Colon Cancer Specialist

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer, like most cancers, is symptomless in its early stages, which makes having regular screening tests such as colonoscopies essential, especially if you have a family or medical history of colon cancer. Some of the common symptoms include rectal bleeding, dark or bloody stools, a change in bowel habits, cramping or abdominal pain, unintended weight loss, and weakness and fatigue. It is important to remember that many of the symptoms of colon cancer are also caused by other non-cancerous medical conditions.

What Surgeries Are Available to Treat Colon Cancer?

There are a wide variety of surgeries available to treat and remove colon cancer. Dr. Wool and Dr. Horltgen are expertly trained and experienced in laparoscopic surgeries and are able to remove most colon cancer through this minimally invasive surgical procedure. A partial colectomy may be required.  The surgeon may perform a colectomy to remove either the entire colon or a section of it, though total removal of the colon is very rare. Colectomies are performed in a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure. Barrington Surgeons can perform these procedures totally laparoscopically.  This means no part of the operation is performed outside of the body.  This reduces the size of incisions and decreases blood loss during surgery, while also reducing pain following surgery and providing a faster recovery to regular activity for patients.

What Should I Expect After Surgery?

After surgery, patients typically take three to five days in the hospital, and several days to several weeks to recover fully, depending on the type of surgery performed and how much tissue is removed. The surgeon and oncologist will work together to coordinate any additional treatments or therapy needed to treat the cancer.