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Colon cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer prevalent in the world. As the name suggests, this form of cancer begins in the colon, the final part of the digestive tract. Often affecting elder people, colorectal cancer can also sometimes affect younger individuals due to interference of various risk factors. Colon cancer is the third most common form of cancer in the United States and is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. In 2021, the American Cancer Society (ACS) predicts that almost 0.1 million people will be diagnosed with colon cancer this year.
Colon Cancer normally starts in the large intestine and spreads across the colon. The colon is the last section of the digestive system. Cancer normally starts as tiny, noncancerous clumps of cells that grow on the inside of the colon. Any of these polyps then develop into colon cancer over time. Because of this reason, doctors usually recommend regular screening so that it can be removed before it turns into cancer. The other name of Colon Cancer is Colorectal Cancer, a concept that integrates colon cancer with rectal cancer, starting in the rectum.
There are five stages of colon cancer. The doctor needs to know what type of cancer one has to devise the right recovery strategy for the patient and estimate the patient’s long-term prognosis. The 0 stage is the earliest cancer and stage 4 is the most advanced one.
Stage 0 is also known as carcinoma in situ since irregular cells are only seen in the inner lining of the colon or rectum at this point.
Cancer moves into the mucosa lining of the colon and reaches the muscle layer. In this stage, it does not spread to other parts of the body or the lymph nodes of the immediate area.
At this stage, colon cancer spreads to the colon walls, but the lymph node does not get affected.
Cancer spreads to the lymph nodes, but it does affect any organs.
In this stage, cancer has spread to the other parts of the organs.
There are a few symptoms and signs of colon cancer. But in the early stages of the disease, some people do not even develop any symptoms. The symptoms include:
The symptoms in the third and fourth stages are visible. One can also feel the following symptoms in addition to the ones mentioned above:
If the colon cancer spreads to other areas of the body, one can develop the following symptoms:
The following factors can increase your risk of colon cancer.
The aim of the doctor is always to kill cancer and prevent its spread. Well, the type and stage of colon cancer usually determine the treatment. While looking at the right care choice, a specialist may also look at the patient's age, general health status, and other reasons. There is no particular cure for cancer. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are the most effective treatments for colon cancer.
Chemotherapy is where medications are used to destroy cancer cells. It's used to kill any remaining cancerous cells in people with colorectal cancer. It also slows the progression of tumors.
Radiation targets and destroys cancerous cells using an intense pulse of radiation equivalent to that seen in X-rays. Radiation therapy is usually done with chemotherapy. Radiation therapies for colon cancer are generally not provided in the later stages of the disease. If early-stage rectal cancer has breached the rectum's wall or spread to surrounding lymph nodes, doctors might use radiation then.
If one has colon cancer, there are big changes that one may have surgery as a part of their treatment. The surgeons eliminate cancerous polyps by surgery in the early stages of colorectal cancer. Colon Cancer treatment is likely to be good if the polyp hasn’t been attached to the wall of the bowels. If cancer has spread through the bowel walls, the surgeon may need to remove a part of the colon or rectum and any nearby lymph nodes. The surgeon will reattach the remaining healthy part of the colon to the rectum if at all necessary.
If this does not work, the surgeon performs a colostomy. If colon cancer has affected the part of the colon to the point that it can no longer flush out fluids, a colostomy may be necessary. In this case, the large intestines are connected with an opening in the abdomen done by the surgeon, which is called a stoma. The large intestine empties the waste to the outside through the stoma into an externally attached collection bag, called an ostomy pouch. Most colostomies are not permanent. Whether permanent or not, some people overcome this new life but some not.
Living with colostomy is not very different than living a normal life before the surgery. One can still travel, eat, and enjoy their life like others. All you need to understand about ostomy products for colostomy and then you are ready to go.
Since everybody is different, the choices for ostomy bags would also differ. As a result, there are a variety of features and options available for an ostomy bag. Choosing the right one would allow the person to remain relaxed while still meeting the lifestyle requirements. There are various types of ostomy bags.
The ostomy pouch and skin barrier are permanently joined together in a one-piece ostomy pouch. The pouch removes feces or urine, while the skin barrier protects the skin and secures the bag around the stoma.
In a two-piece ostomy device, the ostomy pouch and skin barrier, or wafer, are two different and distinct elements. It allows the user to change the pouch while the skin barrier remains attached to the skin.
The pouch is also called a reusable pouch as it allows one to empty the contents of your pouch.
It works for those who have a very tight schedule. It can be used just once and then needs to be thrown.
In pre-cut, one does not need to cut as it already comes with a hole. So it is ready to go ostomy bag.
In cut to fit, the barrier has to be cut as per the stoma’s choice.
Convex ostomy skin barriers manage flush stomas, creases, telescoping stomas, and adapt to surgical scars and skin wrinkles.
Liquid adhesives are most often used in Two-Piece Ostomy Pouches, where the ostomy wafer adheres to the liquid adhesive to create a seal to the skin around the stoma.
Ostomy Paste is used to fill in rough skin texture and provide an even surface for attaching ostomy equipment, covering the underlying skin and allowing for longer wear times. Irritation and pouch leakage are also reduced with ostomy paste.
Adhesive tape discs have adhesive on both sides and can be used to attach common pouches and organize round ostomy things to the body.
People who use Ostomy pouches may require adhesive removers as it removes the skin residue. They are skin-friendly and easily removes the skin barrier very gently. It can come in many forms like wipes, cream, and sprays.
Often people with ostomy bags get worried about odor problems as it loses their confidence. Hence there are many odor eliminators available, including liquid deodorants, gels, tablets, and powders.
These odor-eliminating scentless drops added right after removing the ostomy pouch. It is also recommended to add few drops while changing the ostomy pouches.
It can be simply used like room fresheners. All one needs to do is spray the deodorizer before and after changing the ostomy pouch.
Few accessories are needed while using the ostomy pouches.
To build a flatter surface, Barrier rings can be used to fill in irregular skin contours near the stoma. Its seals and help keep ostomy drainage from getting over the ostomy barrier. To maximize the fit of a pouching device, it can be bent, sliced, or piled together.
It is the best way to keep all the ostomy products in one place, so nobody has to rush to find the products from different places. Just pick the bag, and one is ready to go. It not only keeps the things secure and covered but also styles with your look.
It can be put on the stoma when it is not draining. It is used for people who regulate their colostomy discharge with irrigation.
Barrier Discs act as a second skin, forming a tight seal and providing skin protection.
Pouch closures help in sealing the ends and eliminate the need for a clip.
At HPFY, we have an extensive range of the best colostomy products that offer complete coverage and safety at all times. Choose from the best ostomy supplies at amazing prices from top manufacturers and brands.
Disclaimer: All content found on our website, including images, videos, infographics and text were created solely for informational purposes. Our content should never be used for the purpose of diagnosis or treatment of any medical conditions. Content shared on our websites is not meant to be used as a substitute for advice from a certified medical professional. Reliance on the information provided on our website as a basis for patient treatment is solely at your own risk. We urge all our customers to always consult a physician or a certified medical professional before trying or using a new medical product.
HPFY Staff Writers are product experts with years of experience in medical supplies and equipment retail. They specialize in understanding the typical usage of our products, the differentiation between brands and have insights on product popularity and features. Each article ...
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