How to Treat Initial Stage Bowel Cancer. Colon cancer - signs, symptoms in the early stages, treatment and prognosis

Content

Malignant neoplasms can be localized in all body systems, and the large intestine is no exception. Such a disease develops more often in adults, in the absence of surgical intervention it becomes the cause of the patient's death. It is important to recognize the signs of intestinal cancer, to start treatment on time.

Bowel cancer - the first symptoms

With the specified diagnosis, cancer cells form and grow in the body, their presence causes the appearance of a malignant tumor. It is almost impossible to determine their presence at an early stage, since the first symptoms of bowel cancer are similar to classic indigestion, digestive problems. However, in fact, the problem is much more global, it leads to dysfunction of the digestive tract. Doctors advise to focus attention on such changes in their feelings:

• a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen, not caused by a meal;
• lack of appetite, dramatic weight loss;
• a change in taste preferences, especially aversion to fried, fatty foods;
• growing signs of dyspepsia;
• diarrhea followed by chronic constipation;
• signs of iron deficiency anemia;
• discharge of a moderate amount of blood during bowel movements.

Rectal cancer

It is problematic to identify the ailment at the initial stage, since the patient rushes to the doctor only when something in the stomach starts to hurt badly - not earlier. This is already 2-3 stages of increasing pathology, which requires urgent surgical intervention. The signs of rectal cancer depend on the location of the section that was affected by the cancer cells. The clinical picture may have the following specificity:

1. The pathology of the left intestine is expressed by prolonged constipation, which, if no therapeutic measures are taken, entail complete intestinal obstruction, inflammation of the cecum.
2. With right-sided lesions, there are recurrent signs of gastrointestinal intoxication, iron deficiency anemia, disturbed stools and the presence of blood masses with mucus in the feces.

Colon cancer

The disease begins asymptomatic, but soon resembles an acute pain syndrome. Photos of oncology are scary, but they do not teach people to monitor their own health in a timely manner. Signs of colon cancer have varying degrees of intensity, however, they allow an experienced oncologist to suggest such a terrible ailment already at the first admission to the patient when collecting anamnesis data. If it really is bowel cancer, common symptoms are:

• aching pain in the abdomen, which only increases with certain positions of the body;
• bloating with chronic stool disorder;
• ascites (abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdomen);
• high intra-abdominal pressure;
• complete intestinal obstruction;
• prolonged bouts of nausea, vomiting.

Small intestine cancer

Oncology is difficult to treat: the later the general symptoms of ailment are found, the more difficult it is to achieve positive dynamics, to prolong the stage of remission. If the small intestine is affected by such a terrible disease, doctors can make a final diagnosis already at the first or second stage of the pathological process. To simplify the task of specialists, it is necessary to pay attention to the following symptoms of small intestine cancer in women and men:

• more frequent abdominal cramps, complemented by the taste of "copper moments" in the mouth;
• vomiting, belching, indigestion, nausea, bitterness in the mouth;
• lack of appetite with aversion to certain foods;
• acute attack of pain in the area of \u200b\u200bgastralgia;
• darkening of the color of feces, the presence of blood clots in the composition.

Sigmoid colon cancer

The focus of pathology is localized above the rectum, its diagnosis is often difficult. Tumors of this part of the intestine can be exophilic and endophilic. In the first case, there is a neoplasm "on the leg", in the second - a malignant tumor is "pressed" into the wall of the rectum. Oncology begins to manifest itself with acute attacks of dyspepsia, which intensify every day, may end with intestinal obstruction. If sigmoid colon cancer develops, the symptoms of the predominant clinical picture are as follows:

• changes in the structure of feces, the appearance of mucus, blood, pus;
• false urge to have another bowel movement;
• difficulty holding feces;
• disturbed gas formation;
• an acute attack of pain that increases during bowel movements;
• general symptoms of body intoxication;
• urinary incontinence.

