Colon Cancer Specialist

What is colon cancer?

Colon cancer develops when cells lining your colon (large bowel) undergo changes that make them grow abnormally and out of control. The same type of cancer also affects the rectum.

Most colon cancers originate in small growths called polyps in the colon wall. They're largely harmless at first, but in some cases, the polyp DNA mutates, which causes the cells to multiply rapidly. These abnormal cells don't die off like normal cells, so tumors gradually develop in your colon and may eventually spread to other parts of your body.

Without treatment, colon cancer can be life-threatening and still takes many lives each year. However, screening programs can detect the disease in its earliest stages, when it's much easier to treat. Very often, it's possible to remove the polyps before they ever become cancerous.

Why would I get colon cancer?

There's no single cause for colon cancer, and it's very often a combination of factors that triggers the cell mutations that lead to tumors developing. Some of the main risk factors for colon cancer include:

• Family history of colon or rectal cancer
• Diet high in animal fats
• Excessive alcohol intake
• Smoking
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

IBD consists of two chronic, life-altering disorders — Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis — that affect the colon and other parts of the gastrointestinal tract.  

What symptoms does colon cancer cause?

People with colon cancer often aren't aware there's anything wrong because they don't start experiencing symptoms until the disease reaches a more advanced stage. When you do start noticing symptoms, they're likely to include:

• Changes in bowel habits (e.g., constipation, diarrhea, or incontinence)
• Rectal bleeding  
• Anemia (a shortage of red blood cells)
• Abdominal pain or bloating
• Unexplained weight loss
• Vomiting

All of these symptoms are common in other gastrointestinal conditions, so there's no need to panic. For example, rectal bleeding could be due to hemorrhoids or an anal fissure. However, it's wise to rule out the possibility of colon cancer as soon as possible, as prompt treatment is vital if you have cancer.

How is colon cancer treated?

To ensure you receive the best possible care, Dr. Zehnpfennig at Montana Colon collaborates with local and regional specialists in gastroenterology, oncology (cancer care), and radiation oncology to deliver a team-based approach to colon and rectal cancer.

Surgery is vital in treating colorectal cancers, but until recently, these procedures involved making large abdominal incisions to access the growths. Patients had to stay in the hospital for several weeks and often needed epidural injections or intravenous morphine to control their pain. They were also left with unsightly scars.

Dr. Zehnpfennig offers minimally invasive, oncologically-sound surgeries for colon cancer that use laparoscopic techniques and robotic technology. The advantages of this approach include smaller incisions, no need for an extended stay in the hospital, and reduced pain and scarring.

What type of surgery might I need for colon cancer?

The surgery that's most appropriate for your colon cancer depends on factors like how much cancerous tissue needs removing and from where.

Examples of some of the advanced procedures Dr. Zehnpfennig performs include the NICE procedure (natural orifice intracorporeal anastomosis with extraction of specimen) and transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) for rectal cancer.

Using these techniques, patients rarely require medications like morphine after their surgery and are usually able to go home the morning after.

To benefit from expert diagnosis and treatment of colon cancer, call Montana Colon or book an appointment online today.