Colon Cancer Symptoms In Stages

It is unfortunate that in a great many cases colon cancer has no symptoms in the early stages. This is why it is very important that someone who reaches the age of 50 has regular “screening” tests done. A colonoscopy is the only way to tell if there is anything developing that needs to be taken care of right away, and determining colon cancer symptoms in stages is the method used to determine how far it has spread.

Stage 0 Symptoms

This is the stage where colon cancer may first be discovered by routine testing and may appear as a polyp on the colon lining. The cancer has started here and has not spread or moved to another part of the body. Discovery of colon cancer symptoms in early stages means that successful treatment may be obtained and the cancer can usually be prevented from spreading to anywhere else in the body. Symptoms are hardly noticeable at this stage which is what makes colon cancer so dangerous.

Stage 1 Symptoms

This particular stage of colon cancer means that the cancer has invaded more than just the colon lining, and the polyp has become a tumor, which has moved to the rectum or the wall of the colon. Symptoms may be a change in bowel habits; either more or less than what is usually normal, intermittent diarrhea and constipation, and perhaps blood in the stool. A surgery called a re-section is usually recommended to remove the cancerous section of the colon.

Stage 2 Symptoms

Stage 2 colon cancer means that the cancer has progressed beyond the colon, but the lymph nodes are clear. The surrounding tissue of the colon may show that the cancer has metastasized, or spread, from the original location. Symptoms may range from bloody, tarry stools, to abdominal pain and bloating, or an uncomfortable feeling after a bowel movement. Re-section surgery is always recommended with this staging.

Stage 3 Symptoms

Once the cancer invades 3 of the surrounding lymph nodes it is classified as a stage 3. Symptoms can range from stools that are narrow and bloody, a feeling that you are unable to have a complete bowel movement, and a general feeling of weakness or fatigue. Bloating is also common. This is why it is important to define colon cancer symptoms in stages as the treatment may have to be more aggressive.

Stage 4 Symptoms

This is by far the most serious definition of colon cancer in stages. The cancer cells have metastasized and invaded other parts of the body. The lungs, the liver, or in some cases both of these organs have become cancerous. Weight loss, having no appetite, extreme fatigue or tiredness, being nauseous or vomiting, along with the bloody stools and abdominal pain are only some of the symptoms that may occur. Treatment will usually consist of surgery combined with radiation and chemotherapy.

By diagnosing colon cancer symptoms in stages the health care professionals are able to determine the best and most effective treatment that will enable anyone who has colon cancer to survive the standard five year time frame that is used to monitor survival rates. Remember that there are preventative measures available such as colon cleansing and a clever diet.