Colon Cancer Signs & Symptoms

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April 25, 2022

A lump of cancerous or malignant cells forms between the inner walls of the colon or the large intestine in the body, causing Colon Cancer. It usually develops because of polyps. The removal of polyps can help in the prevention of Colon Cancer. It is a very common type of cancer and is prevalent in both men and women. Chronic ulcerative colitis and regular polyps are the main risk factors involving Colon Cancer. While polyps are not the main signs to detect Colon Cancer, they might be the underlying cause for the development and advancement of the cancer.

There are no early signs to detect colon cancer but an in-time rectal examination might help detect the cancer in the initial stages and allow for an early treatment. A colorectal cancer screening test helps in finding out if the polyps are malignant, thereby determining the presence of malignant tumors. Surgical STX in Houston has the team of the best Oncologists that help patients in the initial screening as well as treatment for cancer. There are a few important and common signs that help understand the presence of a cancer in the colon.

Colon Cancer Signs & Symptoms:

Dark or unusually colored stool
Regular rectal bleeding
Rectal pain
Difficulty in passing stools
A change in bowel habits
A visible change in consistency of stool
Constipation
Diarrhea
Very narrow stools

Apart from the most obvious symptoms, there can also be observed frequent abdominal bloating and excessive gas or acidity in the stomach. A mild to severe discomfort in the abdominal area on a frequent basis should not be ignored. Mild to severe cramps in the stomach should also be checked for.

There are other signs that one should look out for, which might not directly imply Colon Cancer but require immediate attention for a check-up. These signs are similar to other illnesses but the non-specific symptoms when looked out for, along with more obvious signs, help in determining the presence of Colon Cancer. These signs include

Weight loss or loss of appetite leading to weight loss
Fatigue
Weakness
Nausea
Vomiting
Shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing

Removal of the tumors through a surgical procedure is the most common practice involved in the treatment of Colon Cancer. Chemotherapy is also used in the cases of the cancer recurring in some patients. It is suggested to visit the Best Oncologists in Houston for an early detection and treatment of Colon Cancer.

Dr. Shakir is a board-certified General Surgeon and Surgical Oncologist working in Katy and Memorial city. After graduating from Medical School at Aga Khan University in Karachi, Pakistan, he ventured to complete his residency in General Surgery at the Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. As a general surgeon he provides expert treatment of common general surgical problems like Gallbladder Surgery and Hernia Repair and complex abdominal wall reconstruction. Being the only Board Certified Surgical Oncologist outside of the Texas Medical Center, Dr. Shakir specializes in treatment of various Malignancies ranging from Colon, Rectal, Liver and Pancreatic cancer. He also specializes in providing the most cutting edge and personalized treatment for patients with Breast Cancer.

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