Bowel cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer on our planet. Approximately 10 people out of every 100,000 have this condition in their medical records. Complicating its course is the fact that in the process of the development of the disease, more than one section of the intestinal tract can be affected. And in the last stages, this causes a lot of problems for both doctors and the patient himself.
For this reason, the issue of early diagnosis comes first. This is problematic because the early symptoms are similar to dozens of other diseases in the gastrointestinal area. And the later treatment is started, the more difficult it is to get rid of oncology. Especially if the process of metastasis (the penetration of tumor cells into other organs) has already begun.
Correct diagnosis is complicated by the fact that the tumor can occur anywhere in a fairly long intestinal tract. This greatly affects the symptoms and subsequent treatment.
Causes of bowel cancer
Currently, medicine is only making assumptions about the causes of this oncological disease, based on many years of statistical data. This allows you to identify risk groups and name the following factors that provoke the appearance of cancer cells in the intestine:
Diet – and improperly organized process of eating food, when proteins and fats predominate in the diet, can lead to the formation of fecal masses in the intestines that clog it. In turn, this can lead to mechanical injury to its walls and the subsequent oncology.
Genetics – if among relatives cases of intestinal cancer were detected, then the risk of its development is significantly higher. However, the genes responsible for the occurrence of oncological diseases have not yet been isolated, despite all the successes of geneticists in recent years.
Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract – the risk group includes people with adenoma, polyps, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn’s disease. Sometimes these diseases are harbingers of cancerous conditions. Especially if the patient, for various reasons, triggers their course. So, for example, initially benign polyps, in the absence of proper treatment, can become malignant tumors.
Gluten – this substance has become widely known in the last decade. Studies show that people with gluten intolerance are at risk of developing bowel cancer if they consume too much gluten.
Signs of bowel cancer
First signs
The problem with almost all cancers is that they are diagnosed in the early stages only by chance, during examination for other reasons. Because of this, the sick person loses precious time when the disease could be eliminated in the bud. There is even an assumption that cancer cells secrete a small number of painkillers, contributing to their late detection. Nevertheless, the following early signs of bowel cancer can be distinguished:
Enterocolitic – characterizes a disorder of the stool, which can be expressed in prolonged constipation, followed by diarrhea. The abdomen is constantly swollen, and the process of formation of feces is disturbed. This symptom is typical for oncology of the left half of the cecum or colon.
Stenosis is a condition when the tumor itself prevents the normal excretion of feces. And going to the toilet seems problematic, and constipation, bloating and pain in the peritoneum become constant companions of the patient after the act of defecation.
Dyspepsia is a violation of the normal digestive process when the patient suffers from heartburn, a bitter taste in the mouth, and vomiting.
Prespastic – inflammation in the peritoneum, leading to a change in normal body temperature, pain, and toxicity. The latter causes poor health and constant fatigue.
Other signs
Cystitis – is observed in later stages, when tumor tissues are integrated into nearby organs, including the bladder and reproductive organs. In this case, there is pain during urination.
Other signs – a person becomes weak and easily fatigued, dryness and pallor of the skin, mucous membranes, and changes in body temperature are noted. During bowel movements, the feeling of emptying of the intestine does not occur, and traces of blood may be observed in the feces.
Observation of these symptoms does not give a clear diagnosis, however, it is the reason for an immediate visit to a doctor for additional diagnosis. It consists of the collection of relevant tests, as well as a hardware examination of the intestinal tract.
Types of bowel cancer
The human intestine is divided into several sections called the rectum, large intestine, and small intestine. And tumor processes in different departments proceed differently, with their symptoms and diagnostic methods.
Rectal cancer
The rectum is adjacent to organs such as the bladder, uterus, and ovaries. Consequently, the presence of oncology in this department causes the urge to urinate and defecate, which most customarily turns out to be false. There can also be incontinence and pain whilst going to the bathroom.
Other symptoms may be discharged from the anus and severe pain before defecation, caused by damage to the nerve endings of a malignant neoplasm.
In the later stages, oncology can penetrate further into the muscle fibers, causing incontinence of urine, feces, and gases. And when the tumor blocks the passage of feces, there is a strong intoxication of the body, which causes a headache, and the patient feels sick.
colon cancer
It starts with aching pain in the hypochondrium on the left or right. Due to damage to the walls of the large intestine, the stomach swells and boils, and the stool becomes liquid. With the development of the disease, intestinal obstruction appears, as the tumor blocks the passage of feces. Nausea and vomiting are also observed, and the vomit may contain traces of feces. Fluid accumulates in the peritoneum, preventing the normal functioning of nearby organs, this condition is called ascites.
Cancer of the small intestine.
Symptoms are characterized by the darkening of the feces and the appearance of abundant traces of blood in them. The patient’s taste and smell change, appetite is lost, and he is sick and vomits. The stomach constantly hurts, and severe spasms are observed in the intestines. Treatment begins with a strict diet, but if the symptoms do not go away, the doctor conducts a detailed examination of the body.
Gender specifics
Bowel cancer in women and men can proceed differently. In the female body, the uterus is located next to it, therefore, with oncology of one organ, another may also be affected. Then blood or traces of feces are observed in the urine, and urination itself is accompanied by pain.
