Colorectal Cancer

General Information on Colorectal Diseases

Colorectal diseases encompass a wide range of pathologies that can affect various parts of the intestine and manifest as dysfunctions. The most common include inflammatory, functional, benign, and malignant conditions, such as colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, polyps, diverticulosis, and colorectal cancer.

These diseases can severely impair the quality of life, leading to digestive disturbances, pain, bowel irregularities, and other discomforting symptoms. In some cases, colorectal pathologies may progress, leading to intestinal obstruction, bleeding, or perforation of the bowel wall.

Causes of Inflammatory Diseases and Colorectal Cancer

Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, develop due to autoimmune processes in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the mucous lining of the intestine. Key contributing factors include hereditary predisposition, dysbiosis, infections, and immune system dysfunction. Excessive consumption of fatty and processed foods, a lack of fiber, and chronic stress can also contribute to the development of inflammatory processes.

Colorectal cancer often develops from benign polyps, which can transform into malignant tumors over time. Major risk factors include:

• Hereditary predisposition (family history of colorectal cancer);
  
  
• Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease);
  
  
• Dietary habits (high-fat and red meat diet with a lack of fiber);
  
  
• Sedentary lifestyle and obesity;
  
  
•  Chronic constipation and impaired bowel motility;
  
  
• Harmful habits (smoking, excessive alcohol consumption).
  

Symptoms of Colorectal Diseases

Colorectal diseases manifest with various symptoms, depending on the nature, location, and stage of the pathological process. The most common complaints include bowel disturbances, abdominal pain, and discomfort in the intestinal area. However, in some cases, the disease may present symptoms not directly related to the bowel function.

Symptoms Unrelated to Bowel Function:

Some colorectal diseases, particularly inflammatory conditions and malignant tumors, may cause systemic manifestations affecting other organs and overall well-being. These symptoms include:

• General weakness and fatigue, linked to chronic inflammation, body intoxication, or anemia due to hidden bleeding;
  
•  Unexplained weight loss, often seen in cancer and severe inflammatory diseases;
  
• Pallor of the skin, possibly indicating anemia due to chronic blood loss from affected intestinal areas;
  
• Elevated body temperature, often seen in inflammatory diseases, with prolonged fever indicating a malignant process;
  
• Skin rashes and joint involvement, seen in autoimmune bowel diseases like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis;
  
• Dizziness and shortness of breath, developing due to severe anemia from chronic bleeding.
  

The presence of such symptoms, especially when combined with bowel dysfunction, requires immediate medical examination for timely diagnosis and treatment.

Classification of Colorectal Diseases

Colorectal diseases vary in nature and pathogenesis. Based on the type of pathological process, colorectal diseases are classified as follows:

• Inflammatory Diseases – Caused by infectious agents, autoimmune reactions, or other reasons. These include ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, infectious and ischemic colitis, and diverticulitis.
  
  
• Tumor Diseases – Including both benign (polyps, adenomas) and malignant (colorectal cancer) tumors.
  
  
• Functional Disorders – Such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which involves altered bowel motility and stool changes without organic damage.
  
  
•  Congenital and Hereditary Conditions – Less common, including Hirschsprung’s disease, familial adenomatous polyposis, and other genetic disorders.
  
  

Diagnosis of Colorectal Diseases

A comprehensive examination includes clinical assessment, laboratory tests, and instrumental methods to detect inflammatory processes, tumors, motility disorders, and other pathologies. Diagnostic procedures include:

• Clinical Examination and History Taking: The physician examines the patient’s complaints, duration and character of symptoms, family history, dietary habits, and underlying conditions.
  
  
• Laboratory Tests: Blood tests help identify inflammatory processes, anemia, and tumor markers; stool tests detect hidden blood, dysbiosis, and parasites.
  
  
• Instrumental Methods: Colonoscopy is the primary diagnostic tool to examine the mucous lining, perform biopsies, and remove pathological formations. Additional procedures like rectosigmoidoscopy, irrigoscopy (contrast-enhanced X-ray), MRI, CT scans, and capsule endoscopy help evaluate the bowel condition.
  
  

Treatment of Inflammatory Diseases and Colorectal Cancer

Treatment depends on the pathology type, stage, and general health of the patient. Inflammatory diseases require medication and lifestyle adjustments, while oncological conditions often require surgical intervention in combination with chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Conservative Treatment

Conservative therapy is used for inflammatory diseases (colitis, diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome) and early-stage tumors. It includes:

 Anti-inflammatory drugs (aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants);

• Antibiotics for infections;
  
  
• Probiotics and enzymes to normalize gut flora;
  
  
•  Diet therapy excluding irritating foods;
  
  
• Symptomatic treatment (antispasmodics, pain relievers, laxatives);
  
  
•  Chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer processes.
  
  

Surgical Treatment

Surgical intervention is required when conservative therapy is ineffective, complications arise, or malignant tumors are present. Common procedures include:

• Resection of the colon – Removal of the affected section with anastomosis.
  
  
• Hemicolectomy – Removal of half of the colon (right-sided or left-sided).
  
  
• Colectomy – Complete removal of the colon in severe inflammatory diseases.
  
  
•  Laparoscopic surgeries – A minimally invasive method to remove affected areas.
  
  

Palliative Surgeries

For advanced cancer or severe complications, palliative surgeries improve the patient's quality of life:

• Bypass surgery – Creation of an alternative pathway for bowel contents.
  
  
• Colostomy – Bringing part of the colon to the abdominal wall when bowel continuity cannot be restored.
  
  
• Removal of necrotic tissue – In cases of bowel obstruction or tumor perforation.
  
  

The choice of treatment depends on individual patient characteristics, disease stage, and accompanying pathologies. A comprehensive approach maximizes therapeutic effects and improves prognosis.

Prognosis and Prevention of Colorectal Diseases

The prognosis of colorectal diseases depends on their nature, timely diagnosis, and treatment initiation. Inflammatory processes, when treated appropriately, can often be controlled, but chronic forms require lifelong monitoring. For cancer, early tumor detection significantly increases the chances of full recovery.

Prevention includes several key aspects:

• Balanced diet – High-fiber diet, exclusion of fast food, processed meats, and excess fats.
  
  
• Weight control – Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the risk of inflammatory and cancerous processes.
  
  
•  Avoiding harmful habits – Smoking and alcohol consumption contribute to oncological diseases.
  
  
• Physical activity – Regular exercise normalizes bowel function and reduces tumor risk.
  
  
• Regular screenings – Especially for people over 50 and those with a family history of colorectal diseases.
  
  

Rehabilitation After Treatment

Recovery after colorectal disease treatment, especially after surgery, requires a comprehensive approach. During the first weeks, a gentle diet should be followed, gradually expanding under medical supervision. Enzymes and probiotics may be prescribed to normalize digestion. Physical activity plays a key role in preventing complications, but should be moderate.

After cancer surgeries, particularly when a stoma is created, patients may require psychological support and stoma care training. Regular check-ups help monitor recovery, detect possible complications early, and adjust therapy. A comprehensive rehabilitation approach improves life quality and reduces the risk of recurrence.