Bowel cancer symptoms in women

The prognosis for a characteristic ailment is not the most favorable, especially if the pathological process is detected at 3,4 stages. The tumor gives metastases, which disrupt the entire digestive tract. Signs of bowel cancer in women have their own differences, since the bladder is involved in the pathological process. A characteristic symptom is the discharge from the vagina not only of a portion of urine, but also of feces, excessive accumulation of gas. Such manifestations speak eloquently about the presence of a tumor, and the patient needs to consult an oncologist and determine its nature.

If it is oncology, the clinical outcome is not always favorable. A malignant neoplasm manifests itself in women after 35 years, with the primary form it does not spread metastases to the uterus. First, the patient experiences general weakness throughout the body and classic signs of dyspepsia, then specific signs of intestinal tumor appear. It:

• recurrent pain during bowel movements;
• failure of the menstrual cycle;
• blood in the feces;
• impaired urination;
• drastic weight loss, lack of appetite;
• blood impurities in the daily portion of urine;
• aversion to fried, fatty foods.

Bowel cancer symptoms in men

A person can live and not guess how many and what diseases prevail in his body. Rectal cancer symptoms on early stages in the absence of medical education, the patient often confuses with the usual manifestations of dyspepsia, an allergic reaction to food ingredients. Oncology manifests itself a little later, has its own specifics in the male body. These symptoms just become a compelling argument for an unscheduled appointment with a local therapist.

The main signs of colon cancer in men are associated with impaired urination, as cancer cells affect the once healthy tissue of the prostate gland. First, there is a false urge to urinate, and then the patient feels an acute attack of pain when separating the next portion of urine. The main symptoms of cancer are identical to the female body. It:

• diarrhea alternating with frequent constipation;
• severe stomach pain;
• separation of feces with blood and mucus;
• bitter taste in the mouth;
• a jump in subfebrile body temperature;
• decline in sexual activity;
• violation of reproductive function.

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- This is a malignant transformation of the glandular epithelium, mainly of the colon or rectum. In the first stages, sluggish symptoms are characteristic, distracting from the primary pathology and resembling an upset of the gastrointestinal tract. The leading radical method of treatment is surgical excision of the affected tissue.

Epidemiology

In official medicine, bowel cancer is referred to as "colorectal cancer". This is a collective name, consisting of two roots: "columns" and "rectum". It is in the corresponding parts of the intestine that the maximum number of primary malignant ones is detected.

Colon (Latin colon) is the colon with four consecutive sections:

ascending, which is located vertically on the right side of the human body;

descending - vertically on the left side;

transverse - connects the ascending and descending sections, located in the upper abdominal cavity, just below the stomach and liver;

sigmoid - forms a kind of short bend in the form of a letter (Σ), located at the bottom on the left side and connects the descending and rectum.

Rectum (Latin rectum) is the rectum (located in the small pelvis).

In the cecum and appendix (third section of the large intestine) and the small section (duodenum, jejunum, ileum), malignant neoplasms are much less common. The average incidence of cancer outside the colon is 0.4-1.0% of all cases of intestinal oncology.

Important epidemiological features of bowel cancer:

occupies a leading position in the structure of oncological diseases, inferior to: in men - stomach cancer and lung cancer, in women - breast cancer;

the most common morphological form of this cancer is adenocarcinoma (malignant transformation of benign intestinal polyps, consisting of glandular tissue);

the probability of developing adenocarcinoma in the intestine is 98-99%, the incidence of sarcoma and other types of tumors does not exceed 1-2%;

the most frequent localization of the tumor: in the rectum (about 50%), in the sigmoid colon (up to 40%), in the descending and ascending colon (about 7%), in the transverse intestine (about 3%);

in women more often (up to 55%) they are diagnosed with cancer of the colon areas, in men (up to 60%) - rectum;

the disease occurs at any age, a sharp rise in the incidence is noted after 40 years, the peak falls on the period from 60 to 75 years.

In Russia, about 40 thousand cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed annually with a mortality rate of up to 30 thousand. The high mortality rate is associated with the state of health of the elderly, almost always with comorbidities.

