Understanding Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is cancer arising from the inner lining of the colon or rectum. It is the third most common cancer globally and rising in incidence in India. Most colorectal cancers develop from polyps — benign growths that can turn malignant over 5–10 years. Regular colonoscopy screening can detect polyps before they become cancerous.
Warning Signs
- Change in bowel habits (diarrhoea, constipation or both)
- Blood in stool (bright red or dark)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent abdominal pain or cramping
- Feeling that the bowel doesn't empty completely
- Iron deficiency anaemia without obvious cause
Treatment at Charak Hospital
Dr. Ashok Kumar provides comprehensive, multidisciplinary colorectal cancer care:
- Diagnosis: Colonoscopy + biopsy, CT chest/abdomen/pelvis staging, MRI rectum for rectal cancer, PET-CT if indicated
- Surgery: Right/left hemicolectomy, anterior resection (sphincter-saving), APR, laparoscopic colectomy, Total Mesorectal Excision (TME)
- Neoadjuvant therapy: Chemoradiation before rectal cancer surgery to shrink tumour and increase sphincter preservation rates
- Adjuvant chemotherapy: FOLFOX/CAPOX for Stage III colon cancer; coordinated with medical oncology
- Surveillance: CEA monitoring, colonoscopy and CT scans post-operatively
