Colorectal cancer is a term used to refer to cancer that starts in the colon or rectum.  Colon and rectal cancers begin in the digestive system, also called the GI (gastrointestinal) system. This is where food is processed to create energy and rid the body of solid waste matter (stool).

Cancer that starts in the different areas may cause different symptoms. But colon cancer and rectal cancer, together known as colorectal cancer, have many features in common.

Over 95% of colon and rectal cancers are adenocarcinomas. These are cancers of the cells that line the inside of the colon and rectum. There are some other, more rare, types of tumors of the colon and rectum, but the facts given here refer only to adenocarcinomas.  

 

Causes of Colorectal Cancer :

There is no single cause of colorectal cancer, but some factors increase the risk of developing it:

*age – particularly after 50

*having polyps (small growths on the inner wall of the colon and rectum)

*family history of colorectal cancer –

*having familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer *inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease)

*high-fat diet

*alcohol consumption

*smoking

  

Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer (Colon and Rectal Cancer) :

A change in bowel habits—such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool—that lasts for more than a few days

Bright red or very dark blood in the stool

Discomfort in the stomach area, such as frequent gas pain, cramps, and feelings of being full or bloated

Constant weakness and fatigue

Jaundice - yellowing of the skin and eyes

Weight loss for no known reason

 

The Diagnosis of Colorectal Cancer (Colon and Rectal Cancer)

The first step in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer may be a “digital rectal exam.”

Fecal occult blood test

Barium enema

Flexible sigmoidoscopy

Colonoscopy

Ultrasound

Virtual colonoscopy (CT colonography)

 

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