Colon Cancer
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| Colon Cancer |
Most cases of colon cancer begin with the formation of small cell clumps called polyp adenomas. These clumps then spread uncontrollably over time.
Colon Cancer Symptoms
Colon cancer can be identified with its symptoms. Some of the symptoms that can be felt colon cancer patients include :.
The presence of blood in the stool (feces) or even bleeding in the anus.
Changes in the texture of the density of the dirt, either getting harder until it becomes constipation or increased liquid (diarrhea).
- Weight loss.
- Body feels tired.
- Pain or cramps in the abdomen.
- Bloated.
- Increased frequency of bowel movements or diarrhea.
- Constipation.
- Decreased appetite.
- Not all of these symptoms will be felt by the patient. Some have frequent bowel movements with blood on their feces, others are not accompanied by blood. But they both feel the pain in the abdomen.
See your doctor immediately if you feel the symptoms of colon cancer, especially if you have diarrhea alternating with constipation for more than three weeks. Please be wary also if your age has reached 50 years and above and feel the symptoms.
Causes of Colon Cancer
Cancer occurs when there is a genetic mutation, in which DNA cells in certain body areas grow uncontrollably and are destructive. In colon cancer, abnormal growth of these cells begins in the lining of the intestines, then spread and destroy other cells nearby, or even to other areas of the body.
The genetic mutation in colon cancer is thought to be hereditary. That is, someone who has a family member with colon cancer will be more at risk to suffer from this disease. There are two types of colon cancer that are hereditary, namely:
Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC).
This disorder is also known as Lynch syndrome.
A person with Lynch syndrome will be at high risk for colon cancer before the age of 50 years.
Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).
FAP is a rare disease that causes the appearance of thousands of small bumps (polyps) on the walls of the colon and rectum.
A person with FAP is at risk multiple times for colon cancer before the age of 40 years.
Although the cause is unknown, some of the following factors can increase a person's risk of developing colon cancer:
- Consume too much red meat and lack of fiber.
- Consume alcoholic beverages.
- Smoke.
- Being overweight or obese.
- Aged above 50 years.
- Suffer from digestive disorders, one of which is ulcerative colitis or chronic inflammation in the colon.
- Have diabetes.
- Less exercise.
- Have a parent or sibling suffering from colon cancer.
- Suffer from familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), a genetic disorder that causes the growth of clumps of cells or polyps in the colon.
Stages of Development of Colon Cancer
There are four stages that determine the severity of colon cancer, namely:
Stage 1. At this stage the cancer has begun to grow in the colon, but has not spread because it is still blocked intestinal wall.
Stage 2. At this stage the cancer has spread throughout the walls of the large intestine, even penetrating it.
Stage 3. At this stage the lymph nodes adjacent to the large intestine have been gnawed by cancer.
Stage 4. This is the most severe level of colon cancer spread. At this stage the cancer has further spread and attack other body organs, such as the lungs and liver.
Determination of the severity of colon cancer can be done through a diagnosis. This is useful in helping doctors to provide the right treatment.
Diagnosis of Colon Cancer
To find out if a patient has colon cancer, the doctor will first ask for symptoms that are felt. In addition, the doctor will also ask if the patient is suffering from a certain condition that may increase the risk of colon cancer or whether the patient has a close relative of colon cancer.
After the explanation is obtained, the doctor will likely check the patient's anus condition to see any swelling. A device called sigmoidoscopy can be used by a doctor if necessary. Sigmoidoscopy is a small hose-shaped device equipped with lights and a camera at the end to be inserted into the large intestine through the anus. Through the monitor, doctors can see if there are any signs of colon cancer.
In addition to sigmoidoscopy, there are several kinds of tests that can be done to determine the presence of colon cancer, especially if sigmoidoskopi just perceived doctors is not enough. Some of these checks are:
Colonoscopy. The concept of examination is actually the same as sigmoidoscopy. It's just the colonoscopy, a tool that is used longer so as to reach deeper into the colon. The camera mounted at the end of the colonoscopy is able to give an image of the abnormal parts of the colon due to cancer. Even if necessary, a biopsy or sampling can be performed with a special tool included in the colonoscopy. The sample was then investigated in the laboratory to detect the presence of cancer. Before doing a colonoscopy, the patient will be given a laxative by the doctor so that the stomach is clean of the dirt, so the results obtained from the observation process will be much better.
Virtual colonoscopy. This examination is also called CT colonography. Usually this examination is performed if the patient can not undergo regular colonoscopy for certain medical reasons. Inside a virtual colonoscopy, a special tube is inserted into the anus. The gas will then be pumped through the tube, so that the patient's bowel will slightly expand. After that, the doctor will be able to observe the intestinal state from all angles with the help of CT scan.