Colon Cancer in Ocean Springs, MS
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Find a ProviderWhat is colon cancer?
Your colon is the last section of your gastrointestinal system where your body withdraws liquid and salt from stool. Colon and rectal cancer takes place when tumorous growths originate in the colon. The tumors begin as mild growths named polyps. Polyps are tiny clumps of cells that can ultimately become colon tumors.
Colorectal cancer is increasingly common in older adults and is the second most common cancer found in both males and females.
It is essential to receive a colonoscopy early in your life and then as recommended by your gastroenterologist. To book a colon cancer screening in Ocean Springs, MS, call Digestive Health Center.
What are the indicators and risk factors of colorectal cancer?
With the correct handling and attention, it is our wish that should you have the initial signs of colon and rectal cancer, quick treatment could benefit you with a more positive outcome. If you are experiencing any of these indicators consistently, please make an appointment with an Ocean Springs, MS gastroenterologist promptly:
- Persistent abdominal discomfort, like cramps, gas, or pain
- A sensation that your bowel doesn’t empty completely
- An unexpected alteration in bowel habits, including constipation, diarrhea, or a change in the consistency of your feces
- Blood in stool
- Discomfort during bowel movements
- Persistent presses to have a bowel movement
- Any of this list coupled with weakness and fatigue
Some of the elements that could place a person at increased risk for colon cancer are:
- Age: Colon cancer is primarily diagnosed in patients who are over 50; although, the rates of colon and rectal cancer in younger individuals have been growing.
- Descent: Persons of the African-American race possess an increased danger of colon and rectal cancer compared to different races.
- Family history: If you or a family member has had colon cancer or colon polyps, you have a greater risk of colon cancer.
- Inflammatory intestinal diseases: Chronic conditions, including Crohn's disease and colitis, can raise your risk of colon cancer.
- “Typical Western Diet”: Colon cancer has been associated with a decreased fiber, increased fat, and high-calorie diet.
Survival rates for colon cancer
Cancer survival rates are separated into groups and depend on the advancement of the cancer. Localized colon cancer is cancer that is only in the colon. Regional colorectal cancer is when the condition spreads to the nearby tissues and body parts, and distant is if the condition has circulated to distant 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 condition is discovered ahead of time and simply appears in some malignant polyps, then the tumors can be excised leading to exceptionally large survival rates.
We advise obtaining a colonoscopy when you are 45 in order to find cancer quickly. If colorectal cancer runs in your family, then we suggest obtaining a screening for colorectal cancer at Digestive Health Center sooner.
What are the treatments for colon cancer?
Therapy for colon cancer can vary contingent on the degree of the cancer. Each case is special, but the greatest thing you can do for colon cancer is to completely prevent it.
Prevention
Colorectal cancer is an exceptional type of cancer because it is preventable. Colon cancer first shows up in the form of growths. These tumors can be removed, which decreases your danger of passing away from cancer by 90%. Prevention steps can be discussed at a colon cancer screening with your gastroenterologist.
Stage 0 Colon Cancer Treatment
Stage 0 colon cancer is when the colorectal cancer has not dispersed outside the interior lining of the colon. If the polyp is small enough, it can be freely removed using a colonoscope while undergoing a colonoscopy.
Stage I Colon Cancer Treatment
If the tumor is completely eliminated while doing a colonoscopy with no cancer cells at the edges, no additional remedies may be required. If the eliminated tumor does have cancerous cells at the extremities, further extraction may be necessary to clear the leftover cancerous tissue. For cancers not in a growth, a partial colectomy might be required to remove the portion of the colon and neighboring lymph nodes that are cancerous.
Stage II Colon Cancer Treatment
Usually, in stage 2, surgery is carried out to withdraw the segment of the colon or nearby lymph nodes holding cancer. From time to time, your specialist will recommend adjuvant chemotherapy (chemo following surgery) as well.
Stage III Colon Cancer Treatment
A partial colectomy followed by adjuvant chemotherapy is the standard treatment approach for this type of colon cancer.
Stage IV Colon Cancer Treatment
This phase of the disease commonly means that the condition has moved to different tissues or body parts. Surgery might be needed to remove components of the cancer discovered in the colon and other organs, in addition to chemotherapy. Chemotherapy at this stage is generally administered prior to and following surgery.
Colon Cancer FAQs
What are the causes behind colorectal cancer?
While the exact reason behind colorectal cancer is undetermined, it occurs when mutated cells in the walls of the rectum or large intestine expand beyond control, producing a growth or tumor. There are specific things, however, that may heighten the chance of colorectal cancer. These factors include lifestyle factors, such as using tobacco or drinking alcohol, inadequate amounts of exercise, and poor eating habits, along with a hereditary or familial predisposition.
How is colorectal cancer diagnosed?
Colon cancer is generally detected and diagnosed during a colon cancer test. A colonoscopy exam is the most common, precise, and complete test for identifying colorectal cancer. Further testing, such as virtual colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, stool tests, and double-contract barium enema, could also be utilized during a screening for colorectal cancer. Your Digestive Health Center gastrointestinal specialist can recommend the appropriate approach to diagnosis and screening for your health needs.
How rapidly does colorectal cancer progress?
Colon cancer tends to be slow-growing most of the time. The disease typically arises as a benign growth or polyp in the colon or rectum that turns cancerous over time. Noticing symptoms when polyps are present is uncommon, which means that periodic colon cancer screenings are vital to finding this disease as soon as possible.
Can colorectal cancer be prevented?
Cancer of the colon or rectum can commonly be prevented with regular colon cancer tests. Because most colon cancers develop as premalignant polyps (growths), scheduling screenings as advised by your healthcare provider can help reduce your risk of experiencing this condition. Our gastrointestinal specialists in Ocean Springs, MS can offer additional advice on how to lower your risk for colorectal cancer when you meet with our team for a consultation.
Hope for colorectal cancer patients
If you or a loved one suspects you have or have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, take comfort in the fact that assistance is not far away. Digestive Health Center is a physician-led system of gastroenterologists, and each of our board-certified physicians endeavors to put the comfort and security of our clients first. To find out additional information about colon cancer and how it might be identified and prevented, or to get treatment for colorectal cancer in Ocean Springs, MS, contact our facility.
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Great Doctor walked in talking to my dad as if he'd known him all his life and then he mentioned why he does what he does ...the Lord! This is the Doctor that will do my Dads procedure....Wonderful man.
I am definitely appreciative & thankful for Dr. Angela Pressley Wallace. She is very easy to work with, honest, understanding, very knowledgeable about her career being a physician, cares for her patients, terrific leader, kind hearted, genuine. One of the best & top Gastroenterologist Physicians in the Gulfport, MS area. I highly recommend Dr. Angela Pressley Wallace❗️You will not be disappointed.
I am not a person that would take out the time to generate a review, but Dr. Pressley-Wallace is very knowledgable, patient, genuine and sincere. She and her staff were very professional and respectful when my family would visit the practice for treatment and care. I have sincere trust issues with medical doctors within South Mississippi, but she has erased my insecurities with her knowledge and careful attention to my familys' needs. Dr. Pressley-Wallace was very instrumental in improving our health and comfort level.
Kind and gentle
I absolutely love this physician. She answered all of my questions and concerns. She is such a nice doctor. If you are considering going to Dr. Angela Wallace, don’t walk run. She is truly an incredible doctor.
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