Colon cancer arises from polyps or growths in the colon's inner lining. Screening tests are available to healthcare practitioners to identify precancerous polyps before they develop into malignant tumors.
What is colon cancer?
Colon (colorectal) cancer begins in the colon (large intestine), a lengthy tube that transports digested food to the rectum and out of the body.
Colon cancer arises from polyps or growths in the colon's inner lining. Screening tests are available to healthcare practitioners to identify precancerous polyps before they develop into malignant tumors. Colon cancer that is not discovered or treated might spread to other parts of your body. Fewer individuals die from colon cancer as a result of screening tests, early treatment, and innovative types of treatment.
How does this disorder impact people?
Your colon wall is composed of layers of mucous membrane, tissue, and muscle. Colon cancer begins in the mucosa, the innermost lining of your colon. It consists of cells that produce and secrete mucus and other fluids. If these cells mutate or change, they can form a colon polyp.
Colon polyps have the potential to develop into cancer over time. (It typically takes 10 years for cancer to develop in a colon polyp.) If left undiscovered and/or untreated, cancer spreads through a layer of tissue, muscle, and the outer layer of your colon. Colon cancer can potentially spread to other regions of the body through lymph nodes or blood vessels.
Symptoms & Causes
What are the symptoms of colon cancer?
You can have colon cancer without any symptoms. If you experience symptoms, you may be unsure whether they indicate colon cancer. That's because some colon cancer symptoms resemble those of less serious illnesses. Common signs of colon cancer include:
Blood on or in your stool (poop): Consult a healthcare practitioner if you observe blood in the toilet after pooping or wiping, or if your feces appears dark or bright red. It's crucial to realize that having blood in your stool does not always indicate that you have colon cancer. Other factors, including hemorrhoids, anal tears, and consuming beets, may affect the look of your stool. However, it's always advisable to consult with your medical expert in case you notice blood in or on your stool.
Changes in your bowel habits (how you poop): Consult a healthcare physician if you have prolonged constipation and/or diarrhea, or if you feel the urge to defecate after using the restroom.
Abdominal (belly) discomfort: Seek medical attention if you experience stomach pain that does not go away or hurts a lot. Many factors can cause belly pain, but it's always a good idea to consult a doctor if you're experiencing unusual or regular stomach discomfort.
Bloated stomach: Many causes, including tummy pain, might cause you to feel bloated. Consult a doctor if your bloated stomach lasts more than a week, worsens, or you have additional symptoms such as vomiting or blood in or on your stool
Unexplained weight loss: This is a notable decrease in body weight while you are not attempting to reduce weight
Vomiting: Consult a healthcare practitioner if you've been vomiting for no apparent reason or if you vomit a lot in 24 hours.
Fatigue and shortness of breath: These are signs of anemia and it could be an indicator of colon cancer.
What causes colorectal cancer?
Colon cancer, like all other forms of cancer, results from uncontrolled cell growth and division. Every cell in your body is continually growing, dividing, and dying. That is how your body keeps healthy and functions properly. Colon cancer occurs when the cells that line your colon and rectum continue to grow and divide even after they die. These malignant cells might have developed from polyps in your colon.
Medical experts aren't clear why some people acquire precancerous colon polyps that turn into Colon Cancer. They understand that some risk factors enhance the likelihood of acquiring precancerous polyps and colon cancer
How are colon cancer diagnoses made by medical professionals?
Several tests are used by medical professionals to identify colon cancer. Among these tests are:
Complete blood count (CBC)
Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) assay: CEA is released into the bloodstream by both normal and cancerous cells. High levels of CEA could indicate colon cancer
Radiography
CT scan, or computed tomography
A scan using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Scanning with positron emission tomography (PET)
Ultrasound.
Biopsy
What's the difference between a screening test and a test for colon cancer?
When there are no visible indications or symptoms of cancer, a cancer screening test is performed to check for the disease. If your screening test results are abnormal, your doctor may request additional tests.
What screening tests are commonly used for colon cancer?
The most popular test for colon cancer screening is a colonoscopy. Additional testing consists of:
The fecal immunochemical test (FIT): This test looks for blood clots in your stool. Samples of your feces are tested by medical pathologists for blood that may be invisible to the naked eye
Guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (GFOBT): This test searches for blood in feces that may be invisible, much like the FIT.
Fecal DNA Test: This test examines your feces for indications of blood products and genetic alterations.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy: To examine your lower colon and rectum, medical professionals use a flexible scope known as a sigmoidoscope.
Virtual colonoscopy: A virtual colonoscopy is an X-ray that examines your colon and rectum to check for polyps, tumors, and ulcers (sores).
Colon Cancer Stages
Staging directs treatment choices and aids in determining the degree of cancer. The TNM method is commonly used to stage colon cancer.
Stage 0: The cancer is still in its early stages and has not spread to the colon's inner layer.
Stage I: The cancer has not yet moved outside of the colon, but it has developed into the next layer.
Stage II: The cancer has penetrated the colon's wall but hasn't reached any neighboring lymph nodes.
Stage III: Although it hasn't reached other bodily parts, the cancer has expanded to neighboring lymph nodes.
Stage IV: The cancer has progressed to the liver or lungs, among other organs.
Conclusion
Colon cancer is a dangerous but manageable condition, particularly if diagnosed early. Understanding the symptoms, risk factors, and available treatment choices may help people take proactive efforts to manage their health. Regular screenings and good lifestyle choices are critical in avoiding colon cancer and increasing survival rates for individuals who have been diagnosed.
