COLON CANCER
The human colon can be described as a tubular muscular organ that extends from the small intestine to the anus. The colon has various functions; it helps in the digestion and absorption of nutrients from food, absorption of fluid and electrolytes thus concentrating fecal matter and also stores and controls evacuation of feces. Colon cancers are adenocarcinomatous tumors that arise from the glands lining the colon’s inner wall. Colon cancer is also referred to as colorectal cancer or large bowel cancer.
This being the fifth most common cancer that occurs in the United States, it’s high time you knew about colon cancer signs and symptoms.
The signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer are similar to other gastrointestinal diseases as well. Depending on the location of the tumor and its extent of spread, colon cancer signs can manifest in local, constitutional and metastatic nature.
LOCAL SYMPTOMS:
Local symptoms are more likely if the tumor is located more closely to the anus. They include the following:
* Change in bowel habits. Constipation or diarrhea not due to any other cause.
* Tenesmus; a feeling of insufficient defecation.
* A reduction in the diameter of stools. (ribbon like stools)
* Increased presence of mucus
* Passage of bright red blood in the stools/ lower gastrointestinal bleeding
* Upper gastrointestinal bleeding leads to passage of black stools with a tarry appearance (melena).
* When the tumor is large, it may tend to cause bowel obstruction. This may be characterized with abdominal pain, constipation, and abdominal distension and vomiting.
* Bowel obstructions sometimes lead to distended bowel perforations causing perforation and leaking of bowel contents in to the pelvis causing peritonitis.
* The cancer may invade other organs and cause blood or air in the urine or vaginal discharge.
CONSTITUTIONAL SYMPTOMS
* Iron deficiency anemia may occur with chronic bleeding. This may be perceived as fatigue, palpitations and pale appearance of the skin/ pallor.
* Weight loss due to decreased appetite.
* Unexplained fever
* Deep vein thrombosis
METASTATIC SYMPTOMS
* Commonly seen to spread to the liver. They may go unnoticed unless jaundice and abdominal pain occur due to the stretching of the capsule.
* Biliary obstruction occurs if the tumor deposits block the bile duct, which also results in pale stools.
Although the above manifestations are common in many other diseases as well, these are also colon cancer signs, thus it is always better to consult your doctor when in doubt.