The paradox is that colorectal cancer does not belong to pathologies with difficult-to-detect symptoms. This disease can be detected by modern instrumental and laboratory methods even at the earliest stages, however, it is distinguished by a significant number of diagnostic errors associated with a variety of clinical manifestations of the disease.

In this regard, it is very important:

qualification and oncology vigilance of doctors who carry out the first appointment at the district clinic;

attentiveness of patients (especially older and elderly) suffering from disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and included in the risk groups for colorectal cancer.

Diagnosis of any disease, and especially in the early stages, is always a dialogue between the doctor and the patient. Very often, information from a patient who correctly describes the symptoms of the disease is crucial.

However, the patient's vigilance is not the main link in the timely diagnosis of cancer for the following reasons:

A doctor conducting an appointment at a polyclinic may not pay attention to signs of oncology in the flow of patients. Its symptoms are varied, possibly erased, especially since increased fatigue, weight loss, blood in the stool, discomfort or pain in the abdomen, palpitations (the main signs of the first stages) resemble many diseases, and are effectively, albeit temporarily, eliminated with medications.

It is sometimes psychologically difficult for a local therapist to replace a previously made diagnosis associated with a banal chronic indigestion with a frightening one - cancer, and promptly refer the patient to a narrow specialist for a highly sensitive examination;

Only the patient knows about his own predisposing risk factors for oncology in the form of similar diseases in blood relatives, the characteristics of his personal lifestyle, the nature of work, nutrition, the presence of some individual delicate symptoms.

The knowledge gained in the framework of this educational article will help an ordinary person understand the causes of the disease in an amount sufficient to draw the attention of the doctor of the clinic to this problem during the initial appointment.

Cancer is not always a sentence! This is a situation where it is better to err in the assumption of a formidable diagnosis than to erroneously make a banal diagnosis. For the timely detection of pathology, a prepared patient is needed who does not fall into only from suspicion of oncology in his body.

Bowel cancer symptoms

Cancer diagnosis based on clinical symptoms alone is futile due to the many manifestations of the disease. The following description of the symptoms is given to show the variety of manifestations of pathology, and to confirm the importance of competent medical diagnosis with modern methods.

Colorectal cancer has no characteristic (pathognomonic) symptoms. There are several groups of bowel cancer symptoms characterizing various pathological processes inside the patient's body.

Toxic-anemic symptoms

The initial stages of bowel cancer are accompanied by a violation of the integrity of the mucous membranes of the intestinal walls.

As a result, the gates of infection open, the contents of the intestines enter the bloodstream, causing intoxication, which manifests itself:

increased fatigue, weakness, nausea, other signs of intoxication;

increased body temperature, joint pain (a consequence of toxicosis);

loss of blood from the small vessels of the intestinal wall, anemia, pallor of the mucous membranes, a decrease in hemoglobin levels, thickening of the blood, a change in its other parameters and, as a consequence, a change in the rhythm of the heart and respiration.

The disease can be confused with a variety of intoxications caused, for example, by inflammation of the joints or upper respiratory tract.

This inflammation is formed mainly with extensive damage to the mucous membranes, when toxins begin to enter the blood from the surface of the damaged membranes, while in addition to intoxication, a disorder of the intestinal function occurs.

Pathology manifests itself:

increased gas production as a result of putrefaction of the contents of the intestine, bloating and rumbling;

involvement in the pathogenesis of intestinal sphincters, which regulate peristalsis. The process is accompanied by recurrent abdominal pain (left or right), especially after eating;

mucus, visible blood and pus in the stool.

In the absence of cancer alertness, the doctor may confuse these symptoms with dysentery, inflammatory processes in the large intestine.

Dyspeptic bowel disorder: symptoms

This disorder is found when a large number of pain receptors are involved in the pathogenesis and irritation as a result of ulceration of the walls of the mucous membranes, as well as at the initial stages of metastasis to the liver.

