About this disease
What it concerns
Colon cancer often develops from polyps in the rectum. Low-fiber diet and high alcohol consumption are considered risk factors. In addition, smoking, certain familial mutations and chronic inflammatory bowel diseases increase the risk of developing colon cancer.
Symptoms and consequences
Colon cancer is often detected during a screening colonoscopy by a gastroenterologist. Screening is therefore of great importance. Undetected malignant colon tumors usually cause non-specific intestinal complaints and lead to bleeding from the intestine.
How we can help you
Examination and diagnosis
If a suspicious polyp, a tumor-suspicious finding or a source of bleeding is discovered during a colonoscopy, a tissue sample is immediately taken from the intestine. Based on this evidence, the diagnosis of colorectal cancer can be made. A subsequent computer tomography (CT) scan provides information as to whether the cancer has already spread throughout the body and whether metastases are present elsewhere in the body.
Treatment
During interdisciplinary tumor case discussions, the so-called tumor boards, the treatment concept is jointly determined. Whenever possible, colon carcinomas and any metastases present are removed by surgery. If the colon cancer is already far advanced, chemotherapy is usually administered in order to control the tumor disease as best as possible.