Colon Cancer (cont.)
What are the symptoms of colon cancer?
Symptoms of colon cancer are numerous and nonspecific.
They include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, change in
bowel habits, narrow stools, diarrhea or constipation, red or
dark blood in stool, weight loss, abdominal pain, cramps, or bloating.
Other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (spastic colon),
ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, diverticulosis, and peptic
ulcer disease can have symptoms that mimic colorectal cancer.
For more information on these conditions, please read the following
articles: Irritable Bowel Syndrome,
Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn's Disease,
Diverticulosis, and
Peptic Ulcer Disease.
Colon cancer can be present for several years before
symptoms develop. Symptoms vary according to where in the large
bowel the tumor is located. The right colon is spacious, and cancers
of the right colon can grow to large sizes before they cause any
abdominal symptoms. Typically, right-sided cancers cause iron
deficiency anemia due to the slow loss of blood over a long period
of time. Iron deficiency anemia causes fatigue, weakness, and
shortness of breath. The left colon is narrower than the right
colon. Therefore, cancers of the left colon are more likely to
cause partial or complete bowel obstruction. Cancers causing partial
bowel obstruction can cause symptoms of constipation, narrowed
stool, diarrhea, abdominal pains, cramps, and bloating. Bright
red blood in the stool may also indicate a growth near the end
of the left colon or rectum.
Next: What tests can be done to detect colon cancer? »
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