arienamanda asked:


my boyfriend has 4th stage colon cancer. They removed some of the colon. they now say both lobes of his liver have cancer spots and they are concerned about a spot on his lung.

Myspace slash Jaguar Jones asked:


My moms best friend has colon cancer and is coming to town for a week and i wanna make sure she has good food that isnt gunna upset her stumich or anything. What should i keep in mind while putting together a plan?

peterhutch asked:


The colon is the part of the digestive system where the waste material is stored. The rectum is the end of the colon adjacent to the anus. Together, they form a long, muscular tube called the large intestine (also known as the large bowel). Tumors of the colon and rectum are growths arising from the inner wall of the large intestine. Benign tumors of the large intestine are called polyps. Malignant tumors of the large intestine are called cancers.

Colon cancer is cancer of the large intestine (colon), the lower part of your digestive system. Rectal cancer is cancer of the last 6 inches of the colon. Together, they’re often referred to as colorectal cancers. About 112,000 people are diagnosed with colon cancer annually, and about 41,000 new cases of rectal cancer are diagnosed each year, according to the American Cancer Society.

Most colorectal cancers begin as a polyp (say “pahl-ip”). At first, a polyp is a small, harmless growth in the wall of the colon. However, as a polyp gets larger, it can develop into a cancer that grows and spreads.

Common Causes of Colon Cancer

Most colorectal cancers arise from adenomatous polyps—clusters of abnormal cells in the glands covering the inner wall of the colon. Over time, these abnormal growths enlarge and ultimately degenerate to become adenocarcinomas.

Adenomas: These polyps have the potential to become cancerous and are usually removed during screening tests such as flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy.

Alcohol: Research has indicated that alcohol increases colorectal cancer risk. Research has also shown that it lowers it, or that it has no effect at all. So which is right? All of it may be. The key appears to be what kind of alcohol you’re drinking.

Inflammatory polyps: These polyps may follow a bout of ulcerative colitis. Some inflammatory polyps may become cancerous, so having ulcerative colitis increases your overall risk of colon cancer.

Age: About 90 percent of people diagnosed with colon cancer are older than 50. Colon cancer can occur in younger people, but it occurs much less frequently.

Environment: Research has shown that environment can play a big part in colon cancer development. Where you live, who’s around you, your occupation, and even when you work may all influence your risk of developing colon cancer.

Diets high in fat are believed to predispose humans to colorectal cancer. In countries with high colorectal cancer rates, the fat intake by the population is much higher than in countries with low cancer rates. It is believed that the breakdown products of fat metabolism lead to the formation of cancer-causing chemicals (carcinogens). Diets high in vegetables and high-fiber foods such as whole-grain breads and cereals may rid the bowel of these carcinogens and help reduce the risk of cancer.

Hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC) syndrome is a genetic condition characterized by early-onset colorectal cancer (i.e., develops before age 50) and multiple colorectal cancers. This syndrome also may be associated with other cancers (e.g., cancer of the small intestine, endometrium, stomach, and renal pelvis).

Smoking: Smoking may increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer by as much as 40%. Smokers may swallow some of the cancer-causing chemicals and this may be an explanation for the increased risk of colorectal cancer in smokers. Some of these substances are also absorbed into the bloodstream thus causing increased risk of many cancers.

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Lee Dobbins asked:


A colon ulcer is a sore that appears inside the lining of a person’s colon. Often people who have a colon ulcer will suffer from bleeding and infection and as a result of this inflammation the cells within the colon begin to deteriorate. Unfortunately a colon ulcer may be the first signs of a much more serious condition known as Ulcerative Colitis or Colon Cancer or even Crohn’s Disease (an inflammatory bowel disease).

So if you have at some time suffered from at least one colon ulcer and are now starting to experience unusually severe abdominal pain, constant fevers, loss of weight, loss of appetite and fatigue then it would be wise to make an appointment to see your doctor. Although these are common symptoms of a colon ulcer they could also lead to the diagnosis of Ulcerative Colitis. As yet it can not be proven what actually causes this condition, but doctors have certainly found that the immune system is affected. For many people suffering from colon ulcers they can be treated with drugs which puts the condition into remission or for the more severe cases then surgery may be the best course of action.

A very small percentage of people who are diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis are at risk of developing colon cancer in the future even if pre-cancerous cell are not found that the time of them being tested for a possible colon ulcer. Also it will depend on how severe the damage is to your colon and the more severe the damage then the chances of developing colon cancer is increased. However, a doctor can carry out a colonoscopy which can determine at any time if you have any pre-cancerous cells present in your colon. So the earlier that this cancer can be diagnosed then it will make it easier for it to be treated effectively.

Now we are going to look at Crohn’s Disease which is an inflammation of the bowel and is very much like Ulcerative Colitis but can cause a lifetime of discomfort and complications to the person affected. As yet there has been no definitive evidence as to what causes this disease, but in most cases where people have been diagnosed with this disease it has been found that someone in the family also suffers from an inflammatory bowel disease as well. Yet again this form of disease can be treated with either drug therapy, surgery or them having a more restrictive diet.

