Colon Cancer Treatment in Turkey
Colon cancer treatment in Turkey depends on the patient’s health condition, the stage of cancer, and other factors taken into account. Doctors may combine different types of treatments simultaneously or use them sequentially. The treatment options for colon cancer in Turkey include the following:
Treatment Methods for Colon Cancer in Turkey
- Local Treatments
Local treatments target the tumor without affecting the rest of the body. These treatments are useful in early stages of cancer but can also be used in some other cases. Types of local treatments used for colon and rectal cancer include:- Resection and Embolization for Colon Cancer
- Radiation Therapy for Colon Cancer
- Systemic Treatments
Colon cancer can also be treated using medications, which may be taken orally or directly injected into the bloodstream. These treatments are called systemic because they can reach cancer cells throughout the body. Depending on the type of colon cancer, different drugs may be used, such as:- Chemotherapy for Colon Cancer
- Targeted Therapy for Colon Cancer
- Immunotherapy for Colon Cancer
Cost of Colon Cancer Treatment in Turkey
The cost of colon cancer treatment in Turkey is about 60% lower than in European countries, but with the same level of care. However, costs vary depending on the treatment method chosen by the professor.
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Health Information Regarding Colon Cancer
What is Colon Cancer?
Colon and rectal cancer is cancer that begins in the colon (large intestine) or rectum (at the end of the colon), both located in the lower part of the digestive system. This type of cancer can also be called colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on where it begins. In most cases, colon cancer and rectal cancer are grouped together due to many common characteristics.
Doctors may use staging to determine how far cancer has spread. It is important to know the stage of cancer to develop the best treatment plan.
- Stage 0: Also known as localized cancer, at this stage, abnormal cells are found only in the inner lining of the colon or rectum.
- Stage 1: Cancer has penetrated the lining or mucous membrane of the colon or rectum and may have grown into the muscle layer. It has not spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
- Stage 2: Cancer has spread to the walls of the colon or rectum or beyond the walls to nearby tissues but has not affected the lymph nodes.
- Stage 3: Cancer has spread to the lymph nodes but has not yet spread to other parts of the body.
- Stage 4: Cancer has spread to other organs, such as the liver or lungs.
Causes of Colon Cancer
There are several factors that may contribute to an increased risk of colon and rectal cancer, but it is not yet clear how these factors cause this type of cancer.
Cancer occurs due to changes in the DNA inside cells. DNA is the chemical substance in cells that makes up genes, which control how cells function in the body. Some genes help control when cells grow, divide into new cells, and die.
Some genes that help cells grow, divide, and survive are called oncogenes. Genes that help control cell division or trigger cell death at the right time are known as tumor suppressor genes.
Cancers can occur due to genetic mutations that activate oncogenes or deactivate tumor suppressor genes, leading to uncontrolled cell growth. Usually, changes in many different genes are required to cause colon and rectal cancer.
Mutations can be inherited or acquired. These mutations do not guarantee that a person will develop colon and rectal cancer but increase the risk.
Some mutations can lead to the accumulation of abnormal cells in the colon lining, forming polyps. These small growths are benign. Surgical removal of these polyps can be a preventive measure, but they can become cancerous if left untreated.
Risk Factors That Cannot Be Avoided
- Age: Age is one of the unavoidable risk factors that may increase the risk of colon and rectal cancer. The risk increases after the age of 50.
- A previous history of benign colon tumors.
- A previous history of bowel diseases.
- A family history of colon and rectal cancer.
- Certain inherited syndromes, such as Familial Adenomatous Polyposis.
Risk Factors That Can Be Avoided
- Overweight or Obesity
- Smoking
- Excessive Alcohol Consumption
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Diet Rich in Processed Meats
Types of Colon Cancer
The most common type of colon and rectal cancer originates from adenocarcinomas. Adenocarcinomas make up the majority of colon and rectal cancer cases. Unless otherwise specified by the doctor, colon and rectal cancer is likely to be of this type.
Adenocarcinomas form in the cells that produce mucus in the colon or rectum.
Less common colon and rectal cancers include:
- Lymphoma: Can form in the lymph nodes or in the colon.
- Carcinoid Tumor: Begins in hormone-producing cells within the intestine.
- Sarcoma: Forms in soft tissues like the muscles of the colon.
- Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs): May begin as benign tumors and then become cancerous (usually form in the digestive tract but rarely in the colon).
Symptoms of Colon Cancer
Colon and rectal cancer may not show symptoms, especially in the early stages. If symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Changes in stool color
- Changes in stool shape
- Presence of blood in stool
- Rectal bleeding
- Excessive gas
- Abdominal cramps
- Abdominal pain
Advanced Stage Symptoms
- Excessive Fatigue
- Unexplained Weakness
- Weight Loss
- Stool Changes That Last More Than a Month
- Vomiting
If cancer spreads to other organs, the patient may experience:
- Jaundice (Yellowing of Eyes or Skin)
- Swelling in Hands or Legs
- Difficulty Breathing
- Chronic Headaches
- Blurry Vision
- Bone Fractures
Colon Cancer Diagnosis Methods
Diagnostic tests for colon and rectal cancer include:
- Medical History and Physical Exam: The doctor will review the patient’s medical history to assess potential risk factors and symptoms, including a family history. The physical exam includes palpating the abdomen to check for masses or organ enlargement, and a digital rectal exam may be performed.
- Fecal Occult Blood Test: Doctors may recommend stool tests to detect hidden blood in the stool, which could be a sign of cancer.
- Blood Tests: Blood tests help determine if the patient has colon and rectal cancer and assist in monitoring the disease after diagnosis.
- Complete Blood Count
- Liver Enzyme Tests
- Searching for Tumor Markers in Blood
- Colonoscopy: If abnormal results are found, a colonoscopy may be performed to examine the entire colon and rectum. The doctor may also take biopsies or remove suspicious areas, such as polyps.
- Rectal Examination: If rectal cancer is suspected, the doctor may perform a rectal examination using a rigid tube to look for abnormalities in the rectum.
- Biopsy: A small tissue sample may be taken during a colonoscopy or rectal exam for further examination. If cancer is found, additional tests may be conducted on the sample to classify the cancer and help guide treatment options.
- Imaging Tests: These tests help identify areas that may be cancerous and determine the extent of cancer spread. Imaging tests include:
- CT Scan
- Ultrasound
- MRI
- Chest X-ray
- PET Scan
- Angiography
For further details, you can watch a video from one of the best hospitals in Turkey specializing in cancer treatment with the latest medical technologies: Watch Video
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To learn more about our trusted sources on colon cancer treatment in Turkey, please visit:
- Healthline
- Cancer-ORG
