Overview
Large intestine or colon is the final part of the digestive
tract in human beings. When cancer develops in this part, it is referred to as
colon cancer. Initially, the disease comes into picture when small and
noncancerous clumps of cells known as adenomatous polyps start forming in the
intestine. With the effect of the time, these noncancerous polyps turn into
cancer elements.
Symptoms
According to experts, a patient may not necessarily
experience symptoms of colon cancer in its early stages. When symptoms start
showing up their occurrence varies depending on the size of cancer and its
location in the large intestine. The early signs and symptoms of this disease
include:
·
Rectal bleeding or bloody stools.
·
Continual discomfort in the abdomen, such as
gas, pain or cramps.
·
Incomprehensible weight loss.
·
Weakness or fatigue.
·
Alternating bowel habits for more than four
weeks. It includes constipation, diarrhea, and change in consistency of stool.
·
Discomforting feeling that bowel isn't empty.
When should you see a
doctor?
If you get blood in your stools or if you face changing
bowel habits, then it's the time to see an expert doctor. Speak to your doctor
about colon cancer screening, if it's necessary for you. Generally, doctors
start screenings for colon cancer patients who are 50 or above in age. If a
candidate has other risks like colon cancer in the family history, then his/her
doctor may recommend early screenings or frequent visits.
Risks
The following are the primary factors that increase the risk
of colon cancer:
·
Old age-
As per the statistics the majority of people who have been diagnosed with colon
cancer fall into the age brackets of 50+. It may also take place in younger
people. However, the chances are less.
·
Personal
history of polyps or colorectal cancer-A candidate who has had polyps or
colon cancer earlier is at risk of developing it again.
·
Inflammatory
intestinal conditions- Conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's
disease increase the risk of colon cancer.
·
Inherited
syndromes- A candidate is at risk of colon cancer if he/she has had colon
cancer in history. Syndromes like familial adenomatous polyposis and Lynch
syndrome get passed from one generation to another and pose the risk of colon
cancer.
·
Family
history- Experts suggest that a candidate is likely to develop colon cancer
if either of his/her parent, sibling or child is infected with the disease.
Moreover, the risk gets magnified when more than one person amongst the
immediate family members is suffering from this disease.
Colon Cancer Treatment
in San Antonio
Connect with the experienced doctors of the Digestive &
Liver Disease Center of San Antonio PLLC if you are looking for advanced colon cancer treatment. The medical provider is the specialist of digestive and
intestinal problems.
