Colon cancer is a condition that occurs when cancerous cells have invaded the large intestine of the body. This is the section of the digestive tract that is located in the lower area of the abdominal region of the body. In most instances, this type of cancer starts as small clusters of cells that are considered to be benign. Medical professionals refer to these clusters as “Adenomatous Polyps”. As time progresses, the benign cells start to become cancerous. The benign clusters often fail to produce symptoms. However, medical professionals agree that regular screenings for colon cancer may successfully identify these polyps before developing to a point where symptoms are experienced by the sufferer.
Common Symptoms of Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is a condition that rarely produces symptoms in the earliest stages of the disease. By the time that symptoms are noticed by the sufferer, the severity and types will depend heavily on how large the cancer has grown and the specific location within the large intestine. The following represents the most common symptoms experienced by individuals that have developed this digestive disease:
One of the first symptoms that sufferers notice is a change that relates to their bowel movements. For some, diarrhea may be experienced. For others, constipation may become a problem. There are many that may suffer from random bouts of diarrhea and constipation that is highly uncomfortable, and possibly even painful. In addition to this, the general consistency of the stools may start to change.
Many individuals will suffer from discomfort or pain in the abdominal region when they are suffering from colon cancer. The pain may be caused by cramping of the muscles, or gas within the digestive system.
Many may start to experience bleeding from the rectal region of the body. For some, this is quite noticeable. For others, blood is only noticed on the stool.
Physical weakness and high levels of fatigue may be experienced by those with colon cancer.
For many, weight loss may be experienced. In most cases, the loss of weight cannot be explained.
It is not at all uncommon for individuals with this type of cancer to feel as if they have failed to completely clear the bowels when using the restroom.
Causes
While research has been performed on colon cancer, medical professionals are unable to identify a specific cause for the disease. The reason that this is so perplexing is that the condition develops when healthy cells in the digestive tract start to grow and divide in an unhealthy manner. As a result, many of the cells may become cancerous. There are many different types of treatments available for those that are diagnosed with colon cancer.
The most popular treatments include surgery to remove cancerous cells, drug therapy, radiation treatments and chemotherapy. If you are experiencing the symptoms of this type of digestive system cancer, you should consult with a medical professional immediately. Early treatment may prevent the condition from progressing to more advanced stages of colon cancer, which could be potentially life-threatening.