So for anyone who is diagnosed with a colon ulcer it is advisable that they get a thorough examination carried out by their doctor in order to check to make sure that there aren’t any more serious conditions involved. Also by diagnosing the condition of a colon ulcer earlier on then you will find that recovery from such an ulcer will be much easier.

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michelle_82674 asked:


my medicine is not making my colitis stop, just wandering if anyone else has this same problem, and if so, how can i make it stop.

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JP Richardson asked:


People often think of the colon as simply an organ that rids the body of its waste.  If not treated properly, the colon can develop problems and potentially diseases.  These issues can make us uncomfortable, sick and can even be fatal if not treated right away.First, there is colorectal cancer- or cancer of the colon or rectum.  This disease is the fourth most common cancer in both genders and is curable if treated in its earlier stages.  Symptoms of colorectal cancer can include, but are not limited to, blood in the stool, narrower stools, a change in bowel habits, and discomfort in the abdomen. Screening is important in detecting the cancer because it is more difficult to treat as it progresses.  Treatments can include chemotherapy, radiation, surgery or a combination of those.Colonic polyps are extra pieces of tissue that grow inside the body.  These growths can become cancerous if they are not removed.  Those at risk for polyps include people over 50 years of age, a history of polyps, and a family history with polyps and/or colon cancer.  Polyps generally do not bring symptoms, but bloody stools, bleeding after a bowel movement or extensive constipation and diarrhea can occur.Ulcerative colitis causes sores and inflammation in the rectum’s lining.  These ulcers tend to form where the rectum’s lining’s cells are killed from the inflammation.  Bleeding then occurs, creating pus.  Diarrhea can be a symptom of ulcerative colitis, as the colon empties frequently when this ailment is present.Irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder that is defined by its symptoms- cramps, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation and diarrhea.  IBS doesn’t do permanent damage, but does cause discomfort and distress due to its side effects.  It can often be controlled with diet, stress management and medications.

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Alien asked:


Description

Colitis, or ulcerative colitis as it is also known, is one of the two chronic disorders known as inflammatory bowel syndrome (the other is Crohn’s disease). The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is still unknown, but the condition most commonly affects people of Jewish descent between the ages of 15 and 35 and those who have a family history of the disease.

Ulcerative colitis occurs when tiny ulcers and small abscesses develop on the interior walls of the colon, causing moderate to severe inflammation of the intestinal lining. This inflammation causes diarrhea and abdominal pain. Sometimes the ulcers bleed, streaking the diarrhea with blood. Ulcerative colitis usually affects only a small segment of the intestine, though the entire colon can be effected.

Most individuals with colitis have remission periods-during which they do not experience symptoms-that alternate with flare-ups. In some people these painful flare-ups are brought on by stress; in others the cause of flare-ups is less predictable. In the majority of cases, the condition is more a discomfort than a serious health risk. But approximately 15 percent of sufferers whose entire colons are affected are at increased risk of developing colon cancer.

Signs and Symptoms

Abdominal pain

Diarrhea that contains either blood or pus

Painful, urgent bowel movements

Fever

Fatigue and muscle weakness

Weight loss

Joint pain, skin problems, and eye problems

Conventional Medical Treatment

After taking a detailed history of your symptoms, a physician may perform a barium X-ray, colonoscopy, or sigmoidoscopy to arrive at a diagnosis. Treatment for ulcerative colitis is generally limited to symptomatic periods and typically includes an anti-inflammatory medication, such as sulfasalazine or corticosteroids. An estimated 20 to 25 percent of colitis patients do not respond to medication and need colostomy surgery to remove the affected portion of the colon. If you have had colitis for eight years or more, your physician may suggest an annual colonoscopy to check for cancerous growths.

Also Recommended

flaxseed oil (as directed on label)-protects the lining of the colon

garlic (as directed on label)-has a healing effect on the colon

Multimineral complex with calcium, chromium, magnesium, and zinc (as directed on label)-minerals are not easily absorbed in colitis victims; calcium is needed for the prevention of cancer, which can occur as a result of constant irritation

vitamin C with bioflavonoids (3000 to 5000 mg in divided doses)-boosts immune function and heals mucous membranes; use in buffered form

(For an acute condition, take supplements until your symptoms subside. If symptoms persist, seek the advice of your health care provider. For a chronic condition, consult your health care provider regarding the duration of treatment.)

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peterhutch asked:


Ulcerative colitis is a disease that causes inflammation and sores, called ulcers, in the lining of the rectum and colon. Ulcers form where inflammation has killed the cells that usually line the colon, then bleed and produce pus. Inflammation in the colon also causes the colon to empty frequently, causing diarrhea.

Colitis usually begins in the lower part of the colon and spreads upwards. The first symptom of the trouble is an increased urgency to move the bowel, followed by cramping pains in the abdomen and, sometimes, bloody mucus in the stools. As the disease spreads upward, the stools become watery and more frequent and are characterised by rectal straining. The loss of blood and fluid from the bowels results in weakness, fever, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and anaemia.

