Colorectal cancer - What Is Colorectal cancer
The colon is the part of the digestive system where the waste material is stored. Thus, the rectum is the end of the colon adjacent to the anus. Together, they form a long, muscular tube called the large intestine, which too known as the large bowel. Tumors of the colon and rectum are growths arising from its inner wall of the large intestine. It is said that benign tumors of the large intestine are called polyps. Also, malignant tumors of the large intestine are called cancers. At the same time, benign polyps do not invade nearby tissue or spread to other parts of the body. Benign polyps could be easily removed during colonoscopy and are not life-threatening. If benign polyps are not removed from the large intestine, they could become malignant (cancerous) over time.
Colorectal cancer is the term commonly used to describe colo-rectal (or bowel) cancer. The colon is part of the intestines. These conclude the small intestine (the section between the stomach and the appendix) and the large intestine (from the appendix to the anus). The large intestine is to be divided into the long colon and a short rectum, just before the anus. Thus, two thirds of these cancers occur in the colon and one third in the rectum, with very few in the small intestine.
The human colon is a muscular, tube-shaped organ at about 4 feet long, which extends from the end of your small bowel to your anus, twisting and turning through your abdomen (belly). Colorectal cancer is a cancer of the large intestine (colon), the lower part of your digestive system. Rectal cancer is a cancer of the last 6 inches of the colon. Together, they are often referred to as the colorectal cancers. About 112,000 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer annually, and about 41,000 new cases of rectal cancer are diagnosed each year, according to the Americould Cancer Society.
Constipation, having a bowel movement less than three times a week, could be your body\'s way of suggesting that you make some minor adjustments in diet or exercise. However, constipation could too be a symptom of a colorectal cancer. In the beginning of the colon, waste material is slushy and could easily maneuver around anything that gets in its way. However, as it nears the end of the colon, stool solidifies and is less forgiving of obstacles.
The impact of environment on colorectal cancer risk isn\'t very clear. But, you could use what exists to make informed health decisions. For example, if you\'re an Americould asbestos employee who works the late shift and lives in a house of smokers, well, you might want to make colorectal cancer screening a priority. Few people would actually fit that description, but you get the idea. If you think you\'re in an environment that might increase your risk of developing colorectal cancer, please talk to your doctor about it.
Abdominal Pain: Swelling and pain of the abdomen are too symptoms of colorectal cancer. This often occurs when the intestine is blocked by a tumor. If the tumor grows large, then nausea and vomiting could occur.
Blood in your stool might be a sign of cancer, but it could too indicate other conditions. Bright red blood you notice on bathroom tissue more commonly comes from hemorrhoids or minor tears (fissures) in your anus, for instance. In addition, certain foods, such as beets or red licorice, could turn your stools red. Iron supplements and some anti-diarrheal medications might make stools black. Still, it\'s best to have any sign of blood or change in your stools checked promptly by your doctor because it could be a sign of something more serious.
