Signs of Precancerous Colon Conditions
Adenomatous polyps are a precancerous condition. They are not cancerous by themselves and are often largely harmless. Their presence, however, indicates abnormal changes to colon
Carcinoid Tumors of the Colon Treated Near You in NJ, CT, MA, and the Washington, D.C., Area
Though all colon cancer originates in the colon, there are many subtypes that form from different types of tissue. Carcinoid tumors of the colon are a type of colon cancer that forms in neuroendocrine cells.
Many patients diagnosed with carcinoid tumors of the colon seek care from Regional Cancer Care Associates. RCCA is a group of more than 90 medical oncologists and hematologists who treat patients who have solid tumors, blood-based cancers and benign blood disorders at more than 20 locations throughout New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and the Washington, DC area. They strive to educate patients while providing innovative care.
What Is a Carcinoid Tumor of the Colon?
Carcinoid tumors of the colon, also called gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors, are cancers that form out of neuroendocrine cells in the colon. Neuroendocrine cells act like nerve cells and play an important role in regulating the digestive system. They control when digestive juices are released, how quickly food moves through the colon, and other vital functions. A carcinoid tumor occurs when DNA changes cause neuroendocrine cells to grow too quickly, causing cancer to form.
Stages of Carcinoid Tumors of the Colon
The staging system used for carcinoid tumors of the colon is called the TNM system. In this system, a tumor’s stage is based on three pieces of information: the tumor’s size, its spread to nearby lymph nodes, and its degree of spread or metastasis. The stages include:
- Stage I: The tumor is no more than 2 centimeters across. It may have grown into deeper layers of the colon, but it has not spread into the lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
- Stage II: The tumor is greater than 2 centimeters across, or it has grown into the deepest layer of the colon wall. It has not spread into the lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
- Stage III: The tumor has grown into the outer layer of tissue covering the colon. It may have spread into nearby organs or lymph nodes, but not to distant parts of the body.
- Stage IV: Cancer cells have spread (metastasized) through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to distant parts of the body.
The outlook for carcinoid tumors of the colon is very good if detected early. More than 96% of patients diagnosed in stages I through III will survive past five years, and many of them will find a cure. Though Stage IV cancers are incurable, breakthrough treatments allow 68% of patients to live past five years. There is still a significant discrepancy, however. Early detection remains a patient’s best defense.
Signs and Symptoms of Carcinoid Tumors of the Colon
Carcinoid tumors of the colon do not always cause symptoms at the start. Symptoms develop as the tumor grows larger. They typically resemble the signs and symptoms of more common types of colon cancer, including:
- Blood in stool
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Thin or pencil-shaped stools
- Frequent bowel movements
- Abdominal cramps, bloating, or gas
- Anemia (iron deficiency)
- Unintentional weight loss
- Fatigue
Some carcinoid tumors interfere with the body’s neuroendocrine function. The tumor triggers the overproduction of certain hormones, causing a set of symptoms known as carcinoid syndrome. Individuals with carcinoid syndrome may experience:
However, it’s important to note that not everyone who experiences the symptoms listed above will have the condition. Nonetheless, it is important to consult a physician about these symptoms, particularly if they are pronounced, arose suddenly, or have persisted for an extended period. Prompt evaluation will enable a doctor to address your concerns and to provide a treatment plan
- Facial redness or warmth
- Severe diarrhea
- Wheezing and shortness of breath
- Fast heartbeat
- Dizziness
Not all carcinoid tumors cause carcinoid syndrome. These symptoms typically only develop after the cancer has spread to new parts of the body, though they may also be triggered by stress, heavy exercise, and alcohol. Over time, if the imbalance is not treated, carcinoid syndrome may lead to permanent heart damage.
How Are Carcinoid Tumors of the Colon Diagnosed?
Most carcinoid tumors of the colon are detected through routine colon cancer screening. When a screening detects something abnormal, or when a person is experiencing symptoms that may be caused by a tumor, their physician will conduct tests to confirm a diagnosis. The tests may include:
- CT colonography: The doctor uses an X-ray to take image “slices” of the colon. The slices are reassembled to form a three-dimensional image of the colon that can be examined for unusual masses. A contrast dye may be used to improve the image clarity.
- Colonoscopy: The doctor inserts a small camera mounted on a long, flexible tube into the anus. The camera is guided along the entire colon’s length to examine its inside lining for abnormalities, including carcinoid tumors.
- Biopsy: During a colonoscopy, the doctor removes a small piece of abnormal flesh. The sample is sent to a laboratory to check for cancer cells. Biopsies are also used to determine what type of cancer is present and whether it will respond to certain treatments.
- Octreotide scan: Octreotide is a substance that attaches itself to neuroendocrine cells. A small amount is injected into the body with a radioactive tracer. This highlights carcinoid tumors on X-rays, helping doctors find where cancer has spread.
Treatments for Carcinoid Tumors of the Colon
Treatment for carcinoid tumors of the colon depends on the tumor’s stage and the patient’s overall health. The RCCA team will help patients choose the best approach, which may include:
Surgery
Surgery is the preferred treatment for carcinoid tumors of the colon, especially in early stages. If the tumor has not yet spread outside the colon, then it can be fully removed through surgical means. Sometimes, part of the colon must be removed as well.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells without removing them. It is sometimes an option for patients who cannot have surgery. It may also be used to shrink a tumor before surgery or to eliminate cancer cells that were left behind after the tumor was removed.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses strong drugs to kill fast-growing cells such as cancer cells. This treatment is rarely used for neuroendocrine tumors. It is typically only recommended to control cancers that have already spread to new parts of the body.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapies are new treatments that use molecular science to attack cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. These can be effective when other treatments fail. They also work with fewer side effects, helping patients maintain a higher quality of life.
Receive Colon Cancer Care Near You in NJ, CT, MA, and the Washington, D.C., Area
If you or a loved one is struggling with carcinoid tumors of the colon, find treatment near you in New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and the Washington, D.C., area. Specialists at Regional Cancer Care Associates provide care to more than 30,000 new patients and 265,000 established patients each year. RCCA physicians offer patients innovative therapies, including immunotherapies and targeted therapy, cutting-edge diagnostics as well as access to approximately 300 clinical trials in community-based centers close to home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colon Cancer
Can colon cancer be asymptomatic?
Early stages of colon cancer are often asymptomatic, with symptoms developing only as the cancer progresses. This is why routine screenings are essential for early detection.
What causes colon cancer?
Colon cancer is caused by a DNA change in colon cells. Oncologists are not always sure what triggers this change, though they have identified risk factors such as a person’s age, their diet and physical activity, their health history, and genetic predispositions.
Can colon cancer be prevented?
Colon cancer cannot always be prevented, but patients can reduce their risk by eating a healthy diet, exercising frequently, and avoiding smoking and heavy alcohol use.
How effective is a colonoscopy in detecting colon cancer?
Colonoscopy is highly effective in detecting colon cancer, and it is the preferred method for doing so. It can also be used to remove polyps.
Receive the Highest Standard of Care
From the moment you have you first appointment at one of RCCA’s 25+ locations, you’ll experience quality care that only our highly trained oncologists can provide. We’ll take the time to help you understand your diagnosis and your options, so you and your doctor can devise the best treatment plan for your unique situation. You’ll also have access to clinical trials, putting you at the forefront of innovations in the field of colon cancer care.
To learn more about colon cancer treatment at RCCA or to schedule an appointment, reach out to us at 844-346-7222.
Physicians SPECIALIZED IN COLON CANCER
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