Symptoms appear as:

severe abdominal pain;

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (the probability of malignancy is up to 90%):

• ulcerative colitis - diarrhea, frequency of bowel movements up to 20 times a day, blood or pus in the stool caused by ulcers on the intestinal walls, pain in the lower abdomen, bloating of intestinal loops (protrusion of the lower abdomen);

  crohn's disease or nodular inflammation of the mucous membranes of any part of the gastrointestinal tract (from the mouth to the rectum) - increased fatigue, weight loss, high fever, severe pain, mimicking appendicitis, as well as vomiting.

Diseases associated with metabolic disorders (the probability of malignancy is up to 10%):

• diabetes mellitus of the second type (not dependent on insulin) - increased thirst, a large volume of urine with a normal frequency of urination, dry skin, weakness, prolonged healing of skin and muscle damage.

III. group of reasons

Diseases that are not antecedent to cancer, but often overlap with this disease and confuse the clinical picture.

This is true if the doctor supervises the patient for a long time, for example, about:

diverticula (pockets in the intestinal wall)

chronic intestinal obstruction;

anal fissures or fistulas;

other diseases of the lower gastrointestinal tract.

Each disease has its own typical clinical picture with the same or common symptom for all of the listed diseases - difficult, painful defecation.

The division of the pathogenesis of cancer into different stages is accepted throughout the world. Exists different approaches to this question, however, the entire medical community has recognized the feasibility of division. This classification method greatly simplifies the description of carcinogenesis and standardizes its understanding. In our country, it is generally accepted to distinguish four main stages of cancer and several possible variants within each stage.

For the diagnosis of bowel cancer, the following classifications have been proposed, including those used abroad:

TNM (Latin equivalents of the first letters denoting "tumor", "lymph node", "metastasis") is an international classification widely used by Russian doctors. Only 4 stages of cancer, one stage of precancer. The abbreviation of the classification is based on its principle.

There are also other classifications. We will focus on TNM classification, as the most common in our country, and describe the characteristic features of each stage.

When there is no reason to consider the established changes indicating signs of cancer, this condition has a symbol - (T x). If there are signs indicating precancerous symptoms, then the designation (T is) is used. To describe the involvement of regional lymph nodes in carcinogenesis, the designation N is used. If, during the examination of the patient, no convincing evidence of the involvement of the nodes is obtained, then the results are indicated by letters (N x), and if it is precisely established that the nodes are not damaged, then this is indicated by (N 0). The letter M (metastasis) is not used in the description of precancer.

Colon cancer stage 1

In the medical history, examination protocols and other official medical documents, it is indicated by a combination of letters and numbers (T 1 N 0 M 0). This is the initial stage, clinically, it is manifested by general symptoms of intoxication. On instrumental examination, it is visualized as a small, mobile, dense formation or ulcer (T 1). Changes are found in the mucous membrane or submucosa. Lymph nodes are not affected (N 0). No metastases (M 0).

Colon cancer stage 2

There are two possible options for describing this stage in medical documents with the results of instrumental studies: (T 2 N 1 M 0) or (T 3 N 0 M 0). These options differ in the size of the tumor. Namely - the size of the tumor is described from one third to half the diameter of the intestine (T 2 and T 3). In one variant, there are signs of damage to the nearest lymph nodes (N 1), and in the second, there are no lesions (N 0). Distant metastases are always absent (M 0).

Colon cancer stage 3

This form of colorectal cancer is distinguished by a variety of morphological and cytological forms of carcinogenesis.

There are seven possible descriptions, including lighter manifestations, indicated by:

(T 4 N 0 M 0) - the tumor occupies more than 50% of the intestinal diameter, the lymph nodes are not affected, there are no metastases;

(T 1 N 1 M 0) - a small mobile tumor, the nearest lymph nodes are affected, without distant metastases in the liver;

(T 2 N 1 M 0) - a tumor up to 30% of the diameter, the nearest lymph nodes are affected, there are no metastases;

(T 3 N 0 M 0) - tumor up to 50% of the bowel diameter, no lymph node lesions, no metastases.

