear, Arizona, patients can get the qualified care they need to treat a wide range of problems affecting the digestive system. If you’re concerned about your symptoms, book an appointment today using the online scheduling system.
Cancer occurs when cells in the body begin to multiply and spread prolifically. Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the colon or rectum. Since colon cancer and rectal cancer share many of the same symptoms, they’re often grouped together and called colorectal cancer.
It’s not entirely clear what causes colorectal cancer, as there can be several different factors that increase your chances of developing it. Some common causes are:
Other risk factors linked to colon or rectal cancer are a sedentary lifestyle, being overweight, and having diabetes. Some people who have inflammatory intestinal conditions might also have a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer.
If you have colorectal cancer, you might not experience any symptoms. If you do, they may include:
Colorectal cancer can sometimes cause bleeding in the digestive tract. That can cause blood loss and a low red blood cell count, which is often one of the first signs that a person may have colorectal cancer.
Treatment for colorectal cancer depends on a variety of factors, including how far along it has progressed. Some common treatment methods are:
If cancer is in the early stages, your physician can often remove a polyp during a routine colonoscopy.
In more advanced stages of cancer, your surgeon may remove the part of your colon affected by the cancer.
Later stages of colorectal cancer are treatable with certain drugs, which may include chemotherapy or immunotherapy.
If you’re concerned about your symptoms, schedule a consultation with one of the expert physicians at Southwest Gastroenterology. Use the easy online scheduling tool to book your appointment today.