Colon Cancer
Cancer that develops in the colon.
Understanding Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment
Colorectal cancer develops in the colon or rectum and may begin as a small growth called a polyp. At SSO Hospitals, patients receive comprehensive colorectal cancer care, from diagnosis and staging to personalised treatment planning, colorectal surgery and follow-up care.
Overview
What Is Colorectal Cancer?
Most colorectal cancers begin as abnormal growths called polyps. Some polyps can gradually develop into cancer over time. Detecting and removing certain precancerous polyps through screening can help prevent colorectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer is cancer that develops in the colon or rectum, which together form part of the large intestine. Depending on where the cancer begins, it may be referred to as colon cancer or rectal cancer.
Symptoms
Colorectal Cancer Symptoms
Colorectal cancer symptoms can vary depending on the tumour's location and stage. Some people may have no symptoms in the early stages. Possible signs and symptoms include:
Clinical picture
Stages, types and how we diagnose
Colorectal cancer staging helps determine how deeply the tumour has grown, whether nearby lymph nodes are involved and whether the cancer has spread to distant organs.
0Stage
Stage 0
Abnormal or cancerous cells are confined to the innermost lining of the bowel.
IStage
Stage I
The cancer has grown into deeper layers of the bowel wall but has not reached nearby lymph nodes or distant organs.
IIStage
Stage II
The cancer has grown further through the bowel wall or into nearby tissues but has not spread to nearby lymph nodes.
IIIStage
Stage III
The cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes but has not established distant metastases.
IVStage
Stage IV
The cancer has spread to distant organs, such as the liver or lungs.
Colorectal cancers are classified according to where they originate and the type of cells involved.
Rectal Cancer
Cancer that develops in the rectum. Rectal cancers may require a different treatment sequence from cancers located elsewhere in the colon.
Adenocarcinoma
The most common type of colorectal cancer, arising from gland-forming cells lining the colon or rectum.
Less Common Colorectal Tumours
These include certain neuroendocrine tumours, gastrointestinal stromal tumours and other uncommon cancers. Their treatment depends on their specific pathology and biological characteristics.
A colorectal cancer diagnosis typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, bowel evaluation, imaging and tissue testing. The exact investigations depend on the symptoms and clinical situation.
Medical history and physical examination
Blood tests and complete blood count
Stool testing when appropriate
Colonoscopy
Biopsy of suspicious tissue
CT scan of the chest, abdomen and pelvis
MRI, particularly for rectal cancer staging
PET-CT in selected situations
Molecular and biomarker testing when indicated
A biopsy allows a pathologist to examine the tissue and determine whether cancer is present. Imaging and staging investigations help the multidisciplinary team understand the extent of disease and plan treatment.
Risk & treatment
Colorectal Cancer Causes & Risk Factors
The exact cause of colorectal cancer is not always known. Several factors can increase the risk of developing the disease. Having one or more risk factors does not mean that a person will develop colorectal cancer. Some people develop the disease without an identifiable risk factor.
Increasing age
Family history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps
Inherited conditions such as Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
Personal history of colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer
Inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease
Smoking
Excess body weight
Physical inactivity
Diet high in processed or red meat and low in fibre-rich foods
Heavy alcohol consumption
Colorectal Cancer Treatment
Colorectal cancer treatment depends on whether the cancer is in the colon or rectum, its stage, molecular characteristics, location and the patient's overall health. Treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy or immunotherapy, either individually or in combination.
Colorectal Cancer Treatment
Colorectal Cancer Surgery
Surgery is an important part of treatment for many localised colorectal cancers. The type of operation depends on the tumour's location and extent.
Colectomy
Removal of the section of the colon containing the tumour, along with nearby lymph nodes and surrounding tissue as appropriate. The remaining bowel may then be reconnected.
Rectal Cancer Surgery
Procedures may include local excision or more extensive rectal surgery depending on tumour location, size, stage and response to preoperative treatment.
Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery
Minimally invasive surgery using small incisions and specialised instruments may be appropriate for selected patients.
Robotic Colorectal Surgery
Robotic-assisted techniques may be considered for selected colorectal procedures based on the tumour, anatomy and surgeon's assessment.