The relatively more severe forms of the third stage are indicated by:

(T 4 N 1 M 0) - a massive tumor encircling the intestine, adhesions are formed with neighboring organs and tissues, the nearest 3-4 lymph nodes are affected, there are no distant metastases;

(T 1-4 N 2 M 0) - the size of the tumor does not matter, more than four intestinal lymph nodes (N 2) are affected, there are no metastases.

(T 1-4 N 3 M 0) - the size of the tumor does not matter, the lymph nodes along the large blood vessels (N 3) are affected, that is, there is a massive spread of cancer cells throughout the body, there are no distant metastases yet.

Colon cancer stage 4

This is the last, most dangerous stage of the disease, characterized by distant metastases in the body. It can be indicated in medical documents (T 1-4, N 1-3 M 1). The size of the tumor and the lesion of regional lymph nodes are not of fundamental importance. However, there are always distant metastases, usually in the liver (M 1).

Intestinal metastases

A feature of colorectal cancer is distant metastases to the liver, much less often they are found in the lungs, brain, genitals and omentum. The germination of malignant cells into vital organs greatly reduces the likelihood of successful treatment of patients.

Intestinal metastases in adenocarcinoma are found in 50% of cases, in colloid cancer in 70%, and in anaplastic types of cancer about 82%. When comparing the frequency, squamous cell forms of cancer metastases more often, but they can be found much less often than cancers of the glandular forms.

There is no early cancer prediction system in Russia. The reason is the chronic lack of funding for useful activities. Therefore, there are no highly sensitive cancer detection methods available for mass use.

Studies that are widely used in our clinics do not give a lot of false results, and DNA diagnostics is still limitedly available for mass research.

Modern forecasting mainly depends on the literacy and oncology vigilance of the doctor, who knows how to find the connection between diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and the precursors of cancer. The prognosis is based on the subjective feelings of the doctor and the results of the visual examination of the patient, therefore, up to 20% of patients in Russia have the primary diagnosis - bowel cancer with distant metastases.

The ways to improve objective forecasting methods are based on the introduction of highly effective instrumental and laboratory techniques into mass medical practice.

In the presence of an already formed tumor, the most promising methods for objectively predicting the rate of development of metastases is the determination of specific protein markers, including the Oncotype Dx colon test and others.

How long do you live with bowel cancer?

The question contains a fatal implication of the deadly danger of cancer. But let's be optimistic, because in the early and sometimes in the later stages of the disease, doctors achieve amazing success in the radical treatment of this form of cancer.

The answer to the question posed about life expectancy can be divided into two parts:

the first concerns the quality and duration of life after diagnosis;

the second is the frequency of examinations in order to identify oncology at the earliest possible stages.

Information about the five-year survival rate of patients with bowel cancer, which is often used in scientific research to show the trends and patterns of the disease, is incorrect in the context of a popular article, because the body of each individual person has a different margin of safety, depending on:

age;

concomitant pathologies;

bad habits;

Of the above, only age cannot be adjusted. Correct treatment of concomitant pathologies, rejection of bad habits, selection of a diet, elimination of stress, significantly increase the likelihood of not getting sick, and the patient's chances of recovery and significant prolongation of life with the help of surgeons and doctors of other specialties increase.

A quality life is possible even with significant excision (resection) of a part of the intestine and the imposition of a colostomy (holes for excreting feces outside, bypassing the anus). Having a colostomy with normal care is not a significant factor in the quality of life.

On the other hand, the earlier cancer is detected, the better the chances of successful treatment. Following this logic, it can be assumed that extremely frequent examination gives chances for early detection of the disease and prolongation of life. Fortunately, this is not entirely true.

Early confirmation of the diagnosis is possible with examinations at an interval of one year. Indeed, from the first mutations to the onset of clinical stages, on average, it takes two to three years.

