Do you constantly have the feeling that you need to relieve your bowels? If you still feel like you need to relieve your bowels after you have already done it, you might want to find out if colon cancer is possibly the root of the problem. Find out in this article what you should know about colon cancer and getting diagnosed by a specialist.
What Is Colon Cancer?
Basically, colon cancer means that there are an abnormal number of cells growing in your large intestine. If you have colon cancer, it is possible that you have had adenomatous polyps on your large intestine for a while without having knowledge of it. Adenomatous polyps are small benign tumors that can turn cancerous if they are not removed in a timely manner. It is important for you to find out if you have colon cancer because the disease can eventually spread to other areas of your body and become difficult to treat. Treatment for colon cancer can be done using methods such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or undergoing surgery if the condition is severe.
What Are Symptoms of Colon Cancer?
Colon cancer can cause you to feel constipated, or you might constantly have diarrhea. Your stools might be tainted with blood, so it is a good idea to examine it after relieving your bowels. The blood might be the result of rectal bleeding, which is one of the symptoms of colon cancer. Your abdomen might cramp up more than usual if colon cancer is present, and some of the cramps may stem from a higher level of gas being present in your body. Other symptoms of colon cancer include unexplainable weight loss and feeling severely fatigued.
How Can a Specialist Diagnose Colon Cancer?
You will have to undergo a physical examination and will be asked questions about your medical history. However, the most important aspect of the diagnosis stage for colon cancer will involve a procedure that is called a colonoscopy. Basically, a long tube that has a camera attached to will be inserted inside of your rectum so the specialist can look at your colon. He or she will look for abnormal cell growth like polyps in case they need to be removed and examined in a laboratory for cancer. Get in touch with specialist from an establishment like the Northwest Gastroenterology Associates as soon as possible so he or she can perform a colonoscopy to find out if you have colon cancer.
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