Colon Cancer Treatment

Some of the common warning signs of colon cancer may include abdominal pain, bloody stool, unexplained weight loss or cramps. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult a gastroenterologist at Digestive Health Associates in Reno, Nevada for proper evaluation and treatment. Take the first step towards better digestive health by scheduling a medical appointment at our office located at 655 Sierra Rose Dr in Reno by calling 775-600-4717.

How Colon Cancer Spreads

All cancers begin when cells mutate, then infect nearby healthy cells, causing cancer to spread. Most colon cancers start out as harmless clumps of cells called adenomatous polyps that form inside the intestine. If these polyps are not removed in their early stages, they may grow into colon cancer over time. If those cancer cells travel through your bloodstream and spread to other areas of your body, a process called metastasis, the cancer is much harder to treat.

Stages of Colon Cancer

Colon cancer progresses through several stages, starting with Stage 0, where cancerous cells are confined to the inner lining of the colon. In Stages 1 and 2, the cancer spreads into the layers of the colon wall but hasn’t yet reached nearby lymph nodes. Stage 3 involves the spread to surrounding lymph nodes, while Stage 4 signifies metastasis, where the cancer spreads to other organs like the liver or lungs.

Colon Cancer Prevention Tips

To reduce the risk of colon cancer, our gastroenterologists recommend maintaining a healthy diet rich in fiber, fruits, and vegetables, exercise regularly, limit alcohol, avoid smoking, and get regular colon cancer screenings, especially if you’re over 45 or have a family history of the disease. Early detection is key to effective prevention and treatment.

Our physicians have extensive experience in the diagnosis treatment of colon cancer. Consider meeting Dr. Ryan Sefcik or Dr. William Pfau to learn more about colon cancer screenings and colon cancer treatment in Reno, Nevada.