Colon Carcinoma

The type of cancer that starts in the large intestine (also called colon) or at the end of colon called rectum is known as colon cancer or colon carcinoma. The colon cancer is also called colorectal cancer if it occurs in the large intestine and rectum area. It is a very dangerous disease that must be checked in time. Although the disease exhibits very few colon carcinoma symptoms, you must be very careful about getting afflicted with it.

The risk of colon cancer increases if you have cancer elsewhere in your body, have colorectal polyps, a family history of colon cancer, crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, or a family history of breast cancer. Some studies also state that colon carcinoma may also be related to what we eat. High fat diet, much red meat and low fiber diet may also enhance the risk of colon cancer.

Usually, colon cancer doesn't show significant symptoms. But in stage 0 or I you might experience certain symptoms that may indicate towards the presence of cancerous cells in your colon. The symptoms of colon carcinoma may include constipation, diarrhea or other changes in bowel regulation or habits. Some amount of blood in stool and unexplained anemia may also be experienced by the patient.

The other symptoms of colon cancer include abdominal pain and a feeling of tenderness in the lower abdomen, sudden weight loss, vomiting or nausea, large amounts of blood in stool, fatigue and tiredness, stomach cramps, narrow stools and intestinal obstructions. If metastasis has occurred to other parts, you may experience symptoms in that part too. For example, if the lungs are metastasized the patient would have difficulty in breathing.

If you suffer from the above said symptoms the doctors would perform tests to detect whether you are suffering from cancer or not. Tests like Sigmoidoscopy or Colonoscopy may be performed to detect the presence of cancer. There are other tests too but these two are most effective in early detection of the cancer in colon.

It is very essential for people to take care of such symptoms if they have a history of cancer in family or have been afflicted by it in past. A person having history of breast cancer can also develop colon cancer easily. Even if the symptoms may not be those of cancer, precaution is better than medicine.

According to a study carried out by the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancerous deaths in the US. But, an early diagnosis and treatment can completely cure the patient. Therefore you must stay vigilant about the colon carcinoma symptoms and take immediate action.