A malignant tumor in the colon is often formed directly from glandular cells. They cover the inner walls of this digestive organ. Initially, a small adenoma (a tumor of a benign nature) arises, which each time becomes larger. Cancer cells may appear in a large adenoma. It is worth noting that not always with a disease such as colon cancer, symptoms will appear. This is especially true if the tumor is small.
Possible reasons
Every year, the number of patients with this terrible disease becomes more and more. It is also characteristic that most of them are very old. The risk factors for getting colon cancer are vast. This is a genetic predisposition, and the presence of persistent problems with stool (constipation), as well as nutrition. Scientists have proved that most patients who have colon cancer + the symptoms of this disease are very pronounced, prefer meat and very fatty dishes. But fruits, plant fibers and healthy vegetables in their diet is almost there. However, they play a significant role in the purification of the human body.
In the development of a malignant tumor of this type, a huge role is played by all kinds of intestinal diseases. Among them, the formation of polyps, colitis and other inflammatory diseases can be distinguished. Such a malignant tumor also threatens those who consume a lot of alcohol (especially wine and beer).
Characteristic symptoms
Understanding that a person has colon cancer does not immediately help. Indeed, in the early stages of the disease there are almost none. However, you should be wary if constipation appears, rumbling in the abdomen becomes more frequent and bloating is observed. Over time, there will be pains that will be localized in the lower abdomen. They are very durable and are aching permanent. Of course, the external signs of feces will change. Finally, the patient’s body weight will begin to decline sharply.
Of course, if colon cancer is observed, the signs will be much similar to those that appear with other malignant tumors:
- lack of appetite,
- severe lethargy and weakness,
- severe pallor
- high fever from time to time.
Often with such a disease (colon cancer), the presence of blood in the feces can supplement the symptoms.
Timely treatment
More than 30% of patients with colon cancer die. If the tumor is not treated, then such an outcome is inevitable. When a disease is detected in the early stages, it can be completely eliminated.
In most cases, if the diagnosis is colon cancer, the treatment is surgery. Depending on how large the tumor is and where it is located, the surgeon prescribes a certain type of operation. Such well-known methods of treatment as chemical or radiation therapy are used, rather, as additional means in improving the patient's health.
Prevention required
There are a large number of measures that must be followed in order not to get this dangerous disease. Firstly, every year you need to come to a gastroenterologist for a preventive appointment. This is especially true for people over the age of forty.
Secondly, it is important not to postpone the treatment of inflammation in the colon for later. Be sure to get rid of constipation, and if you have polyps, you need to remove them as soon as possible.
Finally, fresh vegetables and fruits should be present on the menu every day. They contain not only useful minerals and vitamins, but also contribute to the active removal of harmful and unnecessary substances from the human body. It is best that there are always vegetables with coarse plant fibers on the table.