Cancer Location Exhibit Different Colon Cancer Signs

Colon cancer does not usually display any symptoms until the condition becomes worse. However, colon cancer signs that do exhibit themselves usually vary depending on the location of the cancer within the large intestine or the colon.

The colon forms the last part of the digestive system. It has the following four sections: the first section, called the ascending colon, which begins where the small intestine connect to the colon and extends upward on the right side of the abdomen; the second section, called the transverse colon because it goes across the body from the right to the left side in the upper abdomen; the third section, called the descending colon, which continues downward on the left side; and the fourth section, which is called the sigmoid colon because of its sigmoid or “S” shape. The end of the sigmoid colon joins the rectum, which in turn joins the anus, or the opening where solid waste matter passes out of the body.

If the tumor is in the ascending colon, or the first section, bowel habits or stool formation will not be affected. This is because the waste matter in this part of the colon is still in semi-liquid or liquid form. Tumors, however, may cause bleeding occasionally or continuously. Colon cancer signs that may be apparent include dried blood in the stool, and symptoms of anemia from iron deficiency (like weakness, fatigue, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and exercise intolerance). Other than the dried blood on it that may or may not be evident, your stool may look normal. Often, tumors in this area do not show colon cancer signs.

Tumors in the transverse colon, on the other hand, display other colon cancer signs. When the waste material passes across the transverse colon, the intestine absorbs water, and the waste matter becomes more solid. Colon cancer signs may then include cramps, gas, partial or complete obstruction, and even perforation of the bowel, on top of intermittent or chronic bleeding. Anemia may still occur.

For tumors in the descending colon and rectum, colon cancer signs include a change in bowel habits. When tumors partially block the lower intestine, stools may become narrower as they squeeze through the blockage. Watch out for thin, pencil like fecal matter. Tumors in the rectum and lowest part of the intestine can also cause pain and a feeling of fullness. It may become painful to defecate, or patients may constantly feel the urge to move their bowels without actually excreting anything. Bleeding will be more evident, because the blood will still be bright red. Sometimes this blood is mistakenly thought to come from hemorrhoids.

Having these signs of colon cancer, however, does not always mean you have cancer. These can also indicate a number of other ailments, including irritable bowel syndrome, a common digestive problem that causes cramping or bloating, stomach pain, and diarrhea or constipation; other non-cancerous growths; diverticulitis; infections such as salmonella; hemorrhoids; and some inflammatory bowel diseases. However, if you do have these colon cancer signs, it helps to be aware of your risk factors. Most of these symptoms are found in people 50 years or older. If you have a family history of polyps, you have a higher risk for colon cancer. Other risk factors include obesity, low-fiber diets, high consumption of red meat, minimal physical activity, smoking, and high alcohol intake.