Colon Cancer Treatment

Colon Cancer Specialist in Phoenix, Payton, Scottsdale, & Glendale

Getting diagnosed with cancer can be one of the most challenging parts of life, but no matter who you are or what you’re up against, you don’t have to face it alone. At Palo Verde Cancer Specialists, we’re proud to provide world-class colon cancer specialist to patients throughout the greater Phoenix area, and our treatment team focuses on providing compassionate, comprehensive, and personalized cancer care for every condition. We’re proud to treat a wide variety of cancerous conditions, and if you’ve been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, we’re here to help.

About Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is a term applying to cancers that form in the last parts of the digestive system: the colon and the rectum. As the third most common form of cancer for both men and women, colorectal cancer affects more than 130,000 Americans each year – and while it can be fatal if left untreated, we can often successfully eliminate colorectal cancer through early diagnosis and treatment. Age is the most significant risk factor for colorectal cancer, as some 90% of tumors occur in patients older than 50. That said, anyone can develop colorectal cancer – so it’s important to talk to your doctor about your personal risk level.

There are a number of factors that increase your risk for developing colorectal cancer, including:

• Previous history of colon polyps, colorectal cancer, Crohn’s Disease, or ulcerative colitis
• A diet with few fruits and vegetables and high levels of red meat and fat
• An inactive lifestyle, obesity, smoking, or drinking alcohol in excess

What Are the Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer?

Often, colorectal cancer doesn’t display any obvious symptoms, especially during it’s early phases. Symptoms may become more obvious as the cancer progresses, and they may include any of the following:

• Alternating episodes of diarrhea and constipation
• Change in frequency of bowel movements
• Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
• Bloating
• Unexplained weight loss or anemia
• General discomfort in the abdomen
• Chronic fatigue

How is Colorectal Cancer Diagnosed?

There are a number of ways to diagnose colorectal cancer, and your doctor may use any combination of tests to confirm the diagnosis. The best way to treat colorectal cancer is to detect and diagnose early, which is why some of these diagnostic tests should be taken as a regular preventative measure. Diagnostic tests for colorectal cancer include:

• A general physical exam, including a digital rectal exam (DRE) to spot abnormal masses in the rectum
• A sigmoidoscopy, which involves using a thin, lighted tube with a camera to search the sigmoid (lower) colon for polyps. Patients over 50 should get a sigmoidoscopy every 5 years as a preventive measure.
• A colonoscopy, which uses a long, thin lighted tube with a camera to evaluate the rectum and entire colon for polyps. Patients over 50 should receive a colonoscopy every 10 years as a preventive measure.
• A test for blood in the stool
• A double-contrast barium enema, which examines the rectum and colon with X-rays to spot abnormal growths

If polyps or other growths are spotted during a test, your doctor will remove a piece of tissue from the growth and perform a biopsy, which will determine if the growth is cancerous. If a cancer diagnosis is confirmed, you’ll likely require further tests to determine if the cancer has metastasized (spread) to other parts of the body.

Make Your Appointment For Cancer Treatment Today!

Please reach out to Palo Verde Cancer Specialists today to explore your treatment options. We understand the challenges you’re facing, and we’re here to provide compassionate support and guidance. With five convenient locations throughout the valley, we’re dedicated to helping you every step of the way.