What is the most aggressive type of colon cancer?
High-grade large cell and small cell neuroendocrine tumors are aggressive. These tumors tend to grow rapidly and invade other tissues. Carcinoid tumors of the colon are considered indolent.
Is colon cancer aggressive or slow growing?
In most cases, colon and rectal cancers grow slowly over many years. We know that most of those cancers start as a growth called a polyp. Taking out the polyp early may keep it from turning into cancer.
What is the number one cause of colon cancer?
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), 55 percent of colorectal cancer diagnoses in the United States are attributed to controllable lifestyle factors. These include: Diet—The risk is higher for those who eat a high-fat diet, a lot of processed meat or red meat.
What is the life expectancy of someone with colon cancer?
For colon cancer, the overall 5-year survival rate for people is 63%. If the cancer is diagnosed at a localized stage, the survival rate is 91%. If the cancer has spread to surrounding tissues or organs and/or the regional lymph nodes, the 5-year survival rate is 72%.
Can you have colon cancer for years and not know it?
Colon cancer is typically slow-growing, starting as a benign polyp that eventually becomes malignant. This process may occur over many years without producing any symptoms. Once colon cancer has developed, it may still be years before it is detected.
How do I know if I had colon cancer?
Blood in the stool that is either bright red, black or tarry. Unintentional weight loss. Stools that are narrower than usual. Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty completely.
How long can you live with untreated colon cancer?
The results showed the median survival of patients to be 24 months (range 16–42). One-year survival was found to be 65% while the 2-year survival was found to be 25%.
Which is worse right or left colon cancer?
Right-sided colon cancers have a worse prognosis than left-sided cancers. The incidence of right-sided colon cancers has increased since the 1980s, while the incidence of left-sided colon cancers has decreased.
What happens if they find cancer during a colonoscopy?
Usually if a suspected colorectal cancer is found by any screening or diagnostic test, it is biopsied during a colonoscopy. In a biopsy, the doctor removes a small piece of tissue with a special instrument passed through the scope. Less often, part of the colon may need to be surgically removed to make the diagnosis.