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The main purpose of categorizing or “staging” colon cancer is to provide doctors assistance in making decisions regarding the best treatment methods for their patients. The stage of colon cancer refers to how far the cancer has spread at the time of its identification. There are five main stages of colon cancer, ranging from stage 0 (very early cancer) to stage 4, with the higher numbers indicating a more serious spread of cancer. The stages are differentiated by the degree to which the cancer has spread and are based upon three criteria: Primary tumor - the degree to which the [...]

What are anal warts? Anal warts are a condition affecting the anus and lower rectum. They are a type of genital wart that present first as small spots or growths but can increase in size to large growths that can cover the entire anal area. What are the symptoms of anal warts? Often found in and around the anal area, anal warts may not be noticed at first because their symptoms are often mild and without significant pain or discomfort. However, there are a few symptoms to keep an eye out for including: A cauliflower patterned growth or growths in [...]

You go in for your routine colonoscopy. While there, your doctor mentions that they found some polyps. But what exactly are polyps, and are they normal or dangerous? Colon polyps are small growths of tissue that project from the lining of a section of the large intestine. They can vary in size and number, meaning you may have just one or you could also have several, big or small. It really depends! About 15–40% of adults in the United States have colon polyps. However, they are most common in older adults and men. It is important to get screened because [...]

What is colon cancer? Colon cancer is the presence of cancerous tumors in the large intestine, the final part of the digestive tract. Colon cancer usually begins with the development of precancerous polyps in the colon. If left undiagnosed, these polyps can become malignant. This is why scheduling a colonoscopy is so important. When polyps are detected early, they can be removed, decreasing the risk of colon cancer developing. Let’s dive into some of the top warning signs & symptoms of colon cancer. 1. A change in bowel movements A change in bowel movement includes several different things. It can [...]