Best Doctors for Intestinal Cancer in Hyderabad for Advanced Intestinal Cancer Treatment

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Intestinal Cancer

What is intestinal cancer?

Intestinal cancer refers to the abnormal growth of cells in the small or large intestine that can form tumours. These tumours can interfere with digestion and poorly absorb nutrients. Small intestinal cancers are rare, while colon (large intestine) cancers are more common. Over time, these cancers can spread to other body parts. Regular screening and early treatment significantly improve the chances of recovery and reduce complications. For proper guidance, consult an intestinal cancer specialist.

What is the difference between small and large intestinal cancer?

Small intestinal cancer begins in the upper part of the intestine and is quite rare. It usually causes vague symptoms like pain or nausea. In contrast, large intestinal cancer, commonly called colon or colorectal cancer, is more common and often causes bleeding, changes in bowel habits, or weight loss. The large intestine also has more exposure to waste material, which may increase cancer risk over time due to more prolonged contact with harmful substances. For further advice, consult doctors for intestinal cancer.

What are the stages of intestinal cancer?

Intestinal cancer is divided into four main stages:

Stage 1: Cancer is in the inner lining of the intestine.

Stage 2: It has grown into the outer layers but has not reached the lymph nodes.

Stage 3: Cancer has spread to adjacent lymph nodes.

Stage 4: It has spread to distant organs like the liver or lungs.

Early stages have better outcomes, which is why early detection is crucial. For stage-based care, consult an intestinal cancer doctors.

How is intestinal cancer diagnosed?

Intestinal cancer diagnosis involves a physical exam and evaluating symptoms. Blood tests may assess anaemia or other markers. Imaging tests like CT scans or MRI help visualise tumours. Colonoscopy or endoscopy allows doctors to directly view the intestine and take tissue samples (biopsy) for microscopic examination to confirm cancer. Precise diagnosis helps guide treatment decisions. For expert care, consult an intestinal cancer doctors in Hyderabad, India.

What is the treatment for intestinal cancer?

Treatment depends on the tumour’s location, size, and stage. Common options include surgery to remove cancer, chemotherapy to destroy cancer cells, and radiation therapy to shrink tumours. In advanced cases, newer treatments like targeted therapy may be used. The plan is tailored based on how far the cancer has spread and the patient’s overall health. Many early-stage cancers are successfully treated with surgery alone. For advanced therapies, patients often rely on the top intestinal cancer specialists at PACE Hospitals in Hyderabad, India.

What are the risk factors for intestinal cancer?

Risk factors include age over 50, family history of colorectal cancer, a diet high in red or processed meats, low physical activity, obesity, smoking, and heavy alcohol use. Chronic diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBS) also increase the chance of developing cancer. People with certain inherited conditions are at higher risk. While not all causes are preventable, healthy lifestyle choices can lower overall risk. For assessment, meet doctors for intestinal cancer.

Is intestinal cancer hereditary?

Intestinal cancer can be hereditary in some cases. Genetic conditions like familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and Lynch syndrome increase inherited risk. A family history of colon or intestinal cancer also raises the likelihood. Genetic counselling and testing may be indicated for those with strong family histories to assess hereditary risk and guide screening. For proper evaluation, consult an expert intestinal cancer specialist in Hyderabad, India.

What are the complications of intestinal cancer?

Complications of intestinal cancer include bowel obstruction, which means the intestine is blocked. This can lead to severe pain, nausea, and vomiting. Tumour bleeding may cause anaemia, resulting in weakness and fatigue. Perforation, or a hole in the intestine, can allow contents to escape into the abdomen, leading to infection. Advanced cancer may spread to other organs, leading to additional complications like jaundice or swelling. Severe complications may require care from intestinal cancer surgeons.

How to prevent intestinal cancer?

Preventing intestinal cancer involves making healthy lifestyle choices. A diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, with limited red and processed meats, can reduce risk. Regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are also important. For some people with a family history or certain genetic risks, regular screening tests can help find problems early. For prevention advice, consult an experienced intestinal cancer doctor.

Can intestinal cancer cause weight loss?

Yes, unexplained weight loss is a common sign of intestinal cancer. As the tumour grows, it can impair nutrient absorption and cause pain, nausea, or lack of appetite. The body also requires more energy to fight cancer, which might result in unintentional weight loss. If you notice these symptoms, see an intestinal cancer specialist.

Is intestinal cancer painful?

Intestinal cancer can cause pain, especially in later stages. Early on, it may not be painful or may cause only mild discomfort. As the tumour grows, it may block sections of the intestine or press on nearby organs. This can cause cramps, bloating, or ongoing abdominal pain. Pain may also come from inflammation, infection, or the tumour spreading. For pain-related concerns, consult an intestinal cancer treatment doctors.

How long can you live with intestinal cancer?

Life expectancy depends on the cancer stage at diagnosis. If found early, most people can live many years, and some may be cured. The 5-year survival rate for early-stage colon cancer is over 90%, but it decreases as the cancer spreads. People with advanced disease may live for several years with proper treatment. Survival also depends on age, general health, and how well the cancer responds to therapy. Many patients consult the best intestinal cancer doctors at PACE Hospitals in Hyderabad, India for long-term management.

Does intestinal cancer cause bleeding?

Yes, intestinal cancer can cause bleeding inside the digestive tract. This bleeding is sometimes visible as blood in the stool or black, tarry stools. In other cases, it’s hidden and only found through lab tests. Bleeding can lead to iron deficiency anaemia, which causes fatigue and weakness. If someone experiences recurrent bleeding or changes in bowel habits, they should visit a doctor. For evaluation, consult an intestinal cancer treatment doctor.

How fast does intestinal cancer grow?

The speed at which intestinal cancer grows can vary. Some types, like certain small intestine cancers, may develop slowly over several years, while others, such as aggressive forms of colon cancer, can grow and spread more quickly. Growth rate depends on the type of cancer, its location, and individual health factors. For guidance, discuss with an intestinal cancer specialist.

What are the common types of intestinal cancer?

The most common type of intestinal cancer in the large intestine is adenocarcinoma, which starts in the lining of the colon or rectum. In the small intestine, rare types include carcinoid tumours (slow-growing), lymphomas, gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs), and sarcomas. The type of cancer affects symptoms, treatment, and outcomes. Colon and rectal adenocarcinomas are the most common and are the main focus of routine screening tests worldwide. For more details, consult an experienced intestinal cancer specialists in Hyderabad, India.

Can intestinal cancer spread to other organs?

Yes, intestinal cancer can spread to other organs, especially if not treated early. The most common places it spreads are the liver, lungs, lymph nodes, and lining of the abdomen. This process, known as metastasis, makes treatment difficult and lowers survival rates. Early detection through screening can often identify the cancer before it spreads. Once it has spread, treatment aims to manage symptoms and slow the cancer’s growth. For complete care, consult the best doctors for intestinal cancer in Hyderabad, India.

What age group is most affected by intestinal cancer?

Intestinal cancer, especially colon cancer, most often affects people over the age of 50. However, recent studies show that cases in younger adults under 50 are rising, especially in developed countries. Experts now recommend starting routine colon cancer screening at age 45. Age remains one of the strongest risk factors, though genetics, lifestyle, and other medical conditions can also influence who gets the disease. For age-specific screening advice, consult the best intestinal cancer specialists in Hyderabad, India.

Why choose PACE Hospitals?

Department of Gastroenterology | Oncology