C18.6

Clinical Causes: Genetic predispositions, such as family history of colon cancer or inherited syndromes like Lynch syndrome Diet high in red or processed meats and low in fruits, vegetables, and fiber Chronic inflammatory conditions like ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease Sedentary lifestyle with insufficient physical activity Obesity and metabolic syndrome Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption Age, with increased risk as individuals grow older, particularly over 50 years

Key Symptoms: Changes in bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation that persist over time Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding Unexplained weight loss and fatigue Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramping or bloating A feeling of incomplete bowel evacuation Anemia symptoms, like pallor and weakness, due to chronic blood loss

Diagnosis Path: Colonoscopy: Providing direct visualization of the colon and enabling tissue biopsy Biopsy: Confirming cancer through microscopic examination of sampled tissue Imaging tests such as CT scans or MRI: Assessing the extent of tumor spread and involvement of nearby tissues Blood tests: Checking for anemia or tumor markers that might suggest malignancy Fecal occult blood test: Detecting hidden blood in stool samples

Treatment Protocols: Surgical resection: Removing the cancerous segment of the colon, often followed by anastomosis to restore bowel continuity Chemotherapy: Using drugs to kill cancer cells or prevent recurrence, usually administered after surgery or in advanced cases Radiation therapy: Less commonly used in colon cancer but may be applicable in specific cases Targeted therapy: Employing medications that target specific molecules involved in cancer growth Follow-up care: Regular surveillance post-treatment to monitor for recurrence or metastasis