Colon Info

Colon Cancer: Its Symptoms And Its Different Stages

Colon cancer is just one of the different types of cancer that is currently in existence. It affects the basic unit of the body, which is the cell. But what is colon cancer? How does it come into existence?

Colorectal cancer is something that is greatly feared since it is the third most common cancer in both men and women in the United States according to the American Cancer Society. It is also fairly common since according to the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center, it affects about seven (7) percent of Americans.

Cancer is the state wherein the cell becomes abnormal and divides in a rapid manner without any control. When this happens, masses of tissues form. These tissue masses can either be benign or malignant and these are what we call tumors. Only malignant tumors can be considered as cancerous tumors at first diagnosis, but benign ones which are not cancerous can eventually become cancerous in time if they are not removed. The colon, on the other hand, is about six (6) feet in length and is responsible for absorbing nutrients, water, and electrolytes from the foods that we ingest, transporting them to the different systems of the body through the blood. When the normal process of this is disrupted, it can be deemed as one of the colon cancer signs.

The different signs of colon cancer also include a change in the normal bowel movement habits, constipation, diarrhea, blood in the stool which can either be bright red or very dark, a feeling that the bowel movement isn’t complete, narrower than usual fecal matter, frequent gas pains, cramps, bloating, vomiting, weight loss due to unknown reasons, and constant tiredness. These colon cancer signs can also be associated to colon disorders.

Rectal bleeding is the most common among the colon cancer early symptoms. Once you show signs of bleeding, you should immediately consult your doctor. This is because the bleeding is also usually association with hemorrhoids and, of course, it is always better to get yourself checked.

Colon cancer is diagnosed at different colon cancer stages. Stage 0 colon cancer is the phase wherein the cancer is detected really early and is found only in the linings of the colon. Stage 1 colon cancer is the phase wherein the cancer is already in the inner wall of the colon. Stage 2 colon cancer is the phase wherein the cancer which started in the colon has already spread to nearby organ tissues but not the lymph nodes yet. Stage 3 colon cancer is the phase wherein the cancer has already spread to nearby lymph nodes. Stage 4 colon cancer is the phase  wherein the cancer has already spread to various parts of the body, commonly to the lungs and the liver.

Generally speaking, the earlier the colon cancer is diagnosed, the higher the chance that it can get cured. According to an article published in the European Journal of Cancer, the location of the tumor has an impact on the colon cancer survival rate. In the U.S., the survival rate of cancer which originates from the transverse colon is 59 percent; 63 percent from the ascending colon, and 66 percent from the descending colon.