Dr. Roberto Garcia
Dr. Mario Guardia
Dr. Humberto Juarez
Dr. Lizeyca Seixas Pryce
Dr. Everardo Gutierrez
Dr. Stanley Wu
Dr. Héctor Tapia
Lidia Luna
Dr. Armando De Gracia
Dr. Eliecer Chérigo
Dr. Lorelay Carcamo
Catherine Fouchard
Dr. Joel Bernal
Dr. Johanna Morris
María Alejandra Bartoli
Palliative Care
Breast biopsy
Prostate Biopsy
Thyroid biopsy
Skin biopsy
Lymph node biopsy
Colposcopy
Echocardiogram
Chemotherapy
Colonoscopy
Genetic Testing
Immunotherapy
Colon Cancer
HPV vaccines
Colon Cancer
Colorectal cancer is the second most deadly type of cancer today; however, for the cancer to reach an advanced stage, the patient must have developed the disease for approximately 10 years after the appearance of the first polyp. If colon cancer is treated early, the chances of survival increase in favor of the patient.
A center specialized in the treatment of Colon Cancer.
We take a comprehensive approach to colon cancer, combining advanced technology and a multidisciplinary team of specialists. We offer early diagnosis and personalized treatments, ensuring effective and safe options for each patient.
Higher incidence
Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death, but with early detection, survival rates are significantly higher.
Increased risk
The risk of developing colon cancer increases with age, being more frequent in people over 45 years of age.
Diagnosis and Staging
Through studies such as colonoscopy, biopsies and imaging tests, specialists can classify cancer assertively.
General Welfare
Facing a colon cancer diagnosis is a physical and emotional challenge. You will have psychological support at every stage of treatment.
Multidisciplinary Team
Through multidisciplinary sessions, they determine whether the most appropriate approach is surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or other personalized treatments.
What is colon cancer?
It is a disease caused by the disproportionate growth of cells, which over time, are transformed into malignant tumors. These tumors have the capacity to destroy the lining and internal tissues of the lower part of the large intestine, better known as the colon.
The colon comprises the most extensive part of the large intestine (approximately 1.5 meters), beginning at the end of the small intestine and ending at the beginning of the rectal area. The colon has an internal division of 4 sections: ascending, transverse, descending and sigmoid.
Symptoms of Colon Cancer
Although the symptoms are not evident at the beginning of the disease, it is recommended to be alert to any change, mainly at the time of going to the bathroom. The signs become more visible at the time of bowel movements, being able to notice abnormal signs such as: blood, stools thinner than usual, constipation or diarrhea.
Other symptoms that may appear are:
Weight loss for no apparent reason.
Anemia (caused by blood loss in the stool).
Discomfort, pain and cramps in the abdominal area.
Fatigue.
Nausea and vomiting.
Advanced symptoms of colon cancer
Colon cancer can cause serious symptoms that need prompt medical attention. These symptoms may show that the cancer has grown and spread to other areas. This complicates treatment and may reduce the chances of survival.
Unexplained weight loss
Weight loss with no apparent cause may be a sign of advanced colon cancer. Cancer can affect how our body absorbs nutrients. This leads to unintentional weight loss.
Constant fatigue
Fatigue and weakness are common symptoms of advanced colon cancer. The body devotes a lot of energy to fighting the cancer. This can leave little time to do everyday things. If you always feel tired and weak, it is important to talk to a doctor.
Anemia and weakness
Colon cancer can cause internal bleeding leading to anemia. Anemia is characterized by having too few red blood cells. This can cause fatigue, weakness, pallor and shortness of breath. If anemia is found, further testing may be done to find the cause, which could be colon cancer.
Types of Colon Cancer
Adenocarcinomas predominate in colon neoplasms; however, here we will review this and other of its most well-known types:
Adenocarcinoma:
It occurs in the mucosal cells responsible for covering and lubricating the intestine; it usually begins with a benign polyp, which gradually develops into a tumor.
Carcinoid tumor:
It affects the endocrine cells responsible for hormone production within the intestine.
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors:
It is considered a rare type of sarcoma in the colon; however, when it occurs, the extent of its damage can extend both to the gastrointestinal tract and to the blood vessels and tissues of the colon.
Primary colon lymphoma:
A rare neoplasm that can originate in the colon and attack the patient's immune system.
Leiomyosarcoma of the colon:
Extremely rare and very aggressive colorectal tumor arising from the inner cells of the intestinal wall.
Contact us at
Schedule an appointment
Request a consultation
Screening tests
How to detect colon cancer?
Timely diagnosis of colon cancer directly influences the patient's survival rates; in fact, it is estimated that about 90% of colon cancers can be cured, if discovered in their early stages.
Tests for diagnosis may include:
Stool analysis:
This test is very useful to confirm or rule out the presence of blood in the stool. When a result is positive, it serves to warn of the existence of bleeding from the digestive tract.
Physical examination:
Palpating the colon area is impossible; however, physicians still perform a digital rectal examination to look for abnormalities (suspicious lumps or pain) in the areas near the rectum.
Imaging tests:
X-rays focused on the colon and rectum, for example: double contrast enema; these are special methods used to obtain more defined images of the intestinal wall.
Colonoscopy:
It is one of the most accurate tests for the clinical suspicion of colorectal cancer. During the procedure, the physician accesses the interior of the large intestine thanks to a special instrument called a colonoscope, which is slowly introduced through the rectum to observe or extract samples of the affected tissue.
Risk Factors
The chances of developing colon cancer are increased mainly by family history. If you have family members with Lynch syndrome, Crohn's disease, polyposis, colitis or colon cancer, your risk is higher.
Other factors that may have an influence are:
Age:
It is not a rule, but generally colon cancer appears more frequently after the age of 40; and it continues to increase with age.
Food:
Diets with a high intake of red meat, processed foods and sodium are detrimental to health.
Obesity:
Especially in those people with excess fat in the abdomen.
Smoking:
Between 30 and 40 percent of the people who have died of colon cancer have been active smokers.
Prevention
How to prevent colon cancer?
The key to prevention lies in the incorporation of healthier habits into daily routines; therefore, it is recommended:
Eating foods rich in fiber.
Avoid saturated fats, sodium and red meat.
Reduce alcohol and tobacco consumption.
Exercise regularly.
Constantly monitor their bowel movements.
Include periodic check-ups after the age of 40.
Investigate their genetic background.
Colon cancer treatments
After confirming the diagnosis, the goals focus on total removal of the cancerous tissue by surgery. Patients with carcinoma in situ (stage 0) may opt for local excision or simple polypectomy, but as the cancer spreads this option is ruled out.
Advanced tumors require more forceful procedures, among them: resection and anastomosis; where the tumor tissue is cut and removed to later join the resulting healthy ends together, this will help restore the patient's intestinal function.
After surgeries, other treatment methods may be used, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy or other palliative therapies. The actions to be taken will depend on the stage of the cancer and the health conditions of each patient; therefore, a direct conversation with a specialist is essential at this point.
Complications
This discomfort can be resolved by your physician with additional treatments.
Obstructions in the intestine.
Cancer recurrence.
Appearance of metastases in other organs or tissues.
At Panama Cancer Clinic we accompany you in every stage of your treatment with empathy and professionalism, with the objective of improving your quality of life and giving you the best chance of recovery.
