A tumor of the sigmoid colon refers to diseases that are quite common and are dangerous malignant neoplasms. This disease is characterized by the appearance of uncontrolled proliferating cells that can penetrate nearby tissues and metastasize.
What is the sigmoid colon
The sigmoid colon is a section of the intestine. It runs almost to the rectum. It is in it that the formation of feces and the absorption of nutrients occur.
A sigmoid colon tumor is one of the most frequent malignant neoplasms, which is caused by the anatomical structure of this area. Fecal masses become much thicker, therefore, the mucous membrane has been in contact with toxic substances for a long time. As a result of interaction with intestinal tissues, the formation of polyps that hang in the lumen of the intestine, and fleecy, pink-red tumors, the surface of which is velvety, is possible.
Disease feature
A malignant tumor of the sigmoid colon refers to neoplasms that form on the tissues of the sigmoid region of the intestine. Such a gut is located in front of the rectum. It is in this department that feces are formed. If the digestive process is disturbed in the body, then the feces remain in the sigmoid colon for a long time, as a result of which it stretches, changes its location and becomes more voluminous.
As a result of the delay in feces, intoxication of the body occurs, as well as a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen and discomfort. A tumor of the sigmoid colon at the initial stage does not manifest itself at all, which is very dangerous. Symptoms only begin to appear when the disease is in its final stages. Therefore, in the presence of discomfort in the intestinal region and the presence of characteristic symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor, since the disease can lead to the death of the patient.
Tumor Type Classification
A benign tumor of the sigmoid colon may eventually develop into a malignant neoplasm. Among the main types of this disease, one can distinguish the following:
- mucous adenocarcinoma;
- highly differentiated;
- moderately differentiated;
- cricoid cell cancer.
The most aggressive form of malignant neoplasm is considered to be low-differentiated adenocarcinoma. She has very pronounced symptoms and rapid development.
Stages of the disease
There are several stages of a sigmoid colon tumor, which are characterized by various symptoms. In the first stage, the tumor is small and is located only in the mucous membrane. With timely treatment, the prognosis is quite good, and a person can live more than 5 years.
In the second stage, the tumor grows into the intestinal wall, its size increases, but there are no metastases. In the third stage, the malignant neoplasm extends to half the diameter of the sigmoid colon, and
metastases to the lymph nodes begin to form
. The prognosis of survival after treatment is less than 50%.
A tumor of the sigmoid colon of the 4th stage is characterized by the germination of a malignant neoplasm into other organs and tissues and the formation of metastases. At this stage, the treatment is quite complicated.
Causes of occurrence
Modern medicine has stepped far forward in determining the root cause of this disease. The methodology of therapy, as well as the outcome of treatment, largely depends on this. There are certain risk factors that affect the occurrence of a cancer of the sigmoid colon, in particular such as:
- hereditary factor;
- nutrition features;
- the presence of bad habits;
- chronic inflammatory processes.
Most often, the disease is associated with a hereditary factor. That is why, in the presence of this disease in close relatives, it is necessary to undergo a periodic examination by a doctor, especially during puberty, so that a pathological process can be detected even at the stage when the tumor is benign.
An unhealthy diet can lead to the occurrence of the disease, in particular the consumption of fast food, foods high in carcinogens, as well as alcohol abuse and smoking. All this provokes the formation of toxic substances in the body, which, when penetrated into the intestines, provoke inhibition of beneficial microflora, which causes inflammatory processes in the stomach and intestines.
Chronic inflammatory processes lead to significant changes in the intestinal mucosa. At risk are people suffering from peptic ulcer and colitis. They can provoke complications in the form of malignant neoplasms.
The main symptoms
Symptoms of a tumor of the sigmoid colon appear at later stages, so the disease is very difficult to recognize and treat in a timely manner. Among the first signs, the occurrence of bleeding, which may be due to injury to the neoplasm by fecal masses, can be distinguished.
Often there is a degeneration of a fleecy spongy tumor, as a result of which an inflammatory process is observed. Sigmoid colon tumor metastases are often seen in older people. The asymptomatic course of oncological processes is always dangerous for humans, since the first signs appear even at the very last stages, and this threatens with dangerous complications and poses a threat to life.
The villous tumor of the sigmoid colon at the initial stage can be detected during preventive measures and research tests. She, like polyps, responds well to therapy and gives fairly good predictions after surgery. They need to be removed only with a benign course of the disease in order to prevent the transition to a malignant neoplasm.
With an attentive and careful attitude to your own health, it is quite possible to suspect the presence of signs of a malignant neoplasm. Symptoms in this case will be characteristic of the entire intestine and prolonged. It is necessary to consult a doctor if you have symptoms such as:
- digestive disorders;
- bloating and belching;
- a feeling of tension in the peritoneum;
- the presence of purulent accumulation in feces;
- painful sensations.
If there is a suspicion of a malignant tumor, one cannot ignore the deterioration in well-being, as they may indicate the 3rd stage of the disease. The patient’s face acquires a gray tint, anemia occurs, body weight decreases, he quickly gets tired and becomes weak.
In women, the symptoms can be similar to signs of cystitis, as well as inflammatory processes of the genitourinary organs, as well as ovarian cancer.
Diagnostics
Instrumental studies will help determine the cause and stage of the malignant neoplasm. Diagnostic measures include research, with which the doctor can identify the clinical picture of the course of the disease, on the basis of which the treatment regimen is determined. Initially, he asks the patient about existing complaints, characteristic signs and the localization of painful sensations.
