Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer occurs when your cells in your colon or rectum begin to grow out of control. Most start as polyps, which are growths on the lining of the colon or rectum, though not all polyps develop into cancer.

 

The two main types of polyps are:

 

• Adenomatous polyps (adenomas)
• Hyperplastic polyps and inflammatory polyps

 

Adenomas are more likely to change into cancer than hyperplastic or inflammatory polyps.

 

Other features that make it more likely for a polyp to signal cancer are if:

 

• The polyp is larger than 1 cm
• Three polyps are found
• An area in a polyp or lining of the colon or rectum lining appear abnormal (dysplasia)

Some colorectal cancer symptoms are fairly obvious, while other are more subtle.

 

Common colorectal cancer symptoms include:

 

• Blood in your stool
• Changes in bowel habits or the texture of your stool
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Unexplained weight loss

Routine screening for colorectal cancer is recommended for almost everyone starting at age 45. This screening is key to colorectal cancer prevention.

 

Colorectal cancer screening tests include:

 

• Flexible sigmoidoscopy – performed to examine the interior walls of the rectum and part of the colon
• Colonoscopy – performed to examine the interior walls of the rectum and colon
• Double-contrast barium enema – an X-ray test that highlights the inner part of the colon and rectum
• Computed tomography (CT) colonography, or virtual colonoscopy – creates a 3D view of the colon and rectum  
• Fecal blood tests – stool samples collected by patients using a kit and returned to the doctor

 

The tests used to look for hidden blood in the stool include:

 

• High-sensitivity fecal occult blood test (FOBT)
• Fecal immunochemical test (FIT)

If you have colorectal cancer symptoms and screening tests detect something abnormal, your doctor will use one of the following tests to further evaluate your condition:

 

• Blood tests
• Endoscopic procedures to visualize the colon or rectum
• Biopsy
• X-ray
• Computed tomography (CT) scans
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

At Houston Methodist, we are dedicated to providing leading-edge colorectal cancer treatment, including surgical procedures performed totally robotically. Our goal is to provide effective treatments while reducing pain and complications through advanced techniques.

Learn more about the colorectal cancer treatment our experts offer >