what is colon cance | What is colon cancer? | What are the symptoms of colon cancer?

What is colon cancer? | What are the symptoms of colon cancer?








things-the-cancer-of-colon Colon cancer is one of the most widespread cancers in the world, especially in developed countries. Colon cancer and rectal cancer are ranked third in men and fourth in women in terms of frequency, respectively. But this percentage changes depending on the areas. It is common in Western countries but rarely occurs in Asia and Africa. Research has shown that there is a greater incidence of this disease in places where Western eating habits have been adopted. In fact, it has been found that in the indigenous populations that have converted their diets into Western ones there has been an increase in the incidence of colon cancer.

There is no specific cause that causes cancer. It can be said that roughly every case of colon cancer appears initially with the appearance of non-cancerous (benign) polyps in the colon which then slowly turn into pathology. Approximately one hundred people are diagnosed with colon cancer every day, and this is what makes it one of the biggest health problems.

Colon cancer and its symptoms may remain latent for many years and in most cases the progress of the disease is very slow. In this article I would like to give useful information and also instructions and advice on how to avoid this disease and how to diagnose it in advance.

WHAT IS THE CANCER OF THE COLON?
The colon is that part of the digestive tract where the body stores undigested materials, waste. The colon ends in the rectum. Together they form a long tube. Benign tumors appear within this tube; these outgrowth-shaped growths are called polyps. They are not dangerous if they are removed in time. Polyps, being benign, can not affect other organs and tissues. They also do not spread to other parts of the body. Polyps in the colon or rectum are readily diagnosed during a gastroenterological endoscopy, an examination called a colonoscopy. Once diagnosed they are immediately removed surgically and no longer pose a health hazard. However, if the benign polyps in the colon are not removed in time, they can degenerate and turn into colon cancer. It is well known that in most cases colon cancer and rectal cancer originate and develop from untreated polyps that have not been removed.

Over time these polyps can turn into malignant tumors. These tumors develop rapidly and can attack other organs or tissues, even affecting areas not close to the colon. Here they form new strains of cancer, the so-called metastases; for example in the liver or in the lungs. Unfortunately, in 80% of cases colon cancer or rectal cancer are diagnosed late and at this stage of the disease the treatment is very complex and risky. Complete recovery is almost unlikely and often degenerates causing premature death.

The term "colon cancer" is often used to refer to colon cancer and rectal cancer. It is also known as colon carcinoma / malignant colon cancer or colon cancer.

WHO IS AT RISK?
NeeThere is no single specific cause that causes cancer. However, you may be at greater risk in these cases:

subjects over 60 years old;
subjects that abuse red meat, many fats and adopt a diet poor in fresh vegetables and fibers;
subjects who have already suffered from cancerous diseases such as breast or prostate cancer;
subjects who have polyps in the colon;
subjects who are familiar with colon cancer;
subjects suffering from inflammatory bowel disease (Crhon's disease, ulcerative colitis).
There are also some genetic syndromes that increase the chances of having cancer, as often as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and Lynch syndrome.
One of the major risk factors, however, continues to be the wrong feed; but from this point of view we can play an active role and change this factor.

The proof is that in any country Western eating habits have been adopted, the incidence of cancer has increased.

Another important factor is fat and obesity, which are often associated with diabetes, and strongly compromise the health of the colon.
Drinking alcohol and smoking are also additional risk factors. Furthermore, age plays an important role in this regard.

It has been found that 90% of people diagnosed with colon cancer are over fifty years old. If you belong to one of these risk categories you need to carry out checks and do not wait for the symptoms to occur.

THE CANCER OF THE COLON AND ITS SYMPTOMS
In many cases of colon cancer there are no symptoms. However, the following signs may indicate the presence of the disease:

blood in the stool;
stomach ache and sensitivity in the lower part of the abdomen;
vomiting, diarrhea, constipation or other changes in intestinal function;
filiform and thin stools;
unexplained weight loss;
painful cramps;
anemia;
asthenia, excessive fatigue;
When the tumor bleeds, blood appears in the stool. The color of the blood depends on the location of the tumor. If this is in the final part of the large intestine or in the rectum, the blood is light red in color and should be easily visible. But if the tumor is located in the upper part of the colon, in its initial point, the dried blood before leaving the body thus becoming invisible to the naked eye.

Rectal cancer can cause very thin stools or constipation and obstructs faeces. In some cases the tumor can get to completely block the colon. In these cases nothing passes more from the intestine and this can cause dangerous and painful cramps. In severe cases this may indicate that the intestinal wall has been perforated and requires immediate medical examination.

