Colon cancer is potentially curable if recognized early. Early detection depends on screening persons at risk and instituting the appropriate management. It is important not to wait on symptoms of the disease but rather to begin screening measures at the recommended age. The American Cancer Society recommends screening start 50 years for both men and women who are at average risk for developing colon cancer. Persons are described as being average risk if they do not have a family history of colon cancer or colon cancer syndromes, or a history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease.
Colon cancer symptoms vary depending on location within the colon.
Change In Bowel Habits
The most common symptom of descending colon cancer is a change in bowel habits. This usually manifests as increasing constipation. Persons may notice a change in the caliber of the stool as well. Some persons experience alternating constipation and diarrhea.
Bowel Obstruction
The constipation results from increasing tumor size gradually obstructing the lumen of the colon. Sometimes the obstruction becomes complete. Complete obstruction classically presents with a quartet of symptoms; constipation, abdominal swelling, abdominal pain and vomiting. This presentation requires surgical intervention.
Rectal Bleeding
Some persons may experience bleeding from the rectum. This happens as the tumor is irritated by stool and bleeds. This bleeding is rarely life-threatening but can be a frightening symptom. It often goes unnoticed and may lead to anemia.
Less Common Symptoms
The tumor may grow, gradually 'eating' away the wall of the colon. This can progress to a perforation, allowing feces and bacteria into the abdomen. This is a life-threatening infection requiring immediate surgery and often intensive unit care. A perforated colon may be the first sign/symptom of descending colon cancer. Patients with this condition are severely ill with fever, abdominal pain dehydration and weakness.
There are non-specific symptoms as well that accompany the cardinal symptoms of colon cancer. These symptoms are features of almost all cancers. They include weight loss, fever, night sweats and generalized weakness from anemia.
References
- Townsend, C. et al, Sabiston Textbook of Surgery
- Robbins, S. Pathological Basis of Disease
- American Cancer Society
