large intestine cancer

Large Intestine Cancer: Understanding the Basics

Large intestine cancer, also known as colorectal or colon cancer, is a type of cancer that affects the large intestine (colon and rectum). The large intestine is responsible for absorbing water and nutrients from food, changing leftover waste products into stool, and eliminating waste from the body.

Symptoms and Risks

• Symptoms may include:
  • A change in bowel habits, such as more frequent diarrhea or constipation
  • Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
  • Abdominal pain and tenderness in the lower abdomen
  • Diarrhea, constipation, or other changes in bowel movements
  • Narrow stools
• Risks include:
  • Family history of colon cancer
  • Advanced polyps in the colon
  • Lifestyle factors such as a diet high in red meat and low in fiber

Types of Large Intestine Cancer

• Colon cancer: starts in the colon, which is the longest part of the large intestine
• Rectal cancer: originates in the rectum, the final several inches of the large intestine closest to the anus
• Colorectal cancer: describes co-occurring colon and rectal cancer

Causes and Prevention

• The exact cause of colorectal cancer remains unclear, but it is believed to be a multifactorial disease influenced by genetics, lifestyle factors, and environmental factors.
• Early diagnosis can significantly improve prognosis, making regular screening and check-ups essential for prevention.

Treatment Options

• Treatment varies depending on the stage and type of colon cancer
• Radiation therapy may be associated with tumors in the rectum to reduce tumor size

References:

[1] Many people with colon cancer don't have symptoms at first. When symptoms appear, they'll likely depend on the cancer's size and where it is in the large intestine. Symptoms of colon cancer can include: A change in bowel habits, such as more frequent diarrhea or constipation. Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool. [1]

[2] The colon and rectum make up the large intestine (or large bowel), which is part of the digestive system, also called the gastrointestinal (GI) system. Most of the large intestine is made up of the colon, a muscular tube about 5 feet long. [2]

[3] Colon cancer starts in your colon (large intestine), the long tube that helps carry digested food to your rectum and out of your body. If your parent, sibling or child has an advanced polyp, you may have an increased risk of getting colon cancer. An advanced polyp may be a large polyp. [3]

[4] Colorectal cancer is a multifactorial disease. It is the third most frequently diagnosed cancer, and the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The etiology of colorectal cancer remains unclear. [4]

[5] Symptoms · Abdominal pain and tenderness in the lower abdomen · Blood in the stool · Diarrhea, constipation, or other change in bowel habits · Narrow stools [5]

[6] Cancer that forms in the tissues of the colon (the longest part of the large intestine). Most colon cancers are adenocarcinomas (cancers that begin in cells that make mucus and other substances. [6]

[7] Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that affects the colon (large intestine) or rectum. It is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. It can cause severe harm and death. Radiation therapy can be associated with tumors of the last segment of the intestine (rectum) to increase the chance of reduce the size of the tumour. [7]

[8] Colorectal cancer (CRC), also known as bowel cancer, colon cancer, or rectal cancer, is the development of cancer from the colon or rectum (parts of the large intestine). Signs and symptoms may include blood in the stool, a change in bowel movements, weight loss, abdominal pain and fatigue. Most colorectal cancers are due to lifestyle factors and genetic disorders. [8]

[9] Colon cancer occurs when cells in your large intestine grow out of control. Treatment can vary by the stage and type of colon cancer. Colon cancer is a type of cancer that starts in your colon. [9]

[10] Symptoms of bowel (colorectal) cancer can include bleeding from the back passage, blood in your poo or a change in your normal bowel habit. Risks and causes of colorectal cancer are multifactorial. [10]

Common Signs and Symptoms of Large Intestine Cancer

Large intestine cancer, also known as colon or colorectal cancer, can cause a variety of symptoms depending on the size and location of the tumor. While some people may not experience any symptoms at all, others may notice changes in their bowel habits, blood in their stool, or other related issues.

Common Symptoms:

• A change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool [1]
• Blood in or on your stool (bowel movement) [5]
• Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty completely [6]
• Abdominal pain, cramps, or spasms [9]
• Tiredness or exhaustion [9]

Other Possible Symptoms:

• A change in appetite
• Bloating
• Weight loss without dieting
• Pain or cramping in your lower stomach
• Urge to have a bowel movement when there is no need

It's essential to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), hemorrhoids, or inflammatory bowel disease. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult with your doctor for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

References:

[1] Symptoms of colon cancer don't have symptoms at first. When symptoms appear, they'll likely depend on the cancer's size and where it is in the large intestine. [5] Some people may have signs that the cancer has spread to the liver with a large liver felt on exam, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes), or trouble ... [6] Colorectal cancer symptoms vary person to person. 1. Diarrhea or constipation 2. Change in normal bowel habits 3. Urge to have a bowel movement when there ... [9] Result: general abdominal pain, cramps, or spasms | tiredness or exhaustion | blood in stool | abnormal bowel functions

Chemotherapy, Radiation Therapy, and Targeted Therapy are Common Drug Treatments for Large Intestine Cancer

Large intestine cancer treatment often involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy. Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells, and it may be used before or after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence.

