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About Colon Cancer Consultations offered in Merrifield and Fair Oaks, Fairfax, Alexandria, Gainesville and Lansdowne, VA
Colon cancer is curable when found early. The board-certified colorectal surgeons at Fairfax Colon & Rectal Surgery, PC, are experts at treating colon cancer, customizing surgical procedures so that patients get the best outcomes. To schedule an appointment, call the office in Fairfax, Fair Oaks, Alexandria, Gainesville, Woodbridge, or Lansdowne, Virginia, or book online today.
Colon Cancer Q & A
What is colon cancer?
Colon cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the colon, or large intestine. Your colon is the last section of your gastrointestinal tract and absorbs fluids and nutrients from food waste before it’s eliminated from your body.
Colon cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosis in the United States, excluding skin cancer. Though researchers are still investigating what causes colon cancer, they theorize that the tumor develops from benign colon polyps.
Colon polyps are growths that form on the lining of the large intestine. These growths start noncancerous, but may turn into cancer when left untreated.
The colonoscopy is a colon cancer screening test that looks for and removes colon polyps, reducing your risk of colon cancer.
What are the symptoms of colon cancer?
Colon cancer may not cause any symptoms during the early stages, and most people find out they have the cancer during their routine colon cancer screening.
Some of the symptoms you may have include:
- Change in bowel movements
- Narrow stools
- Blood in your stool
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
Other health conditions may cause these symptoms. However, if you have any changes in bowel habits, blood in your stool, or any other concerning symptoms, schedule an evaluation at Fairfax Colon & Rectal Surgery, PC.
What tests do I need to diagnose colon cancer?
Your specialist at Fairfax Colon & Rectal Surgery, PC talks to you about the type of testing you need if they have concerns your symptoms are signs of colon cancer. A colonoscopy is the gold standard screening test for colon cancer.
During this procedure, your surgeon at FCRS evaluates the lining of your colon with a colonoscope, looking for polyps and other abnormalities. They remove any polyps and take a biopsy of abnormal tissue to send it to the pathology lab.
If your tests come back positive, your surgeon may recommend imaging scans, such as an MRI, CT scan, or ultrasound, to stage your cancer.
What are the treatments for colon cancer?
Most patients with colon cancer need surgery to remove the cancerous tissue. Your provider at FCRS reviews the details of your surgical procedure, so you know what to expect.
Your surgeon removes the section of the colon containing the tumor and reconnects the two remaining ends. You may need additional treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy following surgery.
Colon cancer is treatable. To schedule a consultation at Fairfax Colon & Rectal Surgery, PC, call the office nearest you or book online today.