Mesalamine (Asacol, Rowasa) and olsalazine (Dipentum). These medications tend to have fewer side effects than sulfasalazine has. You take them in tablet form or use them rectally in the form of enemas or suppositories, depending on the area of your colon affected by ulcerative colitis. Mesalamine enemas can relieve signs and symptoms in more than 80 percent of people with ulcerative colitis in the lower left side of their colon and rectum. Olsalazine may cause or worsen existing diarrhea in some people.

The primary goal of treating ulcerative colitis is to reduce the inflammation that triggers symptoms. In many cases, medication can control symptoms, but surgery may be required when medical therapy fails or if signs of colon cancer develop. Ulcerative colitis can be cured by removal of the entire colon. Treatment depends on the location and severity of the disease, the presence of complications and the patient’s response to medications.

Cholestyramine (Questran), an agent that binds bile salts, helps to manage diarrhea associated with Crohn disease, particularly in people who have had part of their small intestine removed. Bentyl may relieve intestinal spasms.

Doctors will usually try to put you on a low-fiber diet. The exact opposite is required to cure yourself of colitis. Doctors will try to keep your colitis going so that they can continue to keep you on the drugs and steroids, and possibly end up hospitalizing you, or killing you, which makes a killing for them. Steroids may decrease inflammation, but they also decrease your ability to fight infections and can possibly take such a toll on your immune system that you become dangerously ill or even die.

Balanced diet is a must to keep your body fit and healthy. Patient suffering from colitis should take food rich in green leafy vegetables like cabbage, carrot, etc. There diet should also include fruits like papaya, apple, and banana. However, citrus fruits like orange should be strictly avoided. Patients are kept juice diet, in which they can only take freshly prepared juice 3-4 times a day. This continues for 8-9 days, after that they can be given balanced diet, including whole wheat grain, etc. Junk foods, sweets, chocolates, hard and soft drink should be strictly avoided.

After the juice fast, ,the patient should gradually adopt a diet of small, frequent meals of soft cooked or steamed vegetables, rice, and well-ripened fruits like banana, papaya, yoghurt and home-made cottage cheese. Sprouted seeds and grains, whole wheat bread and raw vegetables may be added gradually to this diet after about 10 days. Tender coconut water is highly beneficial as it is soothing to the soft mucosa of the colon. Cooked apple also aids the healing of ulcerative conditions because of its ample concentration of iron and phosphorus. All foods must be eaten slowly and chewed thoroughly.

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peterhutch asked:


 
Colorectal cancer, also called colon cancer or large bowel cancer, includes cancerous growths in the colon, rectum and appendix. It is the third most common form of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the Western world. Colorectal cancer causes 655,000 deaths worldwide per year, including about 16,000 in the UK, where it is the second most common site (after lung) to cause cancer death.[1] Many colorectal cancers are thought to arise from adenomatous polyps in the colon. These mushroom-like growths are usually benign, but some may develop into cancer over time.

Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer

Many people with colon cancer experience no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. When symptoms appear, they’ll likely vary, depending on the cancer’s size and location in your large intestine.

Other symptoms include the following:

Abdominal discomfort (e.g., pain, bloating, cramping, fullness)

Change in bowel habits

Constipation or diarrhea

Narrow stools

Nausea and vomiting

Most of these symptoms are more likely to be caused by conditions other than colorectal cancer, such as infection, hemorrhoids, or inflammatory bowel disease. Still, if you have any of these problems, it’s important to see your doctor right away so the cause can be found and treated, if needed.

What Are the Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer?

A risk factor is anything that affects your chance of getting a disease such as cancer. Different cancers have different risk factors. For example, exposing skin to strong sunlight is a risk factor for skin cancer, and smoking is a risk factor for cancers of the lungs larynx, mouth, throat, esophagus, kidneys, bladder, colon and several other organs.

Diabetes

Genetic disorders such as familial polyposis syndromes and hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer syndrome (HNPCC)
Inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s colitis, granulomatous colitis)

Personal history of intestinal polyps or colorectal cancer

Alcohol

Research has indicated that alcohol increases colorectal cancer risk. Research has also shown that it lowers it, or that it has no effect at all. So which is right? All of it may be. The key appears to be what kind of alcohol you’re drinking.

Treatment of Colorectal Cancer

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Surgery is the treatment of choice for colorectal cancer. Treatment depends on the stage of the disease and the overall health of the patient. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be used as adjuvant treatment (i.e., in addition to surgery).

Given before surgery, radiation may reduce tumor size. This can improve the chances that the tumor will be removed successfully.

Laparoscopic surgery — Also called “keyhole surgery,” this innovative approach is being used for some patients with colon cancer. During the procedure, a lighted tube, called a laparoscope, and special instruments are placed inside the body through a few small incisions in the abdomen, rather than one large one. The surgeon is then guided by the laparoscope, which transmits a picture of the intestinal organs on a video monitor and then removes diseased areas of the intestines. Laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer offers an alternative and many advantages to standard surgery, including less pain and a shorter recovery period.


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