descending colon cancer

Descending Colon Cancer: An Overview

The descending colon, also known as the left side of the colon, plays a crucial role in storing stool before it reaches the sigmoid colon and rectum. Unfortunately, this part of the colon is prone to developing cancerous growths.

Characteristics of Descending Colon Cancers

• More common: Descending colon cancers are more common than right-sided colon cancers [15].
• Younger age: These cancers tend to occur in younger individuals compared to those affecting the right side of the colon [15].
• Obstruction at an earlier stage: Due to its smaller diameter, tumors in the left (descending) colon can cause obstruction at an earlier stage, making diagnosis and treatment more challenging [14].

Symptoms

While symptoms may vary depending on the individual, common signs of descending colon cancer include:

• Abdominal pain and tenderness
• Blood in the stool
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Narrow stools
• Weight loss

It's essential to note that many people with early-stage colon cancer do not experience any noticeable symptoms [2].

Staging

The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system is used to classify descending colon cancers based on their extent of spread. The stages range from I (least severe) to IV (most severe), with IV being further divided into sub-stages IVA, IVB, and IVC [13].

Prevalence

According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 106,970 new cases of colon cancer will be diagnosed in 2023, with a significant portion affecting the descending colon [14].

Common Signs and Symptoms of Descending Colon Cancer

Descended colon cancer, also known as sigmoid colon cancer, can manifest in various ways. While symptoms may vary from person to person, there are some common signs that can indicate the presence of this type of cancer.

• Change in Bowel Habits: A change in frequency or consistency of bowel movements is a common symptom of descending colon cancer [1][3]. This can include diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty completely.
• Blood in Stool: Rectal bleeding with bright red blood or blood in the stool (bowel movement) is another common sign of sigmoid colon cancer [2][4].
• Abdominal Pain: Cramping or abdominal pain can be a symptom of descending colon cancer, especially if it's persistent and severe [5].
• Weight Loss: Unintentional weight loss can also be a sign of sigmoid colon cancer, as the body may not be able to absorb nutrients properly [6].

Other Possible Symptoms

In addition to these common symptoms, other possible signs of descending colon cancer include:

• Diarrhea or constipation
• Feeling that the bowel does not empty completely
• Narrow stools
• Abdominal tenderness in the lower abdomen

It's essential to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, and only a medical professional can accurately diagnose sigmoid colon cancer. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult with a doctor for proper evaluation and treatment.

References:

[1] Context result 4: Symptoms · A change in bowel habits. [2] Context result 3: Rectal bleeding with bright red blood; Blood in the stool, which might make it look dark brown or black; [3] Context result 5: Diarrhea or constipation [4] Context result 6: Blood in stools (either as a single episode or recurring) [5] Context result 7: Abdominal pain and tenderness in the lower abdomen [6] Context result 8: Weight loss

Diagnostic Tests for Descending Colon Cancer

The diagnostic tests for descending colon cancer are crucial in determining the presence and extent of the disease. Here are some of the common tests used:

• Imaging tests: These tests use sound waves, x-rays, magnetic fields, or radioactive substances to create pictures of the inside of your body. Imaging tests may be done to look at suspicious areas that might be cancer, or to learn how far cancer might have spread [1].
• Colonoscopy: This test uses a long, flexible and slender tube attached to a video camera and monitor to view the whole colon and rectum. A doctor may pass surgical tools through the tube to take tissue samples and remove polyps [2].
• Stool tests: These tests check for tiny amounts of blood in feces (stool) that cannot be seen, which can indicate bleeding from a tumor or polyp in the descending colon [6].
• Blood tests: Blood tests may be used to detect substances in the blood that tumors release, such as CEA and CA 19-9 [12].
• Imaging of the descending colon: Imaging plays an important role in evaluation of the descending colon for conditions like inflammation, blockages, or cancer. This includes imaging tests such as CT scans, MRI, or ultrasound to evaluate the descending colon [15].

