Look For Colorectal Cancer Warning Signs!
Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012Added Precaution Against Colon Cancer
Do you often conjecture regarding the true physical condition of your digestive system? How will you tell if you have excellent colon heatlh, or could it be that your mild colorectal issues a mark of a far more severe medical issue?
The colorectal cancer symptoms are often general in presentation that they may mimic other medical conditions. In fact, these symptoms can be erroneously recognized as mere manifestations of gastrointestinal upset during the early stage of cancer. Being tolerable and mild, these symptoms are usually taken for granted by individuals experiencing them. Consequently, majority of the diagnosed cases of colorectal malignancy are already at the late stage, which is incurable and highly fatal. The symptoms alone are insufficient to confirm the presence of colorectal cancer but being asymptomatic does not give an assurance of freedom from malignancy.
The colorectal cancer symptoms might be ambiguous at first, yet they become severe as the disease progresses. The presenting symptoms of malignancy usually have relationship to the site where the tissue overgrowth (tumor) is located. The initial sign that will be felt with colorectal cancer is pain at the area where the tumor grows. This is a result of the compression of the nerves and erosion of the blood vessels in the said region. As the tumor increases in size, the intensity of pain also elevates. Often times, this pain is manifested as simple abdominal cramps at earlier stage.
Furthermore, since the colon is part of the gastrointestinal tract, the rest of the symptoms also pertain to GI system disturbance. The affected individual may manifest the following:
1. alteration or changes in bowel movement either diarrhea or constipation;
2. feeling of abdominal fullness or incomplete bowel emptying;
3. narrow or slim width of stool;
4. Decreased desire for eating or alteration in eating habit
5. poor or decrease appetite;
6. Frequently nauseated or even frequent vomiting
7. nausea and vomiting; and
8. weight loss
Other colorectal cancer symptoms are associated with gastrointestinal bleeding such as fatigue and pallor, which are manifestations of anemia. These are due to the reduced circulating erythrocytes (red blood cells) as an outcome of the hemorrhagic condition. Another cause of anemia among colorectal cancer patients is lack of iron as the tumor scrounges iron and other essential nutrients from the body. On the other hand, the abrupt decrease in body weight is linked to poor body nutrition secondary to the tumor’s utilization of various nutrients aside from iron to supplement cancer cells’ metabolic requirements.
Furthermore, the progress of colorectal cancer would lead to metastasis (spread) of the malignancy into the nearby tissues, lymph nodes and even distant organs in the body. At times, the colon gets perforated by the cancer cells and the GI contents spill out into the peritoneum and pelvic region resulting to infection of the tissues in the said area. As a result, the abdominal pain becomes severe that it is usually accompanied by persistent nausea and vomiting. Fever is also common as part of the infection and inflammatory process.
Therefore, regular medical check-up is essential for prompt diagnosis and treatment of various illnesses including colorectal cancer. Individuals who have predisposition to malignant diseases must consider enlisting annual health assessment into their priority list. Never wait for colorectal cancer symptoms to worsen and immediately attend all health requirements accordingly. In the presence of colorectal malignancy symptoms, never fail to seek for the expertise and advice of medical/health professionals. Moreover, diagnostic tests are necessary as confirmatory examinations like biopsy, aside from considering the disease symptoms.
The resources furnished through this item is NOT a substitute to licensed care and shouldn’t be used for testing or providing treatment for a medical issue or sickness. I suggest you talk to your health care provider should you have or have an idea that you could have a medical issue.