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Colon Cancer

CUREtology

C. Suzanne Cutter, MD

Surgical Oncology located in Los Angeles, CA

Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer among men and women in the United States (excluding skin cancer), and there are just under 100,000 diagnoses each year. For cancer care that encompasses a holistic approach, Dr. Cutter at CUREtology serves her West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Glendale, Pasadena, and the surrounding Los Angeles, CA area patients treatments that address their entire health and wellness during this difficult time. From surgery to postoperative care, Dr. Cutter treats both the cancer and the person. To learn more, call for an appointment today.

Colon Cancer Q & A

What is colon cancer?

Your colon is another word for your lower intestine, which is divided into five sections:

  • Cecum
  • Ascending colon
  • Transverse colon
  • Descending colon
  • Sigmoid colon

Colon cancer can develop in any of these five sections and typically starts out as small polyps that grow along the lining. That said, not all polyps are cancerous, and Dr. Cutter can determine this after a colonoscopy, which is your first defense against colon cancer.

Most colon cancers are adenocarcinomas (96%), which are malignant tumors that start in the lining of your glands. There are several, rarer forms of colon cancer, including carcinoid tumors, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, lymphomas, and sarcomas.

What are the signs of colon cancer?

Like many cancers, there are usually no outward signs of colon cancer in its early stages, which makes screening especially important. As it advances, colon cancer can cause:

  • Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool
  • A change in your bowel habits, from constipation to diarrhea
  • Cramping
  • Weight loss

If these symptoms persist, you shouldn’t wait to get yourself checked out. Your doctor has the expertise, and the tools, to rule out other gastrointestinal issues and to determine whether cancer may be the underlying cause of your problems.

How is colon cancer treated?

As a surgical oncologist, Dr. Cutter’s role is to perform the surgery that removes your cancer. What that surgery looks like depends upon the extent of the cancer. Dr. Cutter uses every available diagnostic tool to determine exactly where your cancer is and whether it’s spread in order to figure out which surgical option is best for your unique situation.

In its early stages, she can perform minimally invasive techniques called polypectomies. If the cancer has advanced, she may turn to a colectomy to remove a part, or all, of your colon.

After your surgery, Dr. Cutter works with your cancer team to ensure that you get the best postoperative care available. Dr. Cutter is unique in that she follows her patients from start to finish and helps them with overall health and wellness techniques that boost their ability to fight the disease and recover more quickly. From stress management techniques to better nutrition, Dr. Cutter makes sure your body and mind are allied in your battle against colon cancer.

If you’d like comprehensive care for colon cancer, call CUREtology or request an appointment using the online scheduler.