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would going to the bathroom often be a sign of colon cancer
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What is an antigen tumor marker that is often elevated in patients with colon cancer?
carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)
Is stage 4 colon cancer deadly?
Colon cancer has reached stage 4 after metastasizing to distant organs. The liver is often an area where the cancer tends to migrate per a National Cancer Institute's article noting 50% of cases.
Difference between right sided and left sided colon cancer?
Right sided colon cancer takes place in the ascending and transverse colon, as left sided colon cancer is found in the descending and sigmoid colon. Right sided colon cancer is associated with more advanced disease when found and can spread more readily to LNs or peritoneal carcinomatosis. These tumors show more K-RAS mutations and microsatellite instability. Overall survival is lower in right sided colon cancer. Left sided colon cancer tend to cause more obstructive problems, often develop from polyps in early stages and tend to become metastatic to lung and liver sites. More information on the differences of right and left colon cancer can be found at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20010352
Does colon cancer occur most often in the large or small intestines?
Colon cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the large intestine (colon), which is the final part of the digestive tract12. The large intestine is about 5 feet long and absorbs water and salt from the food that passes through it. The small intestine, also called the small bowel, is a long tube that connects the stomach and the large intestine. It is about 20 feet long and is responsible for digesting and absorbing nutrients from the food that enters it. Cancer of the small intestine is much less common than cancer of the large intestine. There are different types of small bowel cancer, such as adenocarcinoma, neuroendocrine tumors, lymphoma, and sarcoma. Therefore, colon cancer occurs most often in the large intestine, not the small intestine.
You have pain in your left side but after you go to the bath room the pain is not so bad could this be your colon?
Could be Crohns or IBS. Pain associated with these is often relieved by going to the bathroom. The question is, what does the stool look like? That's a big indicator.
What You Need to Know About Colon Cancer?
Colon cancer occurs in the large intestine, which is also known as the colon. The colon is located in the lower area of the digestive system. Colon cancer often starts off as benign polyps but over time these polyps turn in to cancer. Diagnosing colon cancer in the earliest stages is imperative to survival.SymptomsMany people experience no symptoms with colon cancer in the earliest stages. When symptoms do arise, they often present at varying degrees depending on the location and size of the cancer. The most common symptoms of colon cancer are fatigue or weakness, sudden weight loss, the feeling that the bowel does not completely empty, blood in the stool or rectal bleeding, persistent discomfort in the abdomen such as gas, pain or cramps, and changes in normal bowel habits like constipation or diarrhea. It's important to note that these symptoms are quite general and are often the sign of another medical condition that is not colon cancer. It's important, however, to talk with your doctor if you experience the symptoms of colon cancer. Risk FactorsAlthough colon cancer can affect a person of any gender, race or age it is more common in those that exhibit certain risk factors. People over the age of 50 are more likely to develop colon cancer as are African-Americans and those with a family history of colon cancer, polyps or inflammatory intestinal conditions. Other risk factors include obesity, diabetes, a sedentary lifestyle, a low-fiber and high-fat diet, smoking and heavy alcohol consumption. TreatmentOnce a diagnosis of colon cancer is made, different treatment options are available based on the stage and progression of the cancer. Surgery is available for early-stage, invasive and advanced colon cancer. Other treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and targeted drug therapy. A combination of treatments may be necessary to effectively remove all of the cancer. PreventionAlthough the exact causes of colon cancer are unknown, there are some things you can do to lower your risk. If you have an increased risk of colon cancer or if you are African-American or American Indian, start getting screened at age 45. Those with an average risk should begin screening at age 50. Eating plenty of whole grains, fruits and vegetables may help to prevent colon cancer. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise each day and maintain a healthy weight. Finally, stop smoking to also help lower your risk of developing colon cancer.
How many people die annually from colon cancer?
Colon cancer is cancer of the large intestine (colon), the lower part of your digestive system. Rectal cancer is cancer of the last 6 inches of the colon. Together, they're often referred to as colorectal cancers. About 112,000 people are diagnosed with colon cancer annually, and about 41,000 new cases of rectal cancer are diagnosed each year, according to the American Cancer Society
Patients with what forms of cancer are often given the CEA test?
These include cancer of the colon, rectum, stomach (gastric cancer), esophagus, liver, or pancreas. It is also used with cancers of the breast, lung, or prostate.
Why is bowel cancer often called colorectal cancer?
Bowel cancer is often referred to as colorectal cancer because it originates in the colon or rectum, which are parts of the large intestine, also known as the colorectum. The term "colorectal" is derived from "colorectum," which encompasses both the colon and rectum. Here's why the terms are used interchangeably: Anatomy: The colon and rectum are contiguous parts of the large intestine, forming a continuous tube through which waste products pass before elimination from the body. Bowel cancer can develop in either the colon or rectum, as they share similar tissue types and functions. Cancer Origins: Most colorectal cancers arise from abnormal growths called polyps that develop on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Over time, some of these polyps may progress to cancerous tumors. Since both the colon and rectum can be affected by these polyps and subsequent cancers, the term "colorectal cancer" is used to encompass cancers originating from either location. Clinical Considerations: From a clinical standpoint, colorectal cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment strategies often apply to both colon and rectal cancers. Therefore, using the term "colorectal cancer" helps to encompass the entirety of the disease spectrum and facilitates comprehensive management approaches. Public Health and Awareness: Using a single term like "colorectal cancer" helps streamline public health efforts, educational campaigns, and awareness initiatives. It ensures clarity and consistency in communication, making it easier for individuals to understand the importance of screening, prevention, and early detection efforts.
What is colotomy?
Colotomy is a surgical procedure where an incision or opening is made in the colon to create an outlet for waste to pass out of the body. It is often performed to treat conditions like colorectal cancer or to alleviate blockages in the colon.
What is the term spastic colon mean?
A chronic disorder in the large and small intestine
Watch for Colon Cancer Symptoms?
Colon cancer is one of the more common types of cancer in the United States. Doctors are still not sure exactly what causes colon cancer, although certain genes can increase the risk for colon cancer. However, if you catch colon cancer early it can often be cured. Many cases of colon cancer are detected each year even before patients experience symptoms through routine colon cancer screenings. The symptoms of colon cancer vary depending on the patient, the location of the tumor and the size of the tumor. More common symptoms include diarrhea, blood in your stool, rectal bleeding, black or tarry stools, narrow stools, constipation, abdominal pain or cramps, gas, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, weakness, unexplained iron deficiency anemia and a feeling that your bowel is not completely emptying. Many patients do not experience any of these symptoms until they have very advanced colon cancer, making routine colon cancer screening very important for catching these cancers while there is still a good chance of curing them. People who are at higher risk for colon cancer should speak with their doctor if they experience colon cancer symptoms, as early detection is important. This includes people over 50 years old, people with a family history of colon or breast cancer, people who are obese or follow a sedentary lifestyle, people with chronic inflammatory diseases of the colon or diabetes, and people who drink or consume a diet high in fat and low in fiber. The best test for detecting whether you actually have colon cancer is a colonoscopy, as it is the only test that examines the whole colon for polyps and other possible cancerous masses. Making lifestyle changes may help to lower you colon cancer risk. Consider losing weight if you are overweight or maintaining a healthy weight, stopping smoking, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, exercising most days of the week and avoiding alcohol or only drinking alcohol in moderation.
