Detecting Colon Cancer: Abdominal Pain and Other Symptoms

Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is a type of cancer that begins in the large intestine (colon) or the rectum. It is a significant health concern worldwide and ranks among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths. Early detection is important for improving survival rates and treatment outcomes. This blog article will discuss the symptoms of colon cancer, including abdominal pain and other warning signs, the importance of early detection, and available treatment options.

Symptoms of Colon Cancer

Colon cancer can present a variety of symptoms, many of which may be mistaken for less serious conditions. Recognising these symptoms early can lead to prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain is a common symptom of colon cancer. The pain can vary in intensity and may be persistent or intermittent. It is often described as cramping or discomfort and may be associated with other digestive issues.

Changes in Bowel Habits

Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhoea, constipation, or a change in the consistency of your stool, can be indicative of colon cancer. These changes may last for more than a few days and should not be ignored.

Rectal Bleeding

Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool is a significant symptom that should be investigated promptly. The blood may appear bright red or dark and tarry, depending on the location of the cancer within the colon or rectum.

Unexplained Weight Loss

Unintended weight loss without a clear reason can be a warning sign of colon cancer. This weight loss is often due to the body’s increased energy demands in fighting the cancer or changes in metabolism caused by the disease.

Fatigue and Weakness

Persistent fatigue and weakness can result from colon cancer. This symptom may be due to anaemia, which occurs when cancer causes chronic blood loss, leading to a decrease in red blood cells.

Other Symptoms

Other symptoms of colon cancer can include a feeling of incomplete bowel evacuation, persistent abdominal bloating, nausea, and vomiting. These symptoms can vary depending on the cancer’s location and stage.

Treatment Options for Colon Cancer

Treatment for colon cancer depends on the stage of the disease, the location of the tumour, and the overall health of the patient. Several treatment options may be used, either alone or in combination, to manage colon cancer effectively.

Surgery

Surgery is the most common treatment for colon cancer, especially in its early stages. The goal of surgery is to remove the cancerous tumour and surrounding tissues. Types of surgery include:

  • Polypectomy and Local Excision: For very early-stage colon cancer, these procedures involve removing polyps or localised areas of cancer during a colonoscopy. A small wire loop or a snare is used to excise the polyp or lesion from the colon wall. This method is typically used when the cancer is confined to a polyp and has not spread.
  • Colectomy: This procedure involves the removal of part or all of the colon that contains the cancer. A partial colectomy, also known as a hemicolectomy or segmental resection, removes the cancerous section of the colon along with a margin of healthy tissue, and often nearby lymph nodes to check for cancer spread. In cases where the cancer is widespread or there are other conditions such as familial adenomatous polyposis, a total colectomy, which involves removing the entire colon, may be required.
  • Laparoscopic Surgery: Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive option in which small incisions and special instruments are used to remove cancerous tissue. This method involves several small incisions through which a laparoscope (a thin tube with a camera) and surgical instruments are inserted. The surgeon uses the images from the laparoscope to guide the instruments and remove the cancerous tissues.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. It may be administered before surgery (neoadjuvant chemotherapy) to shrink the tumour or after surgery (adjuvant chemotherapy) to eliminate any remaining cancer cells. Common chemotherapy drugs for colon cancer include 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), capecitabine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells. It is less commonly used for colon cancer but may be employed in cases where the cancer has spread to nearby tissues or if surgery is not an option. Radiation therapy is more commonly used for rectal cancer, which is located closer to the rectum and anus.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy involves drugs that specifically target the mechanisms that cancer cells use to grow and spread. These therapies often have fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy. Examples include bevacizumab, which inhibits the growth of blood vessels that supply the tumour, and cetuximab, which targets specific proteins on the surface of cancer cells.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy helps the body’s immune system recognise and attack cancer cells. It is usually reserved for advanced stages of colon cancer that have specific genetic markers, such as microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR). Pembrolizumab and nivolumab are examples of immunotherapy drugs used for colon cancer.

Importance of Early Detection

Early intervention in colon cancer can prevent the progression of the disease, reduce the extent of surgical intervention required, and improve the overall quality of life for patients. When detected early, minimally invasive surgical techniques can often be employed, and the need for extensive chemotherapy or radiation therapy can be minimised. Early detection also allows for better management of symptoms and complications associated with colon cancer.

Conclusion

Colon cancer remains a significant health concern, but early detection and treatment can greatly improve outcomes. Recognising symptoms such as abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and other signs is essential. Early intervention not only enhances survival rates but also allows for less invasive treatment options and a better quality of life.

If you have any concerns or need personalised advice regarding colon cancer surgery, don’t hesitate to reach out to our clinic. Our doctor is here to support you every step of the way.