Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide.

According to the American Cancer Society, about 147,950 new cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2020, and around 53,200 people will die from the disease.

Orthocolic cancer, which is cancer of the right side of the colon, is a particularly deadly form of colorectal cancer.

In this article, we’ll explain the causes and symptoms of orthocolic cancer, as well as its impact on the body and treatment options.

What is Orthocolic Cancer?

Orthocolic cancer is cancer that develops on the right side of the colon, which connects the small intestine to the rectum. The colon is responsible for absorbing water and electrolytes from fecal matter, preparing it for elimination from the body.

The right side of the colon is also known as the ascending colon. It runs upward from the cecum, which is the first part of the colon, to the hepatic flexure, which is the bend in the colon near the liver.

Orthocolic cancer usually develops at or near the hepatic flexure.

Causes and Risk Factors of Orthocolic Cancer

Like other forms of cancer, orthocolic cancer develops when cells in the colon mutate and grow uncontrollably.

The exact cause of these mutations is still unknown, although several factors that increase the risk of orthocolic cancer have been identified. These include:.

Age – Orthocolic cancer is most common in people over the age of 50.
Family history – People with a family history of colorectal cancer or genetic disorders such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) are at an increased risk.
Personal history – People who have had colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps in the past are at an increased risk.
Diet – A diet high in red meat and processed foods, and low in fruits and vegetables, may increase the risk of orthocolic cancer.
Obesity – Being overweight or obese may increase the risk of orthocolic cancer.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) – Chronic inflammation of the colon, such as that seen in ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, may increase the risk of orthocolic cancer.

Symptoms of Orthocolic Cancer

Early-stage orthocolic cancer may not cause any symptoms. As the cancer grows, it may cause the following symptoms:.

Abdominal pain or discomfort
Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrow stools
Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
Anemia or fatigue
Unexplained weight loss

Impact of Orthocolic Cancer

Orthocolic cancer can have a significant impact on the body. If left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body, such as the liver or lungs, through the lymphatic system or bloodstream.

This can cause further complications and significantly reduce the chances of survival.

Orthocolic cancer can also affect the digestive system, causing blockages in the colon or rectum. This can lead to discomfort, pain, and other digestive issues such as nausea and vomiting.

Treatment Options

Treatment options for orthocolic cancer depend on the stage of the cancer, the age and overall health of the patient, and other factors such as the presence of other medical conditions or previous cancer treatments. Options may include:.

Surgery – Surgical removal of the cancerous tissue is the most common treatment for orthocolic cancer. Depending on the size and location of the cancer, a partial or full colectomy may be necessary.
Chemotherapy – Chemotherapy may be used before or after surgery to kill cancer cells or prevent the cancer from returning. It may also be used to control the growth of cancer cells if surgery is not an option.
Targeted therapy – Targeted therapy uses drugs that specifically target cancer cells, usually by blocking the proteins that allow them to grow and divide.
Radiation therapy – Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. It may be used in combination with surgery or chemotherapy, or as a standalone treatment.