Since the sigmoid colon is located on the left side of the peritoneum, the painful sensations are mostly concentrated in this area. After that, the doctor palpates the abdomen, and if the malignant tumor is large, then it is felt. Then the doctor prescribes a number of instrumental and laboratory studies, in particular such as:
- colonoscopy;
- irrigoscopy;
- tomogram;
- laboratory diagnostics.
With a malignant neoplasm, the patient is shown to have a colonoscopy, which is carried out using a special apparatus - a colonoscope. This tool is a flexible and thin tube, equipped at the end with a small video camera, which makes it possible to see the condition of the affected organ on a computer monitor. The doctor examines the affected area of the intestine, determining the presence of neoplasms, their location, as well as size. During the study, biological material is taken for biopsy.
Irrigoscopy, or X-ray, is characterized by the fact that pictures are taken of the peritoneum, on which the tumor is visualized. For this study, a contrast agent is preliminarily injected into the intestine, allowing for more accurate and clear pictures.
Computed and magnetic resonance imaging is prescribed for patients who suspect a tumor. These studies allow you to determine the size of the neoplasm, its location, how badly the intestine and nearby organs are affected.
In addition, laboratory diagnostics are carried out. The patient undergoes a number of required tests, in particular a blood test, urine and feces for the presence of impurities of blood and pus in case of damage to the malignant cells of the kidneys and genitourinary system.
Treatment features
Treatment of a tumor of the sigmoid colon is carried out exclusively by surgical intervention. The most effective methods are considered endoscopic techniques. Laparoscopy helps not only to reduce the level of trauma from the ongoing surgical intervention, but also to prevent the occurrence of complications in the form of an infection or bleeding. In addition, if a sigmoid colon tumor was removed using endoscopic techniques, the rehabilitation period is significantly reduced. In a few days, a person may already return to their usual way of life.
With the help of endoscopy, it is possible to remove the affected area of the intestine through a small incision, and at the same time protection of adjacent organs from damage by malignant cells occurs.
At the initial stages of the disease, removal of a sigmoid colon tumor is performed during a colonoscopy. In this case, it is very well combined with electroplasma coagulation. Endoscopic techniques are mainly used in elderly people who are in very serious condition. This is due to the fact that people in this state simply can not withstand standard surgical intervention, which implies a dissection of the abdominal wall.
Depending on the characteristics of the tumor of the sigmoid colon, the operation can be carried out in different ways and the tactics of its implementation varies during the intervention. In this case, the state of the intestine is of great importance. If the patient is young and his condition is stable, then doctors recommend a standard operation to remove a large part of the intestine.
If there is a large tumor of the sigmoid colon, surgery is not performed by the standard method. Such patients are shown palliative intervention aimed not at treating the patient, but only at alleviating his condition. In the presence of bowel obstruction, a colostomy is formed.
With the advanced stage of the disease, the removal of the sigmoid colon tumor is not performed, and chemotherapy sessions are prescribed. In addition, chemotherapy is prescribed to the patient after the operation to restore the normal process of urination and defecation. Radiation therapy is rarely used, since a rupture of the walls of the intestine can occur, since this malignant neoplasm is very sensitive to radiation.
Dieting
With a malignant neoplasm with localization in the intestinal region, the patient is given fractional nutrition 5-6 times a day. Dishes are served exclusively in a warm and grated form.
The diet after surgery consists exclusively of juices, liquid vegetable purees and herbal decoctions. This diet should be for 5-6 days. The consumption of any food should be strictly agreed with the doctor. The subsequent diet for malignant neoplasms implies a decrease in the amount of meat consumed or its complete exclusion, fried foods, canned goods, confectionery, as well as semi-finished products. Be sure to exclude sharp and solid foods from your usual diet.
You need to consume only natural fresh products, in particular vegetables, fruits and cereals. Nutrition should be balanced, complete, not containing rude inclusions. It is best to consume as many light meals as possible. After a month, you can gradually include lean varieties of meat and fish, various dairy products in your diet.
Alternative methods of therapy
The treatment of bowel cancer through the use of alternative methods complements the surgical intervention, as well as chemotherapy. Alternative methods for a malignant tumor help to strengthen the immune system, facilitate well-being after chemotherapy, normalize the functioning of the intestines, and prolong the patient's life. Treatment with folk remedies and methods implies the use of:
- poisonous herbs;
- tinctures for alcohol;
- soda, minerals, goji berries.
Combined therapy of cancer of the sigmoid colon gives a good chance of a successful and quick recovery. Folk antitumor agents are included in complex therapy and help to normalize well-being after surgery and a course of chemotherapy. It is important to remember that many herbs are highly poisonous, so strict adherence to the formulation of the drug is required.
Survival forecast
With a tumor of the sigmoid colon, the prognosis largely depends on the stage of the course of the disease, as well as the characteristics of the malignant lesion. The prognosis of survival depends on several factors, in particular such as:
- stage of cancer;
- the age of the patient and the severity of his condition;
- are there any additional diseases.
A malignant tumor manifests itself in later stages, and in this case the course of the disease has a very poor prognosis. In this case, patients do not undergo surgery, and they can only rely on the effect obtained from chemotherapy.
The presence or absence of lymph node metastasis is very important. In the absence of metastases in the patient's body, the prognosis is quite good and the survival rate is high. If the patient has metastases, then only a few patients experience a 5-year milestone.
Preventive actions
In order to prevent the occurrence of a tumor, it is necessary to worry about preventive measures. For this, it is necessary to adhere to the correct diet, timely treat inflammatory processes, lead an active lifestyle, regularly undergo examination, and also abandon bad habits.
In addition, if there are problems with the digestive tract, it is necessary to undergo a periodic examination to detect the problem in a timely manner.