Colon Cancer in Tulsa, OK
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Find a ProviderWhat is colon cancer?
Your colon is the last section of the gastrointestinal system where the body removes liquid and salt from the remnants of food. Colon and rectal cancer occur when tumorous masses develop in the colon. The tumors begin as benign growths called polyps. Polyps are little bunches of cells that can later turn into tumors.
Colon and rectal cancer is commonly found in older adults and is the second-leading general cancer discovered in both males and females.
It is important to get a colonoscopy starting at age 50 and then as directed by your GI provider. To book a colorectal cancer screening in Tulsa, OK, request a consultation at an Adult Gastroenterology Associates in your community.
What are the symptoms and risk factors of colorectal cancer?
If you suffer from the initial symptoms of colon cancer, it is our hope that immediate treatment could help you get a more positive result. If you are consistently experiencing any of the below symptoms, please request a consultation with a Tulsa, OK gastroenterologist immediately:
- A feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely
- Discomfort throughout bowel movements
- Long-term intestinal soreness, like cramps, flatulence, or pain
- Constant urges to have a bowel movement
- An unexpected alteration in bowel patterns, including obstruction, diarrhea, or a change in the texture of your stools
- Rectal bleeding
- Any of these joined by weakness and exhaustion
Some of the factors that could place a patient at higher risk for colon and rectal cancer are:
- Age: Colon and rectal cancer are mainly diagnosed in patients who are over the age of 50; however, the rates of colon and rectal cancer in young people have been rising.
- Descent: Persons of African-American descent have a greater risk of colon and rectal cancer compared to other races.
- Family history: If you or a family member have had colon and rectal cancer or colon growths, you have a higher risk of colorectal cancer.
- Inflammatory intestinal ailments: Chronic conditions, including Crohn's disease and colitis, can raise your risk of colorectal cancer.
- “Typical Western Diet”: Colon cancer has been linked to a low fiber, high fat, and high-calorie diet.
What is the survival rate for colorectal cancer?
Cancer survival rates are broken down into categories and are categorized by how much the cancer has spread when diagnosed. Localized colon cancer is cancer that is only in the colon. Regional colon cancer is when cancer spreads to the nearby cells and organs, and distant colon cancer is if cancer has spread to distant parts 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 cancer is found quickly and has minimal malignant growths, then the tumors can be removed resulting in increased survival rates.
We suggest getting a colonoscopy when you are 50 years of age in order to identify cancer early. If colon cancer is in your family, then we advise having a screening for colorectal cancer at an Adult Gastroenterology Associates location near you as soon as possible.
What are the treatments for colorectal cancer?
Treatment for individuals with colon cancer in Tulsa, OK is based on the stage of the cancer. Each case is different, but the best thing you can do is to try to prevent it.
Avoidance
Colon cancer is unique because it is preventable. Colon cancer first manifests in the form of tumors. These growths can be removed, which diminishes your chance of dying from colon cancer by 90%. Your risk and prevention steps can be identified at a colorectal cancer exam with your GI specialist.
Stage 0 Colon Cancer Treatment
Stage 0 colon cancer is when the colorectal cancer has not moved further than the inner lining of the colon. If the polyp is small enough, it can be removed by a colonoscope during a colonoscopy.
Stage I Colon Cancer Treatment
If the growth is completely removed during a colonoscopy with no cancer cells at the rims, continued care may not be necessary. If the removed growth does have cancerous tissues at the extremities, additional surgery could be needed to remove the residual cancerous tissue. For cancers not in a polyp, a partial colectomy might be needed to remove the piece of the colon and neighboring lymph nodes that are cancerous.
Stage II Colon Cancer Treatment
Normally, in stage 2, surgery is performed to remove the cancerous part of the colon or close-by lymph nodes. In some cases, your provider will advise adjuvant chemotherapy (chemo after surgery).
Stage III Colon Cancer Treatment
A partial colectomy followed by adjuvant chemotherapy is the typical treatment for this stage of colorectal cancer.
Stage IV Colon Cancer Treatment
This stage of cancer usually means that the disease has spread to other tissues or organs. Surgery might be needed to remove pieces of the colon and other organs that are infected with cancer, as well as chemotherapy. Chemotherapy at this stage is commonly administered before and after surgery.
Colon Cancer FAQs
What causes colon cancer?
While the exact cause of colorectal cancer is unknown, the condition develops when cells that have mutated in the lining of the colon or rectum propagate beyond control, causing a growth or tumor. However, specific factors might amplify the risk of disease occurrence. These can involve lifestyle choices (such as tobacco and alcohol use, inadequate exercise, and poor dietary habits) and a genetic or hereditary predisposition.
How is colon cancer diagnosed?
Colorectal cancer is generally identified and diagnosed during the process of colon cancer screening. A colonoscopy procedure is the most common, accurate, and comprehensive testing option for finding colon and rectal cancer. Further exams (like virtual colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, double-contrast barium enema, and fecal tests) may also be conducted when screening for colorectal cancer. Your Adult Gastroenterology Associates GI specialist can recommend the best method of screening and diagnosis for your personalized needs.
How quickly does colorectal cancer develop?
Colorectal cancer grows slowly in most instances. The condition usually begins as a benign polyp in the large bowel (colon) or rectum that becomes malignant over time. Encountering symptoms with polyps is uncommon, meaning routine colorectal cancer screenings are imperative to detecting this disease as early as possible.
Is colon cancer preventable?
Colon and rectal cancer can commonly be prevented with periodic colon cancer exams. Since most colorectal cancers start as premalignant growths, having screenings as recommended by your healthcare provider can help minimize your risk of getting this disease. Our gastrointestinal specialists in Tulsa, OK can provide further details on minimizing your colon cancer risk when you visit our team for a consultation.
Get treatment for colon cancer
If you or a loved one fears or has been diagnosed with colon cancer, help is not far away. Our Adult Gastroenterology Associates locations are provider-led and all of our board-certified specialists aim to place the health and wellness of their clients first. To learn more about colon cancer and how it might be diagnosed and prevented, or to find treatment for colorectal cancer in Tulsa, OK, request a consultation now.
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Dr Blonsky took excellent care of my cousin. His father died of colon cancer and Dr Blonsky is making sure this does not happen to him. Our family has been on his patient list for years. We trust him and you can too. Excellent doctor.
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Dr McNamara was very professional and knowledgeable. He seemed concerned and confident to find any issues to provide the best solution for me to regain a healthy lifestyle.
Dr Conkling found a large advanced polyp in my intestines that nobody else had found. He said it would have been colon cancer in 3 years. He saved my life. Dr Conkling is the best in my opinion.
The doctor was very thorough and provided me with a piece of mind, after taking the time and going over everything little detail. Happy to have him a my doctor.
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