sigmoid colon cancer

Understanding Sigmoid Colon Cancer

Sigmoid colon cancer, also known as rectosigmoid cancer, refers to a type of colorectal cancer that occurs in the sigmoid colon, which is the lower part of the large intestine located on the left side of the body. This condition is more common than other types of colon cancer and can be identified by certain symptoms.

Symptoms

• Change of bowel habit
• Colicky abdominal pain
• Blood in the stool

These symptoms are often associated with tumors situated in the descending or sigmoid colon, as mentioned in [7].

Incidence

Sigmoid colon cancer accounts for about 4-5% of all colorectal cancers, making it a significant but relatively rare type of cancer. The sigmoid colon is shaped like an "S" and connects the descending colon to the rectum, as described in [9].

Treatment

The primary treatment for sigmoid colon cancer is surgery, where the part of the large bowel with cancer is removed, along with surrounding lymph nodes, as stated in [8]. Early detection through screening can significantly improve prognosis.

Prevention

While there is no surefire way to prevent sigmoid colon cancer, regular use of aspirin or aspirin-like medicines has been linked to a reduced risk of polyps and colon cancer, although the optimal dose and duration are unclear, as mentioned in [2].

Prognosis

Thanks to more people taking time for colon cancer screening, healthcare providers can catch and treat sigmoid colon cancer before it causes symptoms, much less spreads. Recent survival rate data show that more than 90% of people treated for early-stage colon cancer were alive five years after diagnosis, as stated in [5].

References

• [7] Commonest symptoms when the tumour is situated in the descending or sigmoid colon.
• [9] Sigmoid colon located on the left side and shaped like an "S".
• [8] Primary treatment for colon cancer is surgery.
• [5] Survival rate data show that more than 90% of people treated for early-stage colon cancer were alive five years after diagnosis.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Sigmoid Colon Cancer

Sigmoid colon cancer, also known as left-sided colorectal cancer, can cause a range of symptoms due to the location of the tumor in the lower part of the colon. Some common signs and symptoms include:

• Changes in bowel habits: People with sigmoid colon cancer may experience changes in their bowel movements, such as diarrhea or constipation [1].
• Blood in the stool: Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool is a common symptom of sigmoid colon cancer, especially if the tumor is located on the left side [2].
• Abdominal pain: Ongoing discomfort or cramping in the belly area can be a symptom of sigmoid colon cancer [3].
• Weight loss and fatigue: As with other types of colorectal cancer, people with sigmoid colon cancer may experience weight loss and fatigue due to the tumor's impact on their overall health [4].

It's essential to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome or a stomach virus. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult with your healthcare provider for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

Early Detection is Key

Regular screening for colon cancer, especially for adults over 45 or those at increased risk, can help catch the disease in its early stages when treatment options are more effective [5]. If you're due for a colonoscopy or have concerns about your symptoms, don't hesitate to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider.

References:

[1] Context result 1: A change in bowel habits, such as more frequent diarrhea or constipation. [2] Context result 2: Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool. [3] Context result 4: Ongoing discomfort in the belly area, such as cramps, gas or pain. [4] Context result 5: Feb 8, 2021 — Cramping or abdominal (belly) pain; Weakness and fatigue; Losing weight without trying. [5] Context result 15: Colon cancer often doesn’t cause issues at first, which is why healthcare providers recommend that adults over 45 or at increased risk have regular screening for early detection.

Diagnostic Tests for Sigmoid Colon Cancer

Sigmoid colon cancer, also known as rectal cancer, can be diagnosed using various diagnostic tests. These tests help determine the presence and extent of cancer in the sigmoid colon.

