Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal Cancer is Preventable

Colorectal cancer is preventable, and potentially curable, when detected in the early stages. Even with the ability to prevent and cure colorectal cancer, it is still the second most common cause of cancer death in the United States. The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons reports that:

"Between 80-90% (of patients) are restored to normal health if the cancer is detected and treated in the earliest stages."

The term “colorectal cancer” refers to colon cancer and rectal cancer and TCRS focuses on providing the most advanced options for prevention and treatment of both.

Contact the TCRS office nearest you and discuss this important topic with one of our colon and rectal specialists.

Colorectal Cancer Treatments

Colorectal cancer is preventable, but if you are one of 140,000 people affected by the disease each year, TCRS is ready to help. We are the largest colorectal specialist group in North Texas, with the most advanced team of colorectal surgeons in the area. From diagnosis to treatment, our team of colorectal cancer specialists will provide the best care available. All of our surgeons are board certified by the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery, ensuring the highest standards of patient care. In addition to being board certified, all of our specialists are committed to continually advancing their surgical skills in the treatment of colorectal cancer and other colorectal diseases.

Typically, only 20% of colon surgery is performed laparoscopically, meaning 80% is performed by traditional invasive surgical methods. At TCRS, our surgeons perform the majority of all colon surgery laparoscopically, affording our patients faster recovery, less pain and improved quality of life.

Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery. Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that requires a small incision to insert a scope (a small camera at the end of a tube-like structure) to view the contents of the abdomen. Using small incisions, instruments are inserted through ports and surgeries can be performed. Some people refer to this as laser surgery but that term is incorrect since lasers are not typically used.

Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery and laparoscopic gynecologic surgeries have been around a long time. Laparoscopic colorectal surgery is now possible due to advancements in instruments and technology.

With new techniques, we are able to perform colorectal surgery through much smaller incisions, allowing patients to usually go home and return to their normal activities in a shorter period of time. Our specialists are advocates of laparoscopic surgery when appropriate for the patient. TCRS physicians are considered experts in this field and have taught national courses on this technique to other surgeons.

Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery. TEMS is a minimally invasive procedure to remove rectal polyps or growths that are too large to remove via the colonoscopy or other endoscopy methods. TEMS can remove polyps felt to be too high or too large to remove by classic transanal removal, thus avoiding abdominal surgery. Performed through the anus, no incisions are needed. Patients typically feel no pain during the procedure, which is performed in an outpatient setting. TEMS has a much lower recurrence rate, meaning the polyps recur less often, compared to standard transanal removal. Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery is used specifically to treat early rectal cancers.

Risk Factors For Men and Women

Colorectal cancer affects both men and women equally and the risk increases after age 50. Therefore, TCRS recommends all men and women have a screening colonoscopy at age 50 and as recommended by your physician, thereafter. There may be certain instances when you should start your screening even earlier.

You could be at an increased risk for developing colorectal cancer and therefore a colonoscopy may be recommended earlier than the age of 50. Risk factors warranting an earlier colonoscopy include having a parent, brother, sister, or child who has had colorectal cancer or polyps. If you have a family history of colon or rectal cancer or polyps, colonoscopy screenings should begin at age 40 or at least 10 years before the age your family member was diagnosed. For example, if your father was diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer or polyps at age 45, you should have a colonoscopy beginning at age 35.

Another risk factor prompting earlier colonoscopy is having a chronic inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. A colonoscopy may also be indicated if you have had a change in your bowel habits or are passing blood from your rectum.

Prevention Starts With A Colonoscopy

Almost all colorectal cancers first start as a benign polyp, which is a growth in the colon. Your colorectal specialist can find polyps during a colonoscopy and remove them, thereby preventing them from growing into cancer.

While colonoscopies can prevent colorectal cancer by detecting polyps, a healthy lifestyle can also help prevent the disease. Healthy lifestyle choices include: exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, eating high-fiber foods, avoiding high fat foods, not smoking and abstaining from alcohol consumption, or do so in moderation.

Do Hemorrhoids Cause Cancer?

There is no relationship between hemorrhoids and cancer. However, the symptoms of hemorrhoids, particularly bleeding, are similar to those of colorectal cancer and other diseases of the digestive system. That is why it is important that a physician who is specially trained in treating diseases of the colon and rectum investigate all symptoms. See a TCRS physician first so your symptoms are properly evaluated and effective treatment is discussed.