How to Identify Colon Cancer Symptoms for Biology Exams
Most diseases that exist today showcase characteristic symptoms. Usually, these symptoms are apparent directly , others might not be visible immediately, and a few diseases won't have any noticeable symptoms in the least.
The colon is a component of the large intestine and therefore the final part of the gastrointestinal system . It plays a crucial role in absorbing fluids, salts and other waste products from our body and steel oneself against its elimination.
Colon cancer is additionally mentioned as colorectal cancer mainly affects the large intestine and it always starts with polyps within the walls of the massive intestine varying in their size.
Colon Cancer Explained
According to the records, this cancer is the third commonest explanation for cancer-related death. This can be easily preventable and highly curable if detected within the early stages.
Initially, it will begin as a small clump of cells inside the colon and over time, these clumps tend to become cancerous. There are several treatments that help to regulate carcinoma , like radiation, drug treatment, chemotherapy, surgery, etc.
The exact cause of colorectal cancer is unknown. Some of the causes of colon cancer can be regarded as certain genetic causes, other histories of breast, uterine or ovarian cancer, lifestyle changes, age-related, etc.
Colon Cancer Causes
Colon cancer develops when healthy cells within the colon mutate their DNA structure. These cells still divide and form the tumor. Although there's no specific explanation for carcinoma .
Colon Cancer Symptoms
The symptoms of colon cancer are such that an individual doesn’t experience it in the early stage of the disease. The symptoms likely vary, counting on cancer’s size and their location within the intestine.
The Symptoms include:
Bloating.
Nausea or vomiting.
Lower abdominal pain.
Change in bowel habits.
Loose and narrow stools.
Unexplained weight loss.
Feeling tired all the time.
Irritable bowel syndrome.
Pain during bowel movements.
Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool.
Colon cancer may be a highly curable cancer if it's treated in its beginning stage. If it's left untreated, the cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body, including the bones, liver, and lungs.
There are alternative ways of assigning a stage to cancer. The stages indicate how far a cancer has spread and therefore the size of any tumors.
Stages of Colon Cancer
In colon cancer, the stages develop as follows:
Stage 0:
Also referred to as carcinoma in place , at now , the cancer is during a very early stage. It has not grown farther than the inner layer of the colon and can usually be easy to treat.
Stage 1:
The cancer has grown into the subsequent layer of tissue but has not reached the lymph nodes or the other organs.
Stage 2:
The cancer has touched the outer layers of the colon, but not spread beyond the colon.
Stage 3:
The cancer has grown through the outer layers of the colon, and it has reached one to three lymph nodes. It has not spread to distant sites, however.
Stage 4:
The cancer has touched the other tissues beyond the wall of the colon. As stage 4 progresses, carcinoma reaches distant parts of the body.
Association of Colon Cancer with the Gastrointestinal Tract
The alimentary canal in humans begins at the mouth, continuing through the esophagus, stomach, and therefore the small and enormous intestines. The alimentary canal is about 9 meters long .
There are many supporting organs, such as the liver, which helps by secreting enzymes that are necessary for the digestion of food.
The human alimentary canal are often divided into two halves, namely:
Upper GI tract
Lower GI tract
FAQs on Colon Cancer Symptoms: Early Signs, Causes & Stages
1. What are the most common early warning symptoms of colon cancer?
Many early-stage colon cancers have no symptoms, which is why screening is crucial. When symptoms do appear, they often include:
- A persistent change in bowel habits, such as diarrhoea, constipation, or a change in stool consistency.
- Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool, which may appear bright red or dark.
- Persistent abdominal discomfort, like cramps, gas, or pain.
- A feeling that the bowel does not empty completely.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Weakness or persistent fatigue.
2. Where exactly in the body does colon cancer develop?
Colon cancer develops in the large intestine, which is the final part of the digestive tract. It typically begins as small, noncancerous clumps of cells called adenomatous polyps that form on the inner lining of the colon. Over time, some of these polyps can develop into cancerous tumours. When cancer forms in the final section of the large intestine, it is often called rectal cancer; together, they are referred to as colorectal cancer.
