Colon cancer is a gastrointestinal cancer that forms in the tissues of the colon—the longest part of the large intestine. Colon cancer, also called colorectal cancer, often begins as a small polyp, which is a benign (non-cancerous) mass of cells that grows along the lining of the colon. These polyps can progress over time and invade the wall of the bowel. Polyps are not always cancerous, but they can sometimes change and turn into cancer.

Colon cancer is treated by a doctor who specializes in disorders of the colon. This can be a colorectal surgeon, a gastroenterologist, an oncologist, or a radiation oncologist. Penn Medicine Colorectal Cancer Care specialists are nationally and internationally renowned colorectal surgical experts whose primary focus is to preserve function and quality of life while removing the cancer.

Types of colon cancer

When polyps become cancerous, the majority are a type called adenocarcinomas. They begin in cells that line the inside walls of the colon.

In addition to adenocarcinomas, our experts treat routine and rare colon cancer types, including:

• Carcinoid tumors: These are masses that develop in hormone-producing cells of the intestine.
• Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST): These are a rare type of sarcoma (soft tissue tumor) that can occur in connective tissue anywhere along the digestive tract, including inside the colon. Our specialists have extensive experience treating this rare cancer.
• Lymphomas: These usually start growing in the body's lymph nodes (glands), but less commonly, they begin growing in the colon.
• Metastatic colon cancer: This occurs when colon cancer spreads to other organs, such as the liver. It is also called stage IV colon cancer.

Recognizing colon cancer symptoms

Everyone experiences colon cancer symptoms differently. Symptoms often depend on where in the intestine a tumor grows, and its size. You may have no symptoms at all. In fact, it's common to experience no signs of early colon cancer.

Some people with colon cancer experience:

• Sudden change in the look of your stool (harder or looser than usual)
• Dark, black, or bloody stools
• Stool that appears narrower in shape
• A persistent feeling that your bowel never fully empties
• Abdominal pain or bloating that doesn't go away
• Unexplained weight loss

Screening for colon cancer

Regular colon cancer screening, such as colonoscopy, helps doctors find suspicious cells before they turn into cancer. Most people should have a colonoscopy starting at age 45, or earlier if you have symptoms, family history or colorectal cancer, or are advised by a doctor.

Colon cancer diagnosis and testing

An accurate colon cancer diagnosis is the initial step in treating colorectal cancer. Penn Medicine gives patients access to state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and testing to accurately diagnose colon cancer. Fast and accurate diagnosis of colon cancer is crucial for effective treatment. Our team of expert pathologists uses the latest techniques to get you the answers you need quickly.

Treating colon cancer

When discovered early, colon cancer is highly treatable. Up to 90 percent of patients whose colorectal cancer is diagnosed and treated in the early stages can be cured.

Surgery is usually the first treatment option for colon cancer. Your Penn Medicine care team may recommend other treatments, like radiation therapy and chemotherapy. The type of treatment depends on the stage of the cancer and its location in the colon.

Understanding colon cancer risk factors

There are several factors that may increase your risk for colon cancer, including being over 50, having a personal or family history of colon cancer or polyps, and lifestyle factors like a poor diet, being overweight or obese, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking.

The best way to prevent colon cancer or successfully treat it is to catch it early. Colorectal cancer almost always develops from precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon or rectum. Screening tests such as a colonoscopy can find precancerous polyps, so they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screenings may also find colorectal cancer early, when treatment works best.

Why choose Penn Medicine for colon cancer care?

We offer a full array of the most advanced screening, diagnostic, treatment, and surveillance services. Our team is committed to our patients. We stay in close contact with you during your treatment and ensure you can reach us at any time through our easy-to-navigate patient portal, MyChart by myPennMedicine.

When you receive care at Penn Medicine, you can also expect:

• Colon cancer surgical expertise: Our team includes accomplished colorectal surgeons and other specialists who have intensive fellowship training in treating colon cancer. Our surgeons perform sophisticated surgeries to remove cancer cells with minimal impact to your body's natural functions.
• Enhanced treatment options: Our robust research program investigates leading-edge targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and other new treatments. A clinical trial may offer you more choices in your care.
• Precise diagnosis: Experienced gastroenterologists work alongside pathologists, radiologists, and colorectal surgeons to diagnose common and rare forms of colon cancer. We perform specialized tests to determine a cancer's DNA, which helps us customize treatment.
• Team-based care: A multidisciplinary team including surgeons and medical oncologists talk often about your test results and the best way to approach your treatment. Having different specialists working at the same location also helps us streamline your care, making it easier for you to get timely answers and prompt treatment.
• Wide-ranging support: Our oncology nurse navigators help schedule appointments and guide you to resources so you can focus on getting well.