The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDKD) reports that the colon, also called the large intestine, is approximately five feet long. The main function of the colon is to absorb salt and water to be recycled within the body before waste is excreted. A number of diseases can affect the colon; these can cause various symptoms involving the digestion and the excretion of waste.
Diverticulitis
MedlinePlus, an online medical encyclopedia created by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, reports that diverticulitis is swelling of abnormal pouches in the intestinal wall. These abnormal pouches are called diverticulum, and the pouches most often occur in the colon. The pouches (diverticula) are actually quite common as people age; MedlinePlus notes that more than half of Americans over the age of 60 have them. Only very few people with diverticula ever have problems, such as diverticulitis. According to Medline Plus, symptoms of diverticulitis include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever and weight loss.
Colon Polyps
Another disease of the colon is polyps. The Mayo Clinic describes colon polyps as a small clump of cells collected in the lining of the colon. According to the Mayo Clinic, most colon polyps are harmless, but some may eventually turn into cancer. People are at increased risk of developing colon polyps if they are overweight, smoke cigarettes, eat a high-fat and low-fiber diet or have family members who have colon polyps. The Mayo Clinic notes that there are no symptoms of colon polyps and recommends regular screening to identify and safely remove them to prevent colon cancer.
Colon Cancer
Merck Manuals, an online medical library, reports that cancer of the colon accounts for an estimated 52,000 deaths each year in the United States. Colon cancer is the second most common type of cancer, following lung cancer. According to Merck Manuals, symptoms of colon cancer include bloody stool and, occasionally, abdominal pain. The patient may feel fatigue and weak due to anemia.
Fistula
Another problem that can affect the colon, according to the NIDDKD, is fistula. A fistula is the development of an abnormal connection between two parts of the digestive tract, or the intestine and another organ. The NIDDKD reports that the symptoms of fistulas include pain in the abdomen, swelling and diarrhea. Some fistulas occur as the fetus develops in the womb, and some occur as a person ages, or as a result of disease or trauma. Fistulas are often corrected by surgery.