The same pain syndrome during urination can be observed in men, but it is associated with the fact that cancer cells penetrate the prostate gland.
Stages of bowel cancer
Colon cancers are traditionally divided into five stages. And the earlier treatment is started, the higher the chances of completely getting rid of oncology. But the symptoms that make sick people see a doctor appear only at stage II or III. And at these stages, it is much more difficult to cure a patient, since the process of metastasis has already started in the tumor.
Zero stage
This stage is considered precancerous and is characterized by the appearance of rapidly dividing cells in the intestine. They appear after suffering bowel diseases and are not yet considered cancerous. Whether they turn into cancer depends on the patient’s lifestyle and a combination of other factors. This happens in about a third of cases.
I stage
It proceeds almost asymptomatically since the tumor has just formed and does not disturb neighboring organs. The only external manifestations may be only a slight upset of the gastrointestinal tract and loose stools.
II stage
The tumor grows, affecting the intestinal tissue to the full depth, but metastases have not yet been noted. At this stage, the appearance of pain in the peritoneum, which is not yet associated with cancer, is already possible.
III stage
Tissues, lymph nodes, and organs placed close to the point of interest of the sickness are already affected, and the ache syndrome is a great deal more mentioned. Different characteristic signs and symptoms depend upon the unique form and place.
IV stage
This level is recognized at the time of the advent of metastases that spread in the course of the frame. The tumor reaches this type of large size that it completely blocks the intestinal passage. Fecal hundreds can not be expelled from the frame naturally, therefore, they poison the body with toxins, disrupting, among other things, the normal functioning of different organs.
Survival in bowel cancer
Survival correlates with two factors: stage and liver damage. So, if the liver is affected by oncology, and stage IV is diagnosed in the focus of the disease, then no more than 5% of patients survive, and the life span rarely exceeds six months.
If the disease was detected (most often by accident) at the initial stage, then up to 95% survive, and at stage II – from 52% to 83%. The third stage of cancer gives a 50 percent chance of a successful cure. It all depends on the correct and timely prescribed treatment.
Diagnosis of bowel cancer
Analyzes. Diagnosis of intestinal oncology begins with tests. The very first of these should be a stool test for the presence of traces of blood. In addition, they donate blood and urine, making a detailed analysis, including oncomarkers.
Colonoscopy or retromanoscopy. Carrying out such procedures aims to study the tissues of the alleged affected organ. Including, samples are taken for subsequent biopsy. People at risk should be examined annually with these procedures, so it is realistic to diagnose a tumor at the time of its appearance.
Irrigoscopy. If a person refuses previous procedures for some reason, then a special solution is injected into the intestines, which stains the walls of the intestines on an x-ray. Then all extraneous neoplasms become visible.
Magnetic resonance therapy, computed tomography. More accurate diagnosis of the position, size, and extent of oncology. Allows you to create the most accurate plan for the treatment of the patient.
Bowel cancer treatment
The sooner treatment begins, the higher the chance of a full recovery from intestinal oncology. Various folk methods can only alleviate the symptoms of the disease for a short period, without slowing down its development. The only effective method is to consult a doctor. Yes, there is a chance to fully recover at the last stage, but this probability is no more than 5% of the total number of observations.
Surgical intervention
Most effective in the early stages. The surgical intervention consists in removing the affected area of the intestine, and then the cuts are fused, and the functionality of the intestine is completely restored.
The larger size of the neoplasm involves the removal of a significant part of the intestine. The healthy part is brought out with the imposition of a colostomy. This condition of the patient is uncomfortable and can cause pain.
Analyzes. Diagnosis of intestinal oncology begins with tests. The very first of these should be a stool test for the presence of traces of blood. In addition, they donate blood and urine, making a detailed analysis, including oncomarkers.
Colonoscopy or retromanoscopy. Carrying out such procedures aims to study the tissues of the alleged affected organ. Including, samples are taken for subsequent biopsy. People at risk should be examined annually with these procedures, so it is realistic to diagnose a tumor at the time of its appearance.
Irrigoscopy. If a person refuses previous procedures for some reason, then a special solution is injected into the intestines, which stains the walls of the intestines on an x-ray. Then all extraneous neoplasms become visible.
Magnetic resonance therapy, computed tomography. More accurate diagnosis of the position, size, and extent of oncology. Allows you to create the most accurate plan for the treatment of the patient.
Bowel cancer treatment
The sooner treatment begins, the higher the chance of a full recovery from intestinal oncology. Various folk methods can only alleviate the symptoms of the disease for a short period, without slowing down its development. The only effective method is to consult a doctor. Yes, there is a chance to fully recover at the last stage, but this probability is no more than 5% of the total number of observations.
Surgical intervention
Most effective in the early stages. The surgical intervention consists in removing the affected area of the intestine, and then the cuts are fused, and the functionality of the intestine is completely restored.
The larger size of the neoplasm involves the removal of a significant part of the intestine. The healthy part is brought out with the imposition of a colostomy. This condition of the patient is uncomfortable and can cause pain.
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