Overview
Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is a malignant growth that begins in the colon, the first and longest part of the large intestine. The large intestine plays a crucial role in the digestive system, breaking down food for the body to use. Colon cancer typically affects older adults but can occur at any age. It usually starts as small, benign clumps of cells called polyps. While most polyps are harmless, some can develop into colon cancer over time.
Types of Colon Cancer
- Adenocarcinomas make up about 96% of colon cancers. These cancers start in cells that make mucus to lubricate the inside of the colon and rectum.
- Carcinoid tumors start in specialized hormone-producing cells in the intestine.
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) start in specialized cells in the wall of the colon called the interstitial cells of Cajal. Some are non-cancerous (benign); others are cancerous.
- Lymphomas are cancers of immune system cells that typically start in lymph nodes, but they can also start in the colon, rectum, or other organs.
- Sarcomas can start in blood vessels, muscle layers, or other connective tissues in the wall of the colon and rectum. Sarcomas of the colon or rectum are rare.
Causes of Colon Cancer
Colon cancer occurs when healthy cells in the colon develop errors in their genetic blueprint, the DNA. These are some causes:
- Polyps: Colon cancer often derives from precancerous polyps that exist in the large intestine.
- Gene mutations: Mutations can spur cells to continue dividing even when new cells aren’t needed. As the cells accumulate, they form a tumor.
Risk Factors of Colon Cancer
Several factors may increase your risk of developing colon cancer, including:
- Older age: The majority of people diagnosed with colon cancer are older than 50.
- African-American race: African-Americans have a greater risk of colon cancer than people of other races.
- A personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps: If you’ve already had colon cancer or noncancerous colon polyps, you have a greater risk of colon cancer in the future.
Symptoms of Colon Cancer
Colon cancer symptoms may include:1. A persistent change in your bowel habits: This could include diarrhea or constipation, or a change in the consistency of your stool. If you notice that your bowel habits have changed for more than a few days, it’s important to consult your doctor.
2. Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool: This is often one of the first visible signs of colon cancer. The blood can make your stool look dark-colored or black. Sometimes, the blood can be bright red. However, it’s also possible to have colon cancer and not see any blood in your stool.
3. Persistent abdominal discomfort: Symptoms can include cramps, gas, or pain. The discomfort often comes and goes, and it can be easy to dismiss it as a minor stomach upset. However, if the discomfort lasts for more than a week, it’s a good idea to see your doctor.
4. Feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely: If you have the sensation that your bowel isn’t emptying completely after a bowel movement, it could be a sign of colon cancer.
5. Weakness or fatigue: This can be a symptom of colon cancer due to blood loss from the cancer bleeding into the digestive tract.
6. Unexplained Weight Loss: Losing weight without trying can be a symptom of many types of cancer, including colon cancer.
7. Iron deficiency anemia: This type of anemia, which is characterized by a lack of healthy red blood cells, can be a symptom of colon cancer.
8. Jaundice: This is a yellowing of the skin and eyes that occurs when substances produced by the liver enter the bloodstream. It can be a sign of colon cancer if the cancer has spread to the liver.
Preventions of Colon Cancer
Preventive measures include:
- Regular screening tests: Regular screening tests for colon cancer are the most reliable way to catch the disease in its early stages.
- Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains: These foods contain vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, which may play a role in cancer prevention.
Diagnosis of Colon Cancer
Diagnosis and evaluation methods include:
- Colonoscopy: This test allows your doctor to view your entire colon and rectum. If any suspicious areas are found, your doctor can pass surgical tools through the tube to take tissue samples (biopsies) for analysis and remove polyps.
- Blood tests: No blood test can tell you if you have colon cancer. But your doctor may test your blood for clues about your overall health, such as kidney and liver function tests.
Treatment for Colon Cancer
Treatment and management strategies include:
- Surgery for early-stage colon cancer: If your colon cancer is very small, your doctor may recommend a minimally invasive approach to surgery, such as removing polyps during a colonoscopy.
- Surgery for invasive colon cancer: If your colon cancer has grown into or through your colon, your surgeon may recommend partial colectomy to remove the part of your colon that contains the cancer.
When to seek medical attention ?
If you notice any symptoms of colon cancer, such as a persistent change in bowel habits, blood in your stool, persistent abdominal discomfort, unexplained weight loss, or fatigue, you should consult your doctor.