Colon Neoplasm

Colon Neoplasm

Among the many types of cancers, only few can be prevented and one of them is colon cancer. The removal of any polyps during a colonoscopy inhibits the growth of colon neoplasm. Polyps that grow along the walls of the colon are often asymptomatic and it takes a colonic evaluation to diagnose colon cancer.

Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer screening and endoscopy are some of the common methods used to diagnose colon cancer. Tumors in the colon and rectum that are benign are called polyps. These can be easily removed through colonoscopy. Failure to remove these can cause them to turn malignant over time. There is also the danger of colon neoplasm spreading to other organs such as the liver and lungs, leading to what are known as metastasis of the colon cancer.

Causes of Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is one of the leading types of cancer, with many countries that have adopted western diets falling prey to the disease. Unhealthy diets with high fat content, a family history of colon neoplasm and polyps and ulcerative colitis are known to be the main causes of colon cancer. The presence of polyps in the large intestine is also known to trigger colon cancer. Fat that is broken down during the metabolic process causes the formation of cancer-causing chemicals. Colon polyps are also known to cause colon cancer if they are not removed when benign. Colon neoplasm resulting from polyps when chromosome damage occurs in cells of the inner lining of the colon can turn malignant as well. Ulcerative colitis that causes inflammation of the inner walls of the colon increases the risk of colon cancer. Genetics is also said to be a factor that contributes to the incidence of colon cancer.

Symptoms of Colon Cancer

Some cases are asymptomatic in the early stages of colon cancer. However, change in bowel habits, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, passing of dark blood in stools, abdominal pain, and weight loss are the common symptoms associated with colon cancer. It is difficult to diagnose a patient according to these symptoms since Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and ulcerative colitis also experience the same symptoms. Symptoms vary according to the location of the colon neoplasm. If your right colon is affected then there are chances of the tumor growing bigger since the right colon is spacious. Iron deficiencies leading to fatigue and shortness of breath are the main symptoms that indicate colon cancer of the right colon. Colon neoplasm of the left colon is more likely to cause constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating. Passing of bright red blood in the stool may also indicate tumors in the left colon.

Treatments for Colon Cancer

The old adage, prevention is better than cure, holds good in the case of colon cancer too. Colon hydrotherapy is a natural way to cleanse the colon and keep it healthy. There are plenty of colon cleansing products available today. However, make sure you choose products that contain 100% natural ingredients. Surgery is a common treatment for colon cancer. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are also common forms of palliative treatment that are administered to patients with colon cancer.