For a significant increase in life expectancy and quality of life, screening studies should be carried out annually after the age of forty.

When a disease is detected in the late stages, proper care of the patient and maintaining a good hygienic state of the colostomy play an important role in prolonging life.

If intestinal cancer was detected at stage 1, and the tumor has not spread anywhere (which is extremely rare, with a happy coincidence), then the chance of success reaches 99%.

If the cancer is in stage 2, when the tumor begins to grow on the intestinal walls, then the chance of a cure is 85%.

At stage 3, when the tumor affects the nearest lymph nodes, the chance of a cure drops to 65%.

In the later stages of bowel cancer, if distant lymph nodes are affected, the chance of a cure is about 35%.

How long a person will live after cure depends on the neglect of the disease, as well as on other factors listed above.

The choice of the diagnostic scheme is determined by the doctor. The minimum includes screening studies, first of all - which is a very simple and widely available method used in the most primitive laboratories.

Patients at risk should donate feces once a year to exclude latent bleeding, this method allows you to determine a tumor or polyp with a diameter of 2 cm;

With a positive test for occult blood, fibrosigmoscopy is prescribed, or rectomanoscopy with video fixation or contrast examination of the colon.

A real breakthrough in the diagnosis of bowel cancer occurred after the widespread introduction of methods of radiation diagnostics into medical practice, for example, contrast radiography or more modern methods:

computed tomography and its modifications (CT, MSCT);

ultrasound diagnostics through the abdominal wall and with the help of sensors inserted into the intestine (ultrasound, TRUS, others);

magnetic resonance imaging and its modifications (MRI)

positron emission tomography (PET-CT).

A promising method is the laboratory determination of DNA markers of intestinal cancer. After all, this form of the disease is one of the few that can be determined long before the onset of the clinical stage, and, thereby, save life without painful medical procedures.

Colon cancer treatment

Modern methods of treating colorectal cancer are based on radical surgical removal of the tumor, surrounding tissues and metastases. Radiation and chemotherapy are used as adjuncts. In the medical literature there is information about a significant prolongation of the life of patients operated on at 3-4 stages of intestinal cancer. Some sources indicate a 3-year survival rate of 50%, and a 5-year survival rate of 30% of surgical patients. The use of combined methods gives hope for better patient survival outcomes.

Chemotherapy for bowel cancer

The main deterrent to the widespread use of chemotherapy in this form of cancer is the resistance of the main forms of intestinal tumors to cytostatic drugs.

Chemotherapy is used systemically, before or after surgery. In some cases, local administration to the blood vessels feeding the metastases is indicated. The main drug used for chemotherapy is 5-fluorouracil. In addition to it, other cytostatics are used - capecitabine, oxaliplastin, irinotecan and others. To enhance their action, immunocorrectors are prescribed (interferogens, stimulants of humoral and cellular immunity).

Surgery to remove a tumor in the intestine

It is generally accepted that it is the only definitive treatment for bowel cancer. There are various techniques including:

traditional methods of resection of the affected segment of the intestine and surrounding vessels;

operations through miniature abdominal incisions;

removal of a tumor with a packet of lymph nodes and metastases using a high-frequency knife.

The method and method of surgery is chosen by the attending physician based on the recommendations of the council. It has been proven that the quality of the operation and the likelihood of tumor recurrence directly depend on the training of the surgeon team and the equipment of the specialized clinic.

Oncological diseases are insidious and unpredictable. Prevention should be considered for people who have a hereditary predisposition to cancer, or have established diseases that can transform into cancer, as well as all people over the age of 40.

Increased physical activity;

Fortification of the diet with foods containing fiber;

Quitting bad habits (smoking, drinking alcohol).

Regular aspirin reduces the chances of developing some forms of bowel cancer. It must be taken after meals. It is usually inexpensive medicine prescribed for hypertension in order to reduce blood viscosity. There is compelling scientific evidence to suppress some forms of colorectal cancer with daily low-dose aspirin intake.

