Colon cancer is a common type of cancer worldwide and can be fatal if not diagnosed early. Factors such as age, genetic predisposition, malnutrition, obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption and sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk of colon cancer. In addition, conditions such as a family history of colon cancer and inflammatory bowel disease are also among the risk factors. Colon cancer usually does not cause symptoms in its early stages, but symptoms may appear in later stages.
What is colon cancer?
Colon cancer is a malignant tumor that begins in the colon or rectum (large intestine). Colon cancer occurs when healthy cells grow and multiply uncontrollably. It may be asymptomatic at first, but as it progresses, symptoms such as blood in the stool, abdominal pain, weight loss, constipation or diarrhea may occur. With early diagnosis and treatment, colon cancer can often be treated successfully.
What are the symptoms of colon cancer?
Colon cancer is a disease caused by abnormal cell growth in the colon or rectum (large intestine). It usually starts as polyps and can become cancerous over time. Colon cancer symptoms may not show themselves in the early stages. The answer to the question “How does colon cancer show symptoms” is as follows:
- Change in bowel habits
- Blood or mucus in the stool
- Stomach ache
- Cramp
- Swelling
- weight loss
- Fatigue and weakness
- iron deficiency anemia
- narrowing of stool
- Abdominal mass or swelling
- Nausea and vomiting
- rectal bleeding
How is colon cancer treated?
Colon cancer treatment varies depending on the course and stage of the disease. However, the following methods are generally used in the treatment of colon cancer:
- Surgical Intervention (Colectomy): Removal of the cancerous part and surrounding tissues.
- Anastomosis: Stitching the ends of the intestine together.
- Lymph Node Dissection: Removal of lymph nodes.
- Chemotherapy: Giving medication to kill tumor cells before or after surgery.
- Targeted Therapy: Use of drugs that target molecular changes in cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy: Activating the immune system to destroy cancer cells.
- Radiotherapy: Cancer metastases or radiation therapy in certain cases.
- Supportive Treatments: Medications and treatments to control side effects and improve quality of life.