Understanding the Risks of Colon Tumor

Colon Tumor Overview

Tumors generally occur when there’s an abnormal death and distribution of cells in the body. The colon may develop tumors which are either benign or cancerous. These growths, called polyps may be discovered only when the patient submits himself or herself to a screening and a polyp is extracted for laboratory examination.

Benign tumors arise from certain tissues. It usually grows quickly causing a blockage on the walls of the colon. However, not all benign tumors can lead to death but they also cause severe symptoms. A malignant tumor may spread into other cells through a process called metastasis. The infected cells may also develop malignant tumors, and this is the beginning of colon cancer.

Symptoms of Colon Tumor

According to the Colorectal Cancer Foundation of Canada, the symptoms of colon tumor are not usually felt unless the person reaches its final stages. Usually, they are detected when a person submits himself or herself to medical screening and only then can a health care provider determine the proper course of action to be undertaken.

Furthermore, the following symptoms can be felt when there is tumor in the colon:

• Changes in bowel movement
• Presence of blood in the stool
• Tiredness
• Abdominal pain

Colon Tumor Importance

• According to experts, a person may experience changes in bowel movement if there’s tumor in the colon. These changes may be characterized by severe constipation or severe diarrhea.
• Another telltale sign of tumor growth in the colon is when a person observes blood in his solid wastes. When this appears, a person may need to submit himself for cancer testing.
• When there’s bleeding in the intestines, a person can become anemic. Because it is difficult for oxygen to be distributed throughout the body, the person can feel tired and fatigued easily.
• Abdominal pain may also occur because the tumor could be pressing against the walls of the intestines or its growth is causing a blockage inside the colon.
• If the colon tumor remains undetected at an early stage, it will continue to develop and grow in the colon. This can cause several discomforts and other complications, even death. Malignant tumors may continue to spread to other parts of the colon and will eventually cause colon cancer.

Colon Tumor the Bottom Line

Just like any part of the body, the colon’s job should not be undermined. People who have high risk factors of colon cancer, such as older people, people who are fond of red meat, smoking, drinking and those who are inactive should submit themselves to periodic screening in order to assess the health of their colons. Abnormal growths may they be benign or malignant should be accounted for and not taken for granted.