Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide. It is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the world and is responsible for almost 10% of all cancer cases. Many lifestyle factors, such as a high intake of processed food, a lack of fruits and vegetables in the diet, a sedentary lifestyle, excessive body weight, smoking, and alcoholism, tend to increase the risk of such cancer.
In today’s modern lifestyle, these risk factors have become increasingly common. As a result, more people are now at risk for colon cancer than ever before. If colorectal cancer is not detected early and managed with appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic care, it can progress silently, making serious complications—and even death—inevitable in advanced stages. Upon diagnosis, improving survival and quality of life requires timely treatment and a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach. Scroll down to learn more about diagnostic testing, treatment options, the best hospital, and the cost of treating colon cancer in Mumbai, India.
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What is Colon Cancer?
Colon cancer, a serious condition, develops from polyps (small growths) on the colon's or rectum's inner lining. Colon polyps have the potential to progress to cancer and spread to other body parts. However, this cancer progresses slowly. A precancerous polyp takes around ten years to develop into a cancerous polyp that may exhibit symptoms.Read Also: What You Need to Know About Heart Tumors
What are the Symptoms of Colon Cancer?
The following are the early signs of colon cancer:- Persistent belly pain
- Bloating
- Blood is present in the stool
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- A feeling of something stuck in your rectum
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Unexplained weight loss
Warning Signs That May Point to Colon Cancer
You may have abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation as a result of common health problems such as food poisoning or the stomach flu. They are not diagnostic of colon cancer. If these symptoms persist for more than a few days, though, it's best to consult a doctor. Consult a doctor, particularly if you notice unexplained weight loss, excessive fatigue despite enough rest, or the presence of blood in your stool.The doctors advise colonoscopies and other diagnostic procedures to detect these polyps before they progress to cancer. Such testing also enables doctors to detect the polyps that have already become cancerous. However, if the precancerous polyps are removed timely, colon cancer can be prevented and treated in early stages.
Stages of Colon Cancer
The colon cancer progresses in five stages:| Stage of colon cancer | Details |
| Stage 0 | Precancerous polyps are present in the colon's inner lining |
| Stage I | A cancerous polyp is present in the inner lining of the colon wall. |
| Stage II | There are two substages: Stage IIA: Cancer has spread on the inner lining of the colon but has not invaded the outer layer of the colon wall. Stage IIB: Cancer has invaded the outer layer of the colon wall completely. |
| Stage III | Cancer has invaded the colon walls (outer & inner) & lymph nodes. |
| Stage IV | Cancer has invaded multiple body organs, including the liver, lungs, or ovaries. |
What are the Diagnostic & Screening Tests for Colon Cancer in Mumbai, India?
The following are the tests that help in the screening and the diagnosis of colon cancer:- Blood tests, including a complete blood count (CBC), complete metabolic panel (CMP) or Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) assay.
- Imaging tests include computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET) scans, and abdominal ultrasounds.
- Diagnostic colonoscopy
- Colon biopsy
What are the Treatment Options for Colon Cancer in Mumbai, India?
The following are treatment options for colon cancer in Mumbai, India:| Stage | Treatment Names | Description |
| Early-Stage Colon Cancer | Polypectomy (surgery for colon cancer) | Surgical removal of cancerous polyps |
| Endoscopic mucosal resection | Removal of larger polyps from the colon lining | |
| Laparoscopic surgery | Minimally invasive removal of cancer from the colon | |
| More Advanced Colon Cancer | Partial colectomy | Removal of the affected section of the colon |
| Lymph node removal | Surgical removal of nearby lymph nodes | |
| Colostomy (ostomy) | Creation of an opening for waste elimination | |
| Advanced / Metastatic Colon Cancer | Symptom-relief surgery | Surgery to relieve blockage, bleeding, or pain |
| Surgery for limited spread | Removal of cancer spread to liver or lungs | |
| Chemotherapy | Use of medicines to destroy cancer cells | |
| Advanced Colon Cancer | Radiation therapy | Use of radiation to shrink or control tumors |
| Targeted therapy | Drugs that attack specific cancer cells | |
| Immunotherapy | Treatment that boosts the immune system | |
| All Stages (Supportive Care) | Palliative care | Symptom relief and quality-of-life support |
What is the Colon Cancer Treatment Cost in Mumbai, India?
The cost of colon cancer treatment in Mumbai, India, ranges from ₹35,000 and ₹600,000. However, the cost varies depending upon numerous factors, including stage of cancer, type of treatment, location of hospital, type of hospital, type of room, and many more.| Treatment Name | Estimated Cost in India (Approx.) |
| Surgery (colon resection / colectomy) | ₹200,000 – ₹500,000 |
| Chemotherapy (per cycle) | ₹35,000 – ₹200,000 |
| Chemotherapy (full course) | ₹200,000 – ₹600,000 |
| Radiation Therapy (complete course) | ₹150,000 – ₹300,000 |
| Targeted Therapy (advanced cases) | ₹180,000 – ₹400,000 |
| Immunotherapy (advanced cases) | ₹150,000 – ₹400,000+ |
| Diagnostic Tests & Biopsy | ₹15,000 – ₹40,000 |
| Colostomy | ₹80,000 – ₹150,000 |
Conclusion
It might be a long time before one experiences the symptoms of colon cancer. This illustrates the importance of colon cancer screening. These tests may detect precancerous or widespread polyps in the colon. It may take years before you experience symptoms. This is why screening tests for colon cancer are so crucial. The tests frequently discover precancerous colon polyps or cancerous polyps that are spreading throughout your colon. Getting diagnosed with colon cancer may increase your anxiety or distress. Take the time to comprehend your diagnosis.The Asian Heart Institute, the best colon cancer treatment hospital in Mumbai, is highly equipped to manage advanced and complex colon cancer. Here, the best colon cancer specialists in Mumbai, India, follow a protocol-driven approach to enhance safety, outcomes, and long-term recovery. AHI is also facilitating robotic colon cancer surgery in Mumbai.
Choose the Asian Heart Institute, the best colon cancer hospital in Mumbai, India, for the right care. Book your consultation today.
FAQs
Q1: How long may colon cancer go undiagnosed?A: It may take around 10 years for precancerous polyps (the most treatable stage) to progress to cancerous ones. Additionally, it may take even longer for symptoms to appear.
Q2: Is minimally invasive colon cancer surgery available in Mumbai?
A: Yes. In advanced hospitals such as Asian Hospital, minimally invasive surgeries can be performed to remove cancer-causing polyps from the inner lining of the colon.
Q3: Is colon cancer completely curable?
A: Yes, colon cancer can be completely curable if detected early and treated on time. In advanced stages, treatment may not cure the disease but can help control it and improve survival.
