Colorectal Cancer
Cancer of the colon and rectum, known as "Colorectal Cancer", appears in the lining of the large intestine. A cancer that develops
in the lining of an organ like the large intestine is called a carcinoma. There are other types of colon cancers that
are not carcinomas, but they are rare. These include lymphoma, carcinoid tumors, melanoma, and sarcomas.
Colon Cancer happens when abnormal cells grow uncontrolled in the intestine. These are cells that have mutated from
normal tissues. Once they grow, they can prevent vital organs from functioning properly. Or, they can spread throughout
the body, damaging other important body systems.
About Polyps
An abnormal growth within your digestive tract usually appears as a polyp. This is a small, finger-like growth from the
mucous membrane wall that lines your intestine. If you have polyps it doesn't automatically mean you have cancer. But if
you have Colorectal Cancer, it usually first appears in the form of a polyp. If a polyp is found in your colon, a surgeon
or
radiologist removes it to do a biopsy. Then, a special scientist called a
pathologist examines the cells under a
microscope. The pathologist sends a report to your doctor to review and decide what to do
next.