[Biology Class Notes] on Colon Cancer Symptoms Pdf

Most diseases that exist today showcase characteristic symptoms. Usually, these symptoms are apparent directly , others might not be visible immediately, and a few diseases won’t have any noticeable symptoms in the least.

The colon is a component of the large intestine and therefore the final part of the gastrointestinal system . It plays a crucial role in absorbing fluids, salts and other waste products from our body and steel oneself against its elimination.

Colon cancer is additionally mentioned as colorectal cancer mainly affects the large intestine and it always starts with polyps within the walls of the massive intestine varying in their size. 

 

Colon Cancer Explained

According to the records, this cancer is the third commonest explanation for cancer-related death. This can be easily preventable and highly curable if detected within the early stages.

Initially, it will begin as a small clump of cells inside the colon and over time, these clumps tend to become cancerous. There are several treatments that help to regulate carcinoma , like radiation, drug treatment, chemotherapy, surgery, etc.

The exact cause of colorectal cancer is unknown. Some of the causes of colon cancer can be regarded as certain genetic causes, other histories of breast, uterine or ovarian cancer, lifestyle changes, age-related, etc.

 

Colon Cancer Causes

Colon cancer develops when healthy cells within the colon mutate their DNA structure. These cells still divide and form the tumor. Although there’s no specific explanation for carcinoma .

 

Colon Cancer Symptoms

The symptoms of colon cancer are such that an individual doesn’t experience it in the early stage of the disease. The symptoms likely vary, counting on cancer’s size and their location within the intestine. 

The Symptoms include:

• Bloating.

• Nausea or vomiting.

• Lower abdominal pain.

• Change in bowel habits.

• Loose and narrow stools.

• Unexplained weight loss.

• Feeling tired all the time.

• Irritable bowel syndrome.

• Pain during bowel movements.

• Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool.

Colon cancer may be a highly curable cancer if it’s treated in its beginning stage. If it’s left untreated, the cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body, including the bones, liver, and lungs.

There are alternative ways of assigning a stage to cancer. The stages indicate how far a cancer has spread and therefore the size of any tumors.

 

Stages of Colon Cancer

In colon cancer, the stages develop as follows:

Stage 0: 

Also referred to as carcinoma in place , at now , the cancer is during a very early stage. It has not grown farther than the inner layer of the colon and can usually be easy to treat.

Stage 1: 

The cancer has grown into the subsequent layer of tissue but has not reached the lymph nodes or the other organs.

Stage 2: 

The cancer has touched the outer layers of the colon, but not spread beyond the colon.

Stage 3: 

The cancer has grown through the outer layers of the colon, and it has reached one to three lymph nodes. It has not spread to distant sites, however.

Stage 4: 

The cancer has touched the other tissues beyond the wall of the colon. As stage 4 progresses, carcinoma reaches distant parts of the body.

 

Association of Colon Cancer with the Gastrointestinal Tract

The alimentary canal in humans begins at the mouth, continuing through the esophagus, stomach, and therefore the small and enormous intestines. The alimentary canal is about 9 meters long .

There are many supporting organs, such as the liver, which helps by secreting enzymes that are necessary for the digestion of food.

The human alimentary canal are often divided into two halves, namely:

1. Upper GI tract

2. Lower GI tract