Attention! Aspirin should not be taken in high dosages, since there is a high likelihood of erosions, ulcers, gastroduodenitis and gastric bleeding.

Even simple annual fecal occult blood screening tests reduce the chances of developing cancer by 18-20%.

This disease, like a stomach tumor, significantly reduces a person's quality of life. More often, the process affects the intestines in the area of \u200b\u200bthe hepatic and splenic curves, where feces are retained for a long time. In 40% of cases, cancer affects the cecum, in 25% - the sigmoid colon. Background diseases such as chronic constipation and polyposis contribute to the development of pathology.

The first signs of cancer

If the tumor is localized in the ampullar section of the intestine, then the pathology will manifest itself as the only symptom: impurities in the feces. When the process spreads to the rectosigmoid region, the patient will complain of progressive constipation and bloating on the left.

The symptoms of rectal cancer are similar to those of hemorrhoids, so it is important to differentiate between the two diseases. When there is no mucous discharge, the blood is located on the surface of the feces, the feces do not lose their shape, and the temperature does not exceed normal numbers.

Large intestine

Early symptoms of colon cancer may not be present.

As the carcinoma progresses, the following symptoms appear:

• pain in the abdomen of a whining character in a certain position of the body;
• bloating;
• upset stool;
• blood and mucus in the stool;
• signs (repeated vomiting, aversion to food, absence of stool and gas discharge);
• lack of appetite.

Small intestine

At the beginning, a tumor of the small intestine is manifested by dyspeptic disorders:

• bloating;
• nausea and vomiting;
• pain in the epigastric region, which are spastic in nature. At the moment of development of pain syndrome, the patient feels the taste of a "copper coin".

Also, the first signs of carcinoma of this localization include:

• alternation of constipation and diarrhea;
• tenesmus;
• signs of intestinal obstruction;
• pain during bowel movements.

Sigmoid colon

In this case, the pathological process is localized above the rectum. The first signs of the disease are acute dyspeptic disorders. Also, carcinoma of this area is characterized by the presence of the following symptoms:

• tenesmus;
• pain during bowel movements;
• altered structure of feces, the appearance of pus, mucus and blood in them;
• urinary incontinence;
• fecal incontinence;
• violation of the formation of gases;
• rumbling in the stomach;
• belching with an unpleasant odor.

The first symptoms in women

What are the early signs of bowel cancer in women? The first signs of bowel cancer in women include:

• violation of the menstrual cycle;
• lack of appetite and weight loss;
• pain during bowel movements;
• the presence of blood in the urine and feces;
• violation of urination;
• aversion to fried and fatty foods.

However, one of the main manifestations that allow suspecting bowel cancer at an early stage in women is a symptom of feces and gas through the urethra. It is caused by a tumor in the bladder.

If a tumor grows into the bladder, a message appears between it and the vagina. This leads to the discharge of feces and gas into the vagina. In this case, there is a risk of infection of the bladder, which leads to pyelonephritis.

The first symptoms in men

Symptoms of early bowel cancer in men are:

• difficulty urinating due to tumor invasion into the prostate gland;
• diarrhea alternating with constipation;
• sexual dysfunction;
• subfebrile body temperature;
• admixture of mucus and blood in the feces;
• pain syndrome in the stomach;
• violation of reproductive function;
• bitterness in the mouth.

Bowel cancer is a common and dangerous pathology. At the initial stages of the disease, symptoms are represented only by general signs. The patient comes to the doctor only when pain or other changes in the gastrointestinal tract appear, when the process has reached stage 2 or 3.

It is important to diagnose the disease in time in order to improve the prognosis of treatment. Therefore, it is necessary to know the first symptoms of a bowel tumor. Most often they are represented by abdominal pain, dyspeptic symptoms and impurities in the feces. At the first appearance of these signs, you should visit a specialist as early as possible.

