colon cancer symptoms

Symptoms-Colon Cancer

Symptoms
Colorectal cancers often develop in silence, without causing any particular symptom. They can remain imperceptible for a long time.

However, some signs may be indicative of cancer and should lead to consult with your attending physician.

Persistent or sudden disturbances of INTESTINAL TRANSIT
Sudden or worsening constipation,
A prolonged diarrhea,
An increase in abdominal volume,
Narrower stools than usual (they may be longer and thinner, like a pencil),
A pressing and continual need to go to the saddle (especially in the morning),
A tension at the rectum or the sensation that it is full,
A feeling of incomplete evacuation or of false desire to go to the saddle, even just after going there,
Efforts to expel painful and ineffective stools,
Vomiting.
Bleeding
The stool is covered or mixed with light red or very dark blood (doctors talk about bloody stools or blood streaks). They can also be black as ink if the blood is digested in the colon.

Sometimes bleeding is invisible to the naked eye. Only blood tests in the stool can be used to detect them.

Learn more about Colorectal cancer screening

Bleeding should not be too quickly attributed to hemorrhoids. Tests must be done to determine the cause.

These pains can be frequent or constant. They are manifested by intestinal cramps, gases, a bloating sensation in the lower abdomen, discomfort in the sitting position or pain in the stomach; A tumour at the rectum may cause pains resembling that of sciatica (it extends into the legs).

The rarest symptoms
Mucus emitted from the anus. The mucus is made of a white, viscous liquid that looks like a spit.
Anemia (decrease in the number of red blood cells).
All of these symptoms may have other causes than cancer. However, if they persist or suddenly appear, it is essential to consult quickly with their attending physician who will perform examinations or direct to a gastroenterologist if they deem it necessary.

Worsening symptoms
As the tumor grows, these symptoms may worsen and cause complications such as intestinal occlusion or peritonitis:

Intestinal occlusion: The tumor completely mouths the colon, preventing the passage of stools and gases. These accumulate then in the colon, which increases in volume. Intestinal occlusion may occur through more or less severe abdominal pain, swelling of the belly, vomiting and absence of stool and gas. It requires urgent medical intervention. Indeed, if the colon continues to relax, it can puncture, which is a vital risk to the patient.
A peritonitis, a serious infection of the membrane that surrounds all organs of the abdomen (peritoneum). This infection may occur when the colon has punctured. It requires emergency surgery.
 If the disease continues to evolve, may occur:

Jaundice (yellowish coloration of the skin and mucous membranes).
An alteration of the general health condition (loss of appetite, slimming, fatigue...).