ascending colon cancer

Ascending Colon Cancer: Symptoms, Stages, and Treatment

The ascending colon, also known as the right side of the colon, is a part of the large intestine that runs up the right side of the abdomen. Ascending colon cancer refers to cancer that develops in this specific region.

Symptoms of Ascending Colon Cancer

• Abdominal pain and tenderness in the lower abdomen [9]
• Blood in the stool
• Diarrhea, constipation, or other change in bowel habits
• Narrow stools

These symptoms are often signs of an abnormal process in the right side of the colon. It's essential to note that some people may not experience any noticeable symptoms until the cancer has advanced.

Stages of Ascending Colon Cancer

The stages of ascending colon cancer are similar to those of other types of colorectal cancer. The cancer can be classified as stage 1-4, with stage 3B being a specific classification for tumors that have grown through the outermost layers of the colon and penetrated the visceral peritoneum or invaded nearby tissues.

Treatment Options

The treatment options for ascending colon cancer depend on the stage and severity of the disease. They may include:

• Surgery to remove the tumor and affected portion of the colon
• Chemotherapy to kill cancer cells that have spread to other parts of the body
• Radiation therapy to shrink tumors before surgery or to relieve symptoms

It's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

References: [10] The human colon, or large intestine, is a muscular, tube-shaped organ measuring about 4 feet long. It extends from the end of the small bowel to the rectum; some doctors may include the rectum as the end of the colon. [11] The colon can be divided into the right colon (cecum, ascending colon, and right 2/3 transverse colon) and left colon (left 1/3 transverse colon, descending colon, and sigmoid colon). [15] Colon cancer will be classified as stage 3B in either of the following situations: The tumor has grown through the outermost layers of the colon and penetrates the visceral peritoneum or invades nearby tissues.

Early Warning Signs and Symptoms

Ascending colon cancer, like other types of colorectal cancer, can be asymptomatic in its early stages. However, as the cancer grows, it may cause a range of symptoms that can vary from person to person [1]. Some common signs and symptoms of ascending colon cancer include:

• Changes in bowel habits: Diarrhea or constipation can occur due to the tumor's impact on the normal functioning of the colon [2].
• Abdominal pain: Pain or cramping in the upper abdomen, near the belly button, may be experienced as the tumor grows and presses against surrounding tissues [3].
• Weight loss: Unintentional weight loss can occur due to a decrease in appetite or malabsorption of nutrients [4].
• Bloating: Feeling full or bloated after eating can be a symptom of ascending colon cancer [5].

Important Considerations

It's essential to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or even a stomach virus. Therefore, if you experience any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment [6].

Early Detection is Key

Catching colon cancer early, including ascending colon cancer, significantly improves the chances of successful treatment and survival rates [7]. Regular screening and monitoring can help detect abnormalities in the colon before they become cancerous.

References:

[1] Context result 3 [2] Context result 4 [3] Context result 8 [4] Context result 9 [5] Context result 15 [6] Context result 12 [7] Context result 2

To diagnose cancer in the ascending colon, several tests may be used. Here are some of them:

• Colonoscopy: This test uses a long, flexible tube with a camera and light on the end to visually examine the inside of the colon, including the ascending colon. A doctor may pass surgical tools through the tube to take tissue samples and remove polyps (1).
• Imaging tests: These tests use sound waves, x-rays, magnetic fields, or radioactive substances to create pictures of the inside of your body. They may be used to look at suspicious areas that might be cancer or to learn how far cancer might have spread (1).
• CT colonography (Virtual Colonoscopy): This test uses a CT scanner and computer software to create detailed images of the colon, including the ascending colon. It can help detect polyps and cancers in the early stages (7).
• Endoscopies: These tests may be used as part of the colorectal cancer diagnosis process to examine the inside of the colon and rectum (8).

It's worth noting that the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for colorectal cancer using fecal occult blood testing, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy, beginning at age 50 years and continuing until age 75 years (13). However, these tests may not specifically target the ascending colon.

In cases where a suspicion of colorectal cancer diagnosis is warranted, rectal examination and colonoscopy with a biopsy of any suspicious lesions may be performed (14).

References:

(1) - Context result 2 (7) - Context result 3 (8) - Context result 8 (13) - Context result 13 (14) - Context result 14

Treatment Options for Ascending Colon Cancer

Ascending colon cancer, also known as right-sided colon cancer, can be treated with a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.

• Surgery: The most common treatment for early-stage ascending colon cancer is surgery. This may involve removing the tumor and a portion of the colon, followed by reconnection of the remaining colon to the rest of the digestive system [9].
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy may be used in conjunction with surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells. The most common chemotherapy drug used for colon cancer is 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) [12]. Other chemo drugs used for colon cancer treatment include Leucovorin (folinic acid), which helps 5-fluorouracil work better [7].
• Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy involves using medications that specifically target the genetic mutations or proteins associated with cancer. For ascending colon cancer, targeted therapies such as cetuximab and panitumumab may be used to treat advanced disease [5].

Specific Treatment Regimens

Some specific treatment regimens for ascending colon cancer include:

• FOLFIRI: A chemotherapy regimen that combines 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), leucovorin, and irinotecan. This regimen is often used to treat advanced colon cancer [8].
• Bevacizumab: A targeted therapy medication that targets VEGF, a protein involved in tumor growth. Bevacizumab may be used in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer [8].

References

[5] Jun 28, 2024 — Drugs that target EGFR (EGFR inhibitors) can be used to treat some advanced colon or rectal cancers.

[7] Leucovorin (folinic acid) is a common drug used in treating colorectal cancer. It is not a chemotherapy drug but it helps 5-fluorouracil work better.

[8] Mar 5, 2024 — In many cases, bevacizumab is recommended as a component of the first-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer, along with FOLFIRI, FOLFOX ...

[9] Colon cancer treatment often involves open surgical resection as the primary treatment for localized disease.

[12] The most common drug used to treat colon cancer is called 5-Fluoroucil, or 5-FU. This drug can be highly effective for early-stage colon cancers, as well as for tumors that have spread to other organs.

The differential diagnosis of ascending colon cancer involves considering various conditions that can mimic or coexist with this type of cancer. According to the provided context, some of these conditions include:

• Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) [1]
• Carcinoid/neuroendocrine tumors and rare tumors of the gastrointestinal tract [1]
• Ischemic bowel [1]
• Small-intestine carcinomas [1]
• Gastrointestinal lymphoma [1]

Additionally, it's worth noting that the most common sites for colon cancers are the sigmoid colon (55%), followed by the ascending colon (23.3%), transverse colon (8.5%), descending colon (8.1%) [3]. This information can be useful in considering the differential diagnosis of ascending colon cancer.

In terms of specific conditions, a poorly differentiated mucinous carcinoma with signet ring cell carcinoma and lymph node metastasis has been reported in the ascending colon [8]. This type of cancer is a rare but aggressive form of colorectal cancer.

It's also important to consider that imaging differential diagnosis can be useful in distinguishing between various conditions that may present similarly to ascending colon cancer, such as colonic perforation from foreign body (FB) with colonoscopic concern for malignancy, colonic diverticulitis, and large bowel obstruction [4].

Overall, the differential diagnosis of ascending colon cancer is complex and requires a thorough evaluation of various conditions. A multidisciplinary approach involving clinicians, radiologists, and pathologists is essential to accurately diagnose and manage this condition.

References: [1] Context 1 [3] Context 3 [4] Context 4 [8] Context 8