Helpful video on early signs of bowel cancer

One of frequent reasons, leading a person to the premature end of life, are oncological diseases, especially intestinal cancer. The progression of pathology often leads to a sad outcome, which is why it is so important to identify and recognize the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer in the early stages.

How the ailment manifests itself, is it being treated, what is the cause of intestinal cancer - questions are exciting society, which has become a victim of modern times, with improper diet, passive rhythm of life, with the development of a large number of precancerous diseases.

The main causes of cancer

Intestinal cancer is characterized by the occurrence of malignant neoplasms on the internal, mucous walls of the intestine, in the future, if untreated, it grows into nearby tissues and organs. The disease strikes mainly adults 45-70 years old.

The group of patients most at risk of developing cancer are people with a genetic predisposition to the disease.

Experts call the main and first motive for the growth of malignant oncology the presence of precancerous pathologies in the intestine:

• Nonspecific ulcerative colitis;
• Polyposes of the mucous layer of the colon;
• Chronic paraproctitis;
• Benign tumors: lipomas, adenomas, angiomas, etc.

Cancer can touch absolutely any organ in the human body, but the key to our health is in the intestines - that is why one of the first reasons for the development of severe oncological diseases is not proper nutrition, the nature of the food consumed.

Consumption of foods low in fiber and a large amount of preservatives, animal fats, alcohol abuse, spicy, fatty foods - increases the risk of tumors.

Secondary causes of bowel cancer:

• Dysbacteriosis, accompanied by frequent and painful constipation;
• Lack of enzymes in the body, useful trace elements, vitamins.
• Overwork, due to physical, mental stress, depression, lack of interest in life, stress;
• Smoking, frequent alcohol consumption.

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Clinical manifestations of the disease

It is very difficult to determine the disease at an early stage, due to the absence of characteristic signs and symptoms characteristic of intestinal cancer.

A reason for excitement and a visit to a therapist, proctologist, the oncologist should become the following signs:

1. Painful sensations in the right or left abdomen;
2. Unmotivated weight loss;
3. Nausea, vomiting;
4. Feeling of heaviness, fullness of the abdomen even after emptying;
5. Frequent intestinal disorders:, diarrhea, constipation.

The first signs of bowel cancer are washed away and are often confused with other diseases of the digestive tract. The patient's complaints, the above symptoms should be supplemented by appropriate analyzes, diagnostic examinations.

Actions taken on time will help to recognize the manifestation of the disease at an early, first stage, which in the future can give a positive result of treatment.

The intestine is divided into two segments: thin and thick, which, in turn, include other sections. Cancer in most cases concerns the small, colon, rectum. The disease in different places of the intestine manifests itself in its own way, so it is advisable to consider its first manifestations, symptoms and signs individually.

Small intestine cancer signs

Tumors in the small intestine are benign and malignant and are less common than in the colon. The first signs of progressive cancer are:

• Anemia;
• Unreasonable weight loss;
• Weakness, apathy;
• Intestinal bleeding;

In the absence of specific symptoms and signs characteristic of small bowel cancer, early detection of the disease is achievable exclusively through instrumental examinations.

Colon cancer symptoms

The manifestation of colon cancer is due to the location of the tumor, size, aggravation of the condition. The first signs of an early stage of cancer are:

• Discomfort in the intestines - manifested by a feeling of heaviness, lightheadedness, belching.
• In many cancer patients, a symptom such as bloody, purulent discharge is manifested.
• High fever, weakness, anemization are symptoms and signs of a failure in the patient's general well-being caused by intoxication.
• At an early stage, pain in the abdomen is pulling, aching. The progression of the disease brings cramping, intense pain, indicating full or partial instigation of the movement of the contents through the intestines.
• Intestinal upset manifests itself, flatulence, severe distension of the abdomen.

Colon cancer symptoms is subdivided into six forms:

• Symptoms of the toxic - anemic form.

The first signs of this form of cancer are: excessive fatigue, body temperature is kept within 37-37.5 ºС, skin dullness, anemization. Anemia indicates that