If you have noticed an unexplained weight loss this may mean that due to a tumor there have been changes in the metabolism in the body. A bleeding tumor, if not diagnosed, can precipitate and carry other consequences.
Continuous and long-lasting blood losses lower the iron level causing anemia and an insufficient amount of oxygen. This manifests with weakness and frequently with excessive fatigue.

COLON CANCER AND GRAVITY STAGES.
Accurate screening can diagnose colon cancer even before symptoms occur or develop. If you belong to one of the groups of subjects at risk you should immediately consult a doctor and perform the necessary examinations. Based on gravity, colon cancer is divided into five stages (0, I, II, III, and IV):

Stage 0: it is the initial phase, the cancer is on the surface of the internal part of the intestinal wall;
Stage I: cancer has spread on the inner layer of the intestinal wall;
Stage II: cancer has spread further into the muscular tissue of the intestinal wall;
Stage III: cancer has spread to the lymph nodes;
Stage IV: cancer has spread to other organs; metastases are formed.
The situation becomes very serious when colon cancer is not diagnosed in time and spreads to other organs and forms metastases.

It is important to be clear that colon cancer is treatable today. However this is only possible in those cases in which the tumor removed is at the earliest stages (stage 0, I at most II); that is, when it is found only in the colon. If it spreads in adjacent areas, the colon operation is no longer sufficient. Thereafter the chemotherapy that usually accompanies numerous unpleasant side effects becomes necessary. This can last for a long time (usually at least 6 months) and the patient has to face many obstacles. Even when treatment is successfully terminated it is necessary to undergo regular check-ups.

EXAMINATION OF THE FECES
This is one of the fundamental screening tests to diagnose cancer. It is an examination of occult blood in the stool, which detects small amounts of blood in the stool; blood is invisible to the naked eye but may indicate colon cancer. However this test is often negative, even if colon cancer is present. For this reason it is important to undergo further examination such as colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. It is important to know that sigmoiodoscopy can only diagnose cancer of the rectum. Only colonoscopy shows the entire colon, including the rectum and for this reason it is the best test to ascertain the precise stage of cancer development.

It is also important to note that a positive occult blood test does not necessarily mean that we are in the presence of cancer. Blood in the stool may also occur for heartburn or duodenal ulcer, as can be a symptom of ulcerative colitis or inflammation of the sacs-diverticulitis (for more information see "Faeces indicate the condition of the digestive system").

colonoscopy
This test is an important preventive tool because it allows the doctor to observe and detect changes in the mucosa of the intestine and rectum. Colonoscopy is essential for the diagnosis of serious diseases of the intestinal tract such as blood, polyps, intestinal outgrowths / sacs-diverticula and muscle cramps. Furthermore, not only can early colon and rectal cancer symptoms be detected by colonoscopy, but surgery can also be performed in cases where surgery was previously required. If necessary the doctor takes a sample of mucosa (biopsy) which is then analyzed. This can detect the presence of adenomatous polyps, small benign nodules that contain transformed or modified atypical cells, which may be at the origin of malignant tumors. Experience shows that depending on the location and the fact that they were previously removed, more than 80% of these polyps are transformed into colon cancer or rectal cancer. It's just a matter of time, sometimes 10 to 15 years. It also depends on the size of the polyp, on their histological structure and on the level of cellular changes.

For this reason, after 50 years of age everyone should perform a colonoscopy.
However, apart from age and other risk factors, a colonoscopy should be required absolutely in the following cases:

on a preventive level, for example people who have a high level of risk;
in the presence of blood in the stool;
in the presence of sudden changes in the type of stool, e.g. alternation of constipation and diarrhea;
in cases of anemia accompanied by a strong weight loss;
in cases of stomach pain.
PREVENTION
Colon cancer and rectal cancer are insidious because each of them could develop over the course of many years without giving any particular problems. For this reason each of us should take responsibility for our own health.
A wise person will consider regular prevention check-ups as a normal habit in everyday life, and this should be especially important for:
people over 50 years of age;
people with any of the risk factors (family history of colon cancer, colon polyps, incorrect diet with too much fat and few fibers, obesity, smoking, inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, diabetes).
By following these tips, you will protect your colon and keep it fit. Do not forget the value of prevention, since colon cancer and even rectal cancer can be treated successfully if they are diagnosed in time!