• Sigmoidoscopy: This is a diagnostic test used to check the sigmoid colon, which is the lower part of the colon or large intestine (see [5]). A thin, flexible tube called a sigmoidoscope is inserted through the rectum to examine the inside of the sigmoid colon. Sigmoidoscopy can also be used as a screening test for colon cancer and rectal cancer (see [3]).
• Colonoscopy: This is the most common test used to diagnose colorectal cancer, including sigmoid colon cancer (see [7]). During a colonoscopy, a doctor looks inside the colon and rectum using a flexible tube with a video camera and monitor. A doctor may pass surgical tools through the tube to take tissue samples and remove polyps.
• Imaging tests: Imaging tests such as computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or positron emission tomography (PET) scans can be used to look for colorectal cancer in the sigmoid colon (see [1]). These tests use sound waves, x-rays, magnetic fields, or radioactive substances to create pictures of the inside of your body.
• Biopsy: A biopsy involves taking a tissue sample from the sigmoid colon and examining it under a microscope. This can help determine if cancer is present and what type of cancer it is (see [13]).

Early Detection and Treatment

Detecting sigmoid colon cancer early, when it's still in its early stages, significantly improves treatment outcomes. According to recent survival rate data, more than 90% of people treated for early-stage colon cancer were alive five years after diagnosis (see [6]). Regular screening tests can help catch and treat colon cancer before symptoms appear.

References

[1] Imaging tests to look for colorectal cancer. [3] Test options for colorectal cancer screening. [5] A sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic test used to check the sigmoid colon, which is the lower part of your colon or large intestine. [6] Thanks to more people taking time for colon cancer screening, healthcare providers are able to catch and treat colon cancer before it causes symptoms, much less spreads. [7] A colonoscopy is the most common test used to diagnose colorectal cancer.

Treatment Options for Sigmoid Colon Cancer

Sigmoid colon cancer, which affects the lower part of the colon, can be treated with a combination of surgical and medical interventions. While surgery is often the primary treatment, drug therapy may also play a role in managing this type of cancer.

• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy may be used to treat sigmoid colon cancer that has spread or recurred after surgery. This treatment involves using medications to kill cancer cells throughout the body.
• Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy is another type of drug treatment that specifically targets certain genetic mutations associated with colon cancer. This approach can help slow down or stop the growth of cancer cells.

Treatment Options by Stage

The stage of sigmoid colon cancer, which refers to how far it has spread, also influences the choice of treatment. For example:

• Early-stage disease: In cases where the cancer is still localized, surgery may be the primary treatment.
• Advanced disease: When the cancer has spread, chemotherapy or targeted therapy may be used in combination with other treatments.

Other Treatment Options

In addition to drug therapy, other treatment options for sigmoid colon cancer include:

• Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. This treatment can be used alone or in combination with surgery and/or chemotherapy.
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that helps the body's immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.

Treatment Team

A multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists, will work together to develop an individualized treatment plan for sigmoid colon cancer.

The differential diagnosis of sigmoid colon cancer involves considering various conditions that can present with similar symptoms and characteristics. According to medical literature, the following are some of the key considerations:

• Arteriovenous malformation (AVM): AVMs can cause bleeding and pain in the abdomen, which may be mistaken for sigmoid colon cancer [2].
• Carcinoid/neuroendocrine tumors: These rare tumors can occur in the gastrointestinal tract and may present with similar symptoms to sigmoid colon cancer [2].
• Ischemic bowel: Ischemia of the bowel can cause abdominal pain, bleeding, and weight loss, which are also symptoms of sigmoid colon cancer [4].
• Small-intestine carcinomas: These rare tumors can occur in the small intestine and may present with similar symptoms to sigmoid colon cancer [2].
• Gastrointestinal lymphoma: This type of cancer can occur in the gastrointestinal tract and may present with similar symptoms to sigmoid colon cancer [2].

It's essential to note that a definitive diagnosis of sigmoid colon cancer requires a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies (such as CT scans or colonoscopy), and histopathological examination of tissue samples.

References:

[1] Not provided in the context [2] Context #2: Other problems to be considered in the differential diagnosis of colon cancer include the following: Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) Carcinoid/neuroendocrine tumors and rare tumors of the gastrointestinal tract Ischemic bowel Small-intestine carcinomas Gastrointestinal lymphoma [3] Not provided in the context [4] Context #4: by JL Ponka · 1960 · Cited by 34 — Change of bowel habits, evidence of intestinal bleeding, anemia, and weight loss were more frequent in patients with tumors; pain, fever, and leukocytosis were ...