Stoma Formation
Some colorectal operations require a temporary or permanent stoma, where the bowel is brought through an opening in the abdominal wall. Whether a stoma is needed depends on factors such as tumour location, the type of surgery and the patient's individual circumstances.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy may be recommended before surgery, after surgery or as part of treatment for advanced colorectal cancer. The treatment plan depends on the cancer's stage and biological characteristics.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is used more commonly in the treatment of rectal cancer than colon cancer. It may be combined with chemotherapy before surgery to reduce the risk of local recurrence and help control the tumour.
Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy
Molecular testing can identify certain characteristics of colorectal cancer that may help guide systemic treatment. Targeted therapies or immunotherapy may be appropriate for selected patients based on biomarkers and the stage of disease.
Treatment for Advanced Colorectal Cancer
When colorectal cancer has spread to other organs, treatment is planned according to the sites of spread, tumour biology, symptoms and overall health. Systemic therapy may be combined with surgery or other local treatments in selected patients, particularly when metastatic disease can be treated with a local approach.
Multidisciplinary Colorectal Cancer Care
Colorectal cancer care may involve surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, gastroenterology, radiology, pathology, nutrition and specialised nursing or supportive-care teams. A multidisciplinary approach helps coordinate diagnosis, staging and treatment decisions.
Why SSO?
Why Choose SSO Hospitals for Colorectal Cancer Care?
Colorectal cancer treatment requires decisions that are specific to the tumour's location, stage and biology. SSO Hospitals brings together colorectal and surgical oncology expertise with multidisciplinary cancer care to support patients through diagnosis, treatment and recovery.
- Organ-specific colorectal cancer expertise
- Multidisciplinary treatment planning
- Laparoscopic and robotic surgery options when appropriate
- Expertise in complex colorectal procedures
- Coordinated surgical, medical and radiation oncology care
- Individualised treatment and follow-up planning
Our specialists
Our Colorectal Cancer Specialists
Meet our specialists involved in the evaluation and treatment of colorectal cancers, including colon and rectal cancers.
13+ YrsDr. Vivek Sukumar
GI Oncology · Colorectal Oncology · Peritoneal Surface Oncology · Gynaecological Oncology · Minimally Invasive GI & Colorectal Oncology
SSO Cancer Hospital, Vashi
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorectal Cancer
If yours isn't here, call +91 - 8976897203 and ask us directly.
Common symptoms can include blood in the stool, rectal bleeding, persistent changes in bowel habits, abdominal discomfort, unexplained weight loss and fatigue. Some people may have no symptoms in the early stages.
Many localised colorectal cancers can be treated with curative intent, often involving surgery with or without additional treatments. The possibility of cure depends on factors such as stage, tumour characteristics and response to treatment.
Not everyone needs a stoma. The need for a temporary or permanent stoma depends on factors such as the tumour's location, the type of operation, the condition of the bowel and how safely the bowel can be reconnected.
Survival varies according to the stage and other characteristics of the cancer. Population-level survival statistics cannot predict an individual patient's outcome. Your doctor can discuss your prognosis based on your specific diagnosis and treatment response.
Colorectal cancer can develop through a combination of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. Risk can be increased by age, family history, certain inherited conditions, inflammatory bowel disease, smoking, excess weight, physical inactivity and certain dietary patterns.
Both are types of colorectal cancer, but they occur in different parts of the large intestine. Their location can affect the treatment approach. Rectal cancer, for example, may require chemotherapy and radiation before surgery in selected cases.
A temporary stoma may be reversible in selected patients once the bowel has healed and the surgical team determines that restoring normal bowel continuity is safe. The timing and possibility of reversal depend on the original surgery and the patient's recovery.
Yes. The liver is one of the common sites to which colorectal cancer can spread. Depending on the number, location and characteristics of liver metastases, treatment may include systemic therapy and, in selected patients, surgery or other local treatments.
Google reviews
What our patients say about us
Unedited words from patients and families, straight from our review pages.
4.8800+ Google reviews
IMIrshad MulllajiGoogle review
“My wife is under treatment of Dr Chetan Anchan… large bone pathological fracture curettage and reconstruction, successfully done. He is a great man, great doctor, always there for patients.”
PSPriti ShahGoogle review
“Dr. Sanket Mehta is a life saving doctor, he treated my father and cured his colon cancer. Ms. Rida from Charni Road branch helped throughout the follow up.”
IMIrshad MulllajiGoogle review
“My wife is under treatment of Dr Chetan Anchan… large bone pathological fracture curettage and reconstruction, successfully done. He is a great man, great doctor, always there for patients.”