• Chemotherapy: This treatment uses medications to kill cancer cells. It can be given orally or intravenously (IV). Chemotherapy may be used alone or in combination with other treatments.
  • [1] mentions chemotherapy as a possible treatment for colon cancers that have not spread to distant sites.
  • [5] states that treatments for colorectal cancer include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
• Radiation Therapy: This treatment uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It can be given externally or internally (brachytherapy). Radiation therapy may be used alone or in combination with other treatments.
  • [4] mentions that chemotherapy may also be used after surgery for colon cancers that have not spread to distant sites.
• Targeted Therapy: This treatment uses medications that specifically target cancer cells. It can be given orally or IV. Targeted therapy may be used alone or in combination with other treatments.
  • [9] mentions targeted therapy as one of the treatment options for colorectal cancer.

Other Treatment Options

In addition to chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy, other treatment options are available for large intestine cancer. These include:

• Surgery: This is often the primary treatment for localized disease.
  • [7] states that colon cancer treatment often involves open surgical resection as the primary treatment for localized disease.
• Clinical Trials: These are research studies that test new treatments or combinations of treatments.
  • [2] mentions clinical trials as one of the treatment options for colorectal cancer.

References

[1] Jul 27, 2023 — Colon cancer treatment usually involves surgery to remove the cancer. Your health care team might recommend other treatments, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

[2] Learn about different types of colorectal cancer treatment, like chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, clinical trials, palliative care, ...

[4] Feb 6, 2024 — People with colon cancers that have not spread to distant sites usually have surgery as the main or first treatment. Chemotherapy may also be used after surgery.

[5] Treatments for colorectal cancer include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Learn about treatment plans and options for colorectal cancer.

[7] Sep 6, 2024 — Colon cancer treatment often involves open surgical resection as the primary treatment for localized disease. Other modalities include ...

[9] Colorectal Cancer Treatment · Colorectal cancer treatment plans · Surgery · Chemotherapy · Targeted Therapy · Radiation therapy · Cryoablation · Microwave ...

The differential diagnosis of large intestine cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, involves considering various conditions that can mimic or coexist with the disease. Here are some key points to consider:

• Colonic diverticulitis: This condition can present similarly to colon cancer, with symptoms such as abdominal pain, constipation, and changes in bowel habits [4].
• Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs): These rare vascular anomalies can cause bleeding or obstruction in the large intestine, leading to diagnostic confusion with colon cancer [4].
• Carcinoid tumors: Although more commonly found in the small intestine, carcinoid tumors can also occur in the large intestine and may be mistaken for colon cancer [11].
• Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs): These rare tumors can arise in the stomach or small intestine but can also occur in the large intestine, potentially leading to diagnostic confusion with colon cancer.
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Conditions such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease can increase the risk of colorectal cancer and may present with similar symptoms [15].
• Diverticulosis: This condition involves the formation of small pouches in the wall of the large intestine, which can cause bleeding or obstruction, potentially leading to diagnostic confusion with colon cancer.

It is essential to consider these conditions as part of the differential diagnosis for large intestine cancer. A thorough medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests such as imaging studies (e.g., CT scans) and endoscopic procedures (e.g., colonoscopy) can help differentiate between these conditions and colorectal cancer [5, 6, 7, 8].

References:

[4] Nov 15, 2023 — Diagnostic Considerations​​ Other problems to be considered in the differential diagnosis of colon cancer include the following: Arteriovenous ...

[5] by B APGAR · 1999 · Cited by 1 — Computed tomographic (CT) scans are often used to establish a diagnosis of suspected colon cancer or colonic diverticulitis.

[6] Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis · Family history · Physical examination · Sigmoidoscopy · Colonoscopy · Biopsy · Barium enema · Fecal occult blood test · Differential ...

[7] Jul 24, 2024 — Imaging differential diagnosis · Colonic perforation from FB with colonoscopic concern for malignancy · Colonic diverticulitis · Large bowel ...

[8] Tank T, Abid Q. Colorectal cancer differential diagnosis. Updated February 13, 2019. Accessed June 13, 2024.

[11] Carcinoid tumor refers to a well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor (NET) that originates commonly in the gastrointestinal tract (about 55%) or