Symptoms of colon cancer include changes in feces, such as blood in the stool and looser, more frequent stools. These changes might be caused by colon cancer. Pain in the abdominal region is one of the many symptoms that those who have colon cancer may potentially feel.
These signs and symptoms are not always indicative of colon cancer; they can also be observed in other conditions that affect the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, it is essential to keep in mind that some people who have colon cancer might not show any symptoms at all, and that they might have stools that appear normal and healthy.
This essay will discuss the connection between colon cancer and bowel movements, as well as the symptoms that you should be on the lookout for and what you should do if you have suspects of having colon cancer.
The Early Warning Signs of Colon Cancer and Poop
For example, one of the early signs of colon cancer is a change in the way bowel motions or stool are produced. It is possible for feces caused by colon cancer to have a thinner appearance and to be different from normal stools in terms of color and consistency.
Changes in the look or movement of stools that cannot be explained should generally raise concerns about colon cancer more than any other symptom, particularly if the symptoms remain or increase over the course of the disease.
A few of the modest symptoms that may indicate the presence of colon cancer in its early stages are as follows:
Stools that are “pencil” in shape and are thin are the result of the intestinal channel being more constricted as the tumor begins to grow.
Dyschezia, which is another name for pain that occurs during defecation, is a symptom that is frequently connected with rectal cancer.
A feeling of being unable to empty one’s bowel due to the following: Frequently observed in patients with rectal cancer in its early stages, also known as tenesmus
Bleeding from the rectal region: More prevalent in cases of cancer of the lower colon or cancer of the rectal region
Pain in the abdominal region: This condition is brought on by the activation of pain receptors known as visceral nociceptors by localized inflammation.
Because of the loss of red blood cells, the development of anemia, and the bleeding that occurs in the intestinal tract [2], fatigue follows.
Changes in the Poop Produced by Regional Colon Cancer
The colon cancer, which is in the third stage, has migrated to the lymph nodes that are nearby. Changes in bowel habits and excrement tend to become more obvious when the tumor begins to develop into deeper layers of the intestinal tissues and the lumen of the intestinal tract continues to narrow. This is because the lumen of the intestinal tract is the innermost layer of the intestinal tract.
There is a high probability that the advancement of colon cancer is indicated by the following additional symptoms:
The increasing blockage of the bowels is a contributing factor in constipation.
Symptoms of diarrhea include an overflow of intestinal fluid surrounding a partial blockage in the abdominal cavity.
Constipation and diarrhea that come and go in cycles: One of the more revealing symptoms of colon cancer
Hématochezia, often known as blood in the stool, can be a brilliant red color if the tumor is located close to the rectum, or it can be a dark crimson or maroon color if it is located farther up in the colon.
The Tenesmus: As the progression of colon cancer continues, complications may arise as a result of the ongoing and growing inflammation.
Abdominal bloating and cramps: One of the reasons behind this is that when the bowel is clogged, it is impossible to expel gas.
Characteristics of an iron deficit Approximately 48 percent of those who have colon cancer are affected by anemia [3].
The development of scar tissue and strictures can eventually lead to obstruction of the bowel, which can be either partial or complete. The severity of the bleeding is often greater, despite the fact that it is not always visible in the feces themselves.
In advanced cases of colon cancer, changes in feces
Metastasis, which is the term used to describe the spread of cancer to distant organs, is a feature of colon cancer that has progressed to stage 4. In this stage of cancer, which is the most advanced stage, the symptoms may become more noticeable as the intestinal blockage and bleeding continue to worsen.
During this time, poop could have a black and viscous appearance. Milena is another name for this condition, which is seen more frequently in cases of malignancy that is located on the right side of the body. During the lengthy journey that the blood takes to reach the rectum, it takes place when oxygen and hemoglobin in the blood react with one another.
Among the other possible signs are:
Vomiting and feeling sick: This is typically observed when the obstruction gets severe.
Unexpected reduction in body mass: If you have advanced cancer, you may experience a typical consequence known as systemic inflammation, which causes you to lose muscle and weight in addition to losing your appetite.
Bowel perforation is a condition that can occur on occasion when the tissues are subjected to excessive strain, which ultimately leads to the rupture of the tissues. Additional symptoms may manifest themselves in the event that the cancer has migrated to other common metastases, such as the liver, chest, or bone.
Although patients with stage 4 colon cancer are more likely to encounter symptoms, not everyone undergoes the process of experiencing them. It is possible that many patients who have metastatic colon cancer may not experience any symptoms at all if there is no obstruction, perforation, or bleeding in their area of the colon.
As a result of colon cancer, your bowel movements may alter in color, in the contents of your bowel movements, and in the frequency with which they occur. Notable instances of these modifications include the presence of blood in the stool, stools that are flat or narrow, diarrhea, and an increase in the frequency of bowel movements. When it is in its final stages, poop can become thick and dark in color.
Alterations in bowel habits and the consistency of feces can also be brought on by other illnesses of the gastrointestinal tract. Even if these symptoms do not necessarily point to the presence of cancer, you should nonetheless get them checked out by a medical professional at all times. It is possible to successfully treat colon cancer if it is diagnosed in its early stages.