PSPriti ShahGoogle review
“Dr. Sanket Mehta is a life saving doctor, he treated my father and cured his colon cancer. Ms. Rida from Charni Road branch helped throughout the follow up.”
NDNikit DoshiGoogle review
“We are truly thankful to Dr. Jay Anam sir, an excellent onco surgeon. The hospital was clean and well-maintained, and staff were professional yet empathetic.”
MWManasi WaghmareGoogle review
“My mother is treated under Dr. Nilesh Chordiya and his team for breast cancer. SSO supported us financially via CM fund approval.”
NDNikit DoshiGoogle review
“We are truly thankful to Dr. Jay Anam sir, an excellent onco surgeon. The hospital was clean and well-maintained, and staff were professional yet empathetic.”
MWManasi WaghmareGoogle review
“My mother is treated under Dr. Nilesh Chordiya and his team for breast cancer. SSO supported us financially via CM fund approval.”
IMIrshad MulllajiGoogle review
“My wife is under treatment of Dr Chetan Anchan… large bone pathological fracture curettage and reconstruction, successfully done. He is a great man, great doctor, always there for patients.”
NDNikit DoshiGoogle review
“We are truly thankful to Dr. Jay Anam sir, an excellent onco surgeon. The hospital was clean and well-maintained, and staff were professional yet empathetic.”
PSPriti ShahGoogle review
“Dr. Sanket Mehta is a life saving doctor, he treated my father and cured his colon cancer. Ms. Rida from Charni Road branch helped throughout the follow up.”
MWManasi WaghmareGoogle review
“My mother is treated under Dr. Nilesh Chordiya and his team for breast cancer. SSO supported us financially via CM fund approval.”
IMIrshad MulllajiGoogle review
“My wife is under treatment of Dr Chetan Anchan… large bone pathological fracture curettage and reconstruction, successfully done. He is a great man, great doctor, always there for patients.”
NDNikit DoshiGoogle review
“We are truly thankful to Dr. Jay Anam sir, an excellent onco surgeon. The hospital was clean and well-maintained, and staff were professional yet empathetic.”
PSPriti ShahGoogle review
“Dr. Sanket Mehta is a life saving doctor, he treated my father and cured his colon cancer. Ms. Rida from Charni Road branch helped throughout the follow up.”
MWManasi WaghmareGoogle review
“My mother is treated under Dr. Nilesh Chordiya and his team for breast cancer. SSO supported us financially via CM fund approval.”
Care, close to home
Nine centres across Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Belagavi. Pick what's closest and we'll match you to the right surgeon there.
SSO Ghatkopar
HospitalSilver Point, 7th Floor, Specialty Surgical Oncology Hospital and Research Centre, Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, Kasturi Park, Maneklal Estate, Ghatkopar West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400086
089768 97203
SSO Thane
HospitalFirst Floor, Surgical Speciality Oncology Hospital, Highland Sky Arcade, Shop F, 11A and F-12, Naupada, Thane West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400602
089768 97203
SSO Hospital Andheri
Hospital2nd Floor, Specialty Surgical Oncology, New Link Rd, above Bellevue Hospital, next to Audi Showroom, Sahakar Nagar, Azad Nagar, Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400053
089768 97201
SSO Chembur
Clinic6th floor, Business Point, Ramakrishna Chemburkar Marg, near Savla Hospital, Chembur Gaothan, Kurla, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400071
089768 97201
SSO Vashi
ClinicNo. 51, Shanti Center Building, 4th floor, Clinic, above Parichay Hotel, Sector 17, Vashi, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 400703
082688 80185
SSO Charni Road
Clinic9th Floor, Mehta Mahal, 9 B, Shrimad Rajchandraji Marg, Charni Road East, Opera House, Girgaon, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400004
089768 97201
SRCC
HospitalNh Srcc Children's Hospital, 1-1A, Keshavrao Khadye Marg, Haji Ali, Haji Ali Government Colony, Mahalakshmi, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400034
089768 97201
Belagavi
Hospital9666A-2/D, behind BUDA Office, Ashok Nagar, Shivaji Nagar, Belgavi, Karnataka 590016
8976897201
Ahmedabad
Hospitalopp. Pandit Dindayal Upadhyay Auditorium Hall, behind Rajpath Rangoli Road, Bodakdev, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380054, India
089768 97201
