Colon Cancer Adenomatous Polyps, Higher Risk

Colon Cancer Adenomatous Polyps, Higher Risk

Neoplasms of colon-rectum and appendix-colonoscopy-adenomatous polyp-cancer

The signs and symptoms of colon cancer include:

Changes in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in consistency in your stool, for more than four weeks
Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool. Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas, or pain. Feeling that your gut is not emptying completely
Weakness or fatigue. Unexplained weight loss.Colon Cancer Adenomatous Polyps, Higher Risk
Many people with colon cancer have no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. When the symptoms appear, they are likely to vary, depending on the size and location of the cancer in your large intestine.

When to see the doctor

If you notice symptoms of colon cancer, such as bleeding in your stool or persistent change in your bowel habits, ask for a consultation with your doctor.
Talk to your doctor about when you should get colon cancer screenings. The guidelines generally recommend that colon cancer screenings begin at age 50. Your doctor may recommend screening tests more often or earlier if you have other risk factors, such as a family history of the disease.Colon Cancer Adenomatous Polyps, Higher Risk
In most cases, the causes of colon cancer are unclear. Doctors know that colon cancer occurs when healthy cells in the colon develop errors in their DNA.

Healthy cells grow and divide in an orderly way to keep your body functioning normally. However, when the DNA of the cells is damaged and becomes cancerous, the cells continue to divide - even when new cells are not needed. As the cells accumulate, they form a tumor.
Over time, cancer cells can grow to invade and destroy the nearest normal tissue. Cancer cells can travel to other parts of the body.