Other Tests

In addition to these tests, a doctor may also perform other tests to determine if you have colon cancer, including:

• Digital rectal exam (DRE): A DRE is a physical examination of the rectum and anus.
• Complete blood count (CBC): A CBC measures the levels of different cells in your blood.
• Blood chemistry tests: These tests measure the levels of various chemicals in your blood.

Early Detection

It's essential to note that early detection of colon cancer can significantly improve treatment outcomes. Regular screening, such as stool tests and colonoscopy, can help detect colon cancer at an early stage when it is more treatable [5].

References:

[1] - To look at suspicious areas that might be cancer; To learn how far cancer might have spread [2] - Using a scope to examine the inside of the colon. [5] - Thanks to more people taking time for colon cancer screening, healthcare providers are able to catch and treat colon cancer before it causes symptoms. [6] - Stool tests that are conducted to look for blood, [12] - Common colon cancer tumor markers include CEA and CA 19-9 [15] - The descending colon is part of the large intestine. Its primary function is to store and process waste as it prepares for excretion.

Treatment Options for Descending Colon Cancer

The treatment for descending colon cancer depends on various factors, including the stage and location of the tumor, as well as the overall health of the patient.

• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is often used to treat advanced or metastatic descending colon cancer. The goal of chemotherapy is to shrink the tumor and slow down its growth. Common chemotherapy drugs for bowel cancer used before or after surgery are fluorouracil, capecitabine, and oxaliplatin [7].
• Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy involves using medications that specifically target the cancer cells. This type of treatment is often used in combination with chemotherapy.
• Surgery: Surgery may be necessary to remove the tumor and a portion of the colon. The goal of surgery is to remove all of the cancerous tissue while preserving as much of the normal bowel function as possible.

Specific Treatment Options for Descending Colon Cancer

The descending colon is part of the large intestine, which includes the remaining 1/3 of the transverse colon, the descending colon, and the sigmoid colon [1]. Cancers that start on the left side of the colon are more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage than those that occur on the right side.

• Cetuximab and Panitumumab: These medications are available on the NHS for advanced bowel cancer. They can be used as first-line treatment in combination with other therapies [5].
• Dostarlimab: Dostarlimab is a laboratory-synthesized molecule that acts as a substitute for human antibodies. It has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of certain types of colorectal cancer, including descending colon cancer [6].

Important Considerations

It's essential to note that every patient's situation is unique, and the most effective treatment plan will depend on individual factors. Patients should consult with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of action.

References:

[1] Context result 1 [5] Context result 5 [6] Context result 6 [7] Context result 7

The differential diagnosis of descending colon cancer involves considering various conditions that can present similarly to colorectal cancer in the descending colon. Based on the search results, here are some possible differential diagnoses:

• Diverticulitis: This condition can cause inflammation and infection in the diverticula (small pouches) of the descending colon, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits [6].
• Colonic perforation from foreign body (FB): A foreign body in the colon can cause a perforation, which may be mistaken for malignancy on imaging studies [5].
• Large bowel obstruction: This condition can cause a blockage of the descending colon, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, and changes in bowel habits.
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Conditions such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease can cause inflammation and damage to the descending colon, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss [12].
• Appendicitis: This condition can cause inflammation of the appendix, which may be mistaken for a tumor in the descending colon.
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): This condition can cause changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, and bloating, which may be similar to symptoms of colorectal cancer.

It's essential to note that these conditions should be considered as part of the differential diagnosis when evaluating a patient with suspected descending colon cancer. A thorough medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests (such as imaging studies and biopsies) are necessary to determine the correct diagnosis [7].

References:

[5] - Colonic perforation from foreign body (FB) [6] - Diverticulitis [7] - Jacobs EJ, et al. Impact of diabetes mellitus and insulin use on survival after colorectal cancer diagnosis: the Cancer Prevention Study-II Nutrition Cohort. J Clin Oncol. 2012 Jan 1. 30(1):53-9. [12] - Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed and deadly cancers worldwide