Dictionary

colostomy, transverse A colostomy in which the exterior opening (stoma) is located on the upper abdomen.

colostomy, iliac A colostomy in which the exterior opening (stoma) is located on the lower-left side of the abdomen.

colostomy An artificial exit from the colon created to divert waste through a hole in the colon and through the wall of the abdomen. A colostomy is commonly performed by severing the colon and then attaching the end leading to the stomach to the skin, through the wall of the abdomen. At the exterior opening…

colorectal cancer See cancer, colon.

colorectal Related to the colon and/or rectum.

colorblindness The inability to perceive colors in a normal fashion. The most common forms of colorblindness are inherited as sex-linked (Xlinked) recessive traits. Females are carriers and males are affected. As a result, approximately 1 in 8 males is colorblind, compared to fewer than 1 in 100 females. The most common form of colorblindness is…

colony-stimulating factor A laboratory-made agent that is similar to substances in the body that stimulate the production of blood cells. Abbreviated CSF. Treatment with CSF can help blood-forming tissue recover from the effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

colonoscopy A procedure whereby a physician inserts a viewing tube (colonoscope) into the rectum for the purpose of inspecting the colon. During colonoscopy, polyps can be removed, bleeding can be cauterized, and a biopsy can be performed if abnormal areas of the colon are seen.

colonoscope A flexible, lighted instrument used to view the inside of the colon.

colonic irrigation See irrigation of the colon.

colon polyp A benign tumor of the large intestine. Benign polyps do not invade nearby tissue or spread to other parts of the body. Benign polyps can easily be removed during colonoscopy and are not life threatening. If benign polyps are not removed from the large intestine, they can become malignant (cancerous) over time. Most…

colon cancer prevention Measures taken to prevent the formation of colon cancer. Colorectal cancer can run in families. The risk of colon cancer is increased for a person whose immediate family member (parent, sibling, or child) had colorectal cancer. It is increased further for a person who has had more than one such relative with…