Colorectal cancer, which is sometimes called colon cancer, is a type of cancer that develops in the rectum or the colon, also known as the large intestine. In North America, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer, according to 2009 information from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Those over the age of 60 are at an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer, according to Medline Plus. If caught early, colorectal cancer is often treatable. If left untreated, several complications may develop.
Colon Blockage
The growth of tumors in the colon can lead to complete obstruction of the colon in the elderly, which is a serious condition, reports MedlinePlus. A colon obstruction prevents the passage of all fluids and food through the colon, causing several symptoms such as abdominal swelling and pain, nausea and vomiting, explains MayoClinic.com. If the colon obstruction is not treated, the blood supply to the blocked area can be cut off, causing the tissues of the colon to die. Dead colon tissue is more likely to tear, causing the contents of the colon to leak into the abdominal cavity and increasing the risk of infection.
Anemia
Anemia is also a possible complication of colorectal cancer in elderly patients, reports NetWellness. Anemia results from insufficient numbers of red blood cells, which are essential to carry oxygen to all the cells of the body. Anemia can cause several symptoms, such as fatigue, dizziness, headache, difficultly concentrating, chest pain and shortness of breath, explains MedlinePlus.
Cancer Metastasis
Another major complication of colorectal cancer among the elderly is the risk of the cancer spreading to other parts of the body, a process known as metastasis. The areas of the body commonly affected by metastasis of colorectal cancer are the liver, brain and lungs, according to NetWellness. Cancers arising in these other parts of the body can cause several additional symptoms, depending on the area affected. The survival rate of colorectal cancer drops greatly after the cancer has metastasized, reports MedlinePlus.
Cancer Recurrence
If the tumor causing colorectal cancer is removed, elderly patients face a risk of the cancer returning, Medline Plus explains. Colon cancer is not considered cured until the cancer has not returned within five years of treatment. Another possible complication is the development of a second new, primary cancer occurring in another area of the colon.