3. How do the symptoms of colon cancer change as the disease progresses?
The symptoms of colon cancer evolve as the tumour grows and spreads:
- Early Stages (Stage I-II): Often asymptomatic. If symptoms are present, they are usually mild, such as slight changes in bowel habits or minimal bleeding that can be easily missed.
- Intermediate Stages (Stage II-III): As the tumour grows larger, it can cause more noticeable symptoms like persistent abdominal pain, visible blood in the stool, significant changes in bowel movements, and unexplained weight loss.
- Advanced Stages (Stage IV): When the cancer metastasises (spreads) to other organs, symptoms can become systemic. This includes severe fatigue from anaemia, jaundice (yellowing skin) if the liver is affected, swelling in the hands or feet, and shortness of breath if it spreads to the lungs.
4. Are the symptoms of colon cancer different for women compared to men?
The primary symptoms of colon cancer, such as changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, and abdominal pain, are generally the same for both men and women. However, women sometimes misattribute early symptoms like bloating, cramping, and fatigue to their menstrual cycle or other gynaecological issues, which can potentially delay diagnosis. It is important for anyone experiencing persistent and unexplained digestive symptoms to seek medical advice.
5. Why is colon cancer often diagnosed in its later stages?
Colon cancer is often diagnosed late primarily because the early stages are frequently asymptomatic. The initial growths, or polyps, are small and do not typically cause pain or noticeable changes. Symptoms usually only become apparent once a tumour has grown large enough to obstruct the bowel or cause significant bleeding. This slow, silent progression underscores the importance of regular colorectal cancer screening tests, like colonoscopies, which can detect and remove precancerous polyps before they become malignant.
6. How can one distinguish between symptoms of colon cancer and less serious conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
While some symptoms overlap, there are key differences. Both can cause cramping, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. However, colon cancer is often associated with more alarming "red flag" symptoms that are not typical of IBS. These include:
- Blood in the stool (especially if dark or persistent).
- Unexplained and unintentional weight loss.
- Iron-deficiency anaemia leading to constant fatigue and weakness.
- Symptoms that are persistent and progressively worsen over time, whereas IBS symptoms often fluctuate.
7. What is a colorectal polyp and how is it related to colon cancer symptoms?
A colorectal polyp is a small growth of cells that forms on the lining of the colon or rectum. While most polyps are harmless, a specific type called an adenoma is precancerous and can develop into colon cancer over several years. Initially, polyps are very small and cause no symptoms. As they grow, they may start to cause bleeding or changes in bowel habits. The main goal of a colonoscopy is to find and remove these polyps before they have a chance to turn into cancer.
8. Besides digestive issues, what are some less obvious or systemic symptoms of colon cancer?
Beyond the classic bowel-related symptoms, colon cancer can cause systemic issues that affect the entire body. These occur because of the cancer's impact on the body's resources. Key systemic symptoms include:
- Iron-Deficiency Anaemia: Caused by slow, chronic blood loss from the tumour, leading to persistent fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and shortness of breath.
- Unexplained Weight Loss: Losing weight without trying can be a sign that the cancer is consuming the body's energy.
- Loss of Appetite: A general feeling of not wanting to eat can also accompany more advanced cancer.
9. What is the significance of seeing blood in the stool?
Seeing blood in your stool (a condition called hematochezia) should always be evaluated by a doctor as it can be a serious sign. While it can be caused by common conditions like haemorrhoids or anal fissures, it is also a primary warning symptom of colon cancer. The blood's appearance can vary: it may be bright red, or it could make the stool look dark brown or black and tarry. The presence of blood indicates some form of bleeding within the digestive tract that needs investigation to rule out serious conditions like cancer.
10. Does the prognosis for colon cancer depend on the symptoms at diagnosis?
Yes, the prognosis is strongly linked to the stage of the cancer at diagnosis, which often correlates with the severity of symptoms. When colon cancer is found in its early stages, often through screening before any symptoms have appeared, the five-year survival rate is very high (around 90%). However, if the cancer is not diagnosed until it causes significant symptoms like a bowel obstruction or severe weight loss, it typically indicates a more advanced stage, and the prognosis becomes more challenging. This is why acting on early, mild symptoms and participating in regular screening is vital for a positive outcome.
