The colon is the last section of the tube that spans from the mouth to the anus. Colorectal cancer begins if the natural substitution of the cells in the lining goes abnormal. During this instance, the cell division in the mucosal creates frequent errors. The reasons for this cannot be fully comprehended. However, in case that it occurs, the abnormal cells will begin to divide and grow, which can increase the mass of the polyp.
How Colon Cancer Develops
The size of polyps differs but
will slowly grow after an extended time. While they are producing, the genetic
mutation can deeply destabilize these cells. Once the polyp invades the other
lining of the large intestine, it will become cancerous. Unlike any cancerous
cell, colon cancers take at least 8-10 years to develop. In Singapore,
Colorectal cancer is the most common type of cancer, affecting around 17.2% of
the male population and 13.3% of the female population. There are prevalent symptoms of colon cancer, but these
signs and symptoms can also relate to other health conditions.
Common Symptoms of Colon Cancer
Some of the most common signs
of CRC may not be that obvious, mainly when the symptoms occur in young adults.
There are also instances when the health condition will not show any signs and symptoms of colon cancer. The most
prevalent condition includes the following:
·
Diarrhea
that lasts longer than the average
·
Constipation
also lasts for quite some time.
·
Unexplainable
weight loss
·
Persistent
vomiting
·
Change
in bowel movement habits. There is a distinct foul smell, and the stool appears
to be narrow as a pencil.
·
Bloating,
cramps, and gaseous
·
Sudden
fatigue and weakness
·
Anemia
·
Excessive
abdominal pain that brings a feeling of discomfort
·
Blood
spots in the stool mean the bleeding is in the lower colon or rectum; a dark tarry
stool is a more serious sign.
Other Prevalent Symptoms of Colon Cancer
You need to be aware that
these symptoms of colon cancer can
also occur in different medical conditions such as infection, hemorrhoids, and
IBD. Nonetheless, that does not mean you should disregard any of the symptoms
mentioned above. If you are feeling a certain sense of discomfort and changes
in your body condition, seek the help of our doctor immediately.
Although symptoms of colon cancer can point to other chronic conditions,
there is also a probability that it is the cause of cancer. In case that you have
already acquired treatment, but the symptoms are still persistent, make sure that
you will continue looking for the culprit. In the last few years, some of the
initial diagnosis that turns out to be colon cancer includes lactose
intolerance, allergies, anal fissure, hernia, ulcer, problem on the gall
bladder, spastic colon, appendicitis, Colitis, Parasite, IBS, stress, and hemorrhoids.
In most cases, symptoms of colon cancer can start at
the age of 50, but cancer can also begin at the very early age of 20. At least
10% of colon cancer occurs below 50 years old. Remember that there is a high
risk of contracting this disease if you have a family history, Lynch syndrome, and
FAP or Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (Not the FAP you are thinking of).
No comments:
Post a Comment