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Cancer Diagnostics
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer among men and women. At the Houston Cancer Institute, PA, with three locations in Houston and another in Katy, Texas, cancer treatment specialists can diagnose and treat colon cancer to eliminate the risk of life-threatening complications. Call the office to schedule an appointment or book online today.
Colon cancer is a type of cancer that affects the large intestine or colon. It changes cells in the colon and can spread to other areas of the body when left untreated.
While it usually affects older adults, colon cancer can develop at any age. That’s why it’s important to undergo colon cancer screening if you’re at risk or experience new or unusual symptoms.
Signs and symptoms commonly associated with colon cancer include:
In the early stages of colon cancer, you might not have any symptoms. That’s why routine colon cancer screening is important.
While colon cancer can happen to anyone, some factors increase your risk of getting it. Examples include:
Ways to reduce your risk of developing colon cancer include eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods, limiting or avoiding alcohol, getting regular exercise, not smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight.
The Houston Cancer Institute, PA, also offers genetic testing to determine your risk of developing inherited cancers.
To find out if you have colon cancer, your specialist reviews your symptoms and medical history. They use a scope to view the inside of your colon during a colonoscopy, during which time they often take tissue samples to biopsy. Your doctor may test your blood or recommend you undergo CT scans.
Colon cancer treatments depend on the severity of your condition. Your Houston Cancer Institute, PA, doctor may suggest you undergo:
During surgical procedures, your cancer specialist can remove tissues or parts of your colon to prevent cancer from spreading to other areas of your body.
Chemotherapy uses drugs to get rid of cancer cells. You may need chemotherapy after colon cancer surgery. Your specialist often administers chemotherapy intravenously (through an IV).
Radiation therapy uses powerful energy beams to kill or shrink cancer cells.
Immunotherapy is a drug treatment that enhances your body’s immune system and ability to fight cancer.
To determine the best treatment for your cancer, the team at the Houston Cancer Institute, PA, stages your cancer using state-of-the-art Cat Scan or PET/CT imaging.
The scans show how large the tumor is, how deeply it extends , and whether it's spread to other areas. This will help our team at the Houston Cancer Institute, PA identify what stage of cancer you have and tailor your treatment plan to that stage for optimal outcomes and recovery.
Don’t let colon cancer go undetected and untreated. Call the nearest Houston Cancer Institute, PA, office or book an appointment online today.
