Colon Cancer Causes, Signs And Treatments

The colon is another term for the large intestine. It is located at the lowest part of the digestive system. So how does colon cancer develops? Cancer is a class of diseases characterized by out-of-control cell growth. Colon cancer forms when this uncontrolled cell growth happens in the cell of the large intestine. If untreated, these polyps may grow into malignant colon cancers causing many other complications.

Causes

1) Polyps

Polyps or the precancerous polyps that exist in the large intestine and there are a few types associated with it.

i) Adenomas

It is the most common types of polypsare and it can become cancerous that are usually removed during colonoscopy.

ii) Hyperplastic

Rarely become colon cancer

iii) Inflammatory

Usually occur after inflammation of the colon and may become cancerous

2) Genes from DNA

If there is damage or mutations to DNA, cells can experience uncontrolled growth which can result in damaging the genes involved in cell division. This is because, the cell's gene mutation make the cell unable to correct DNA damage possibly leading to cancer.

3) Genes from Family

It was statistically proven that one of the cause of developing cancer is through the family members.

4) Traits and Diets

Traits and diets plays an important factor with colon cancer. People who consume low in fiber and high in fat, calories, and red meat are more at risk of developing colon cancer. This includes those who smoke tobacco and obese people. Age is an important risk factor for colon cancer; around 90 percent of those diagnosed are over 50.

5) Other Medical Factors

There are several diseases that can potentially increase the risk of colon cancer such as diabetes, acromegaly, radiation treatment for other cancers, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease.

Symptoms

Cancer symptoms varies depending on the location, where it has spread and how serious it is. It is common for people with colon cancer to not experience any symptoms in the earliest stages but as the cancer grows, they will experience:

a) Diarrhea or constipation

b) Changes in stool consistency, narrow stools and rectal bleeding in the stool

c) Pain in the abdomen

d) Pain during bowel movements

e) Continual urges to defecate

f) Weakness or fatigue

g) Sudden weight loss

h) Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

i) Iron deficiency

Treatments

Similarly, the treatment depends on the type of cancer and how serious it is. The patient's age, health status and additional personal characteristics will come in consideration too. The most common options for colon cancer are surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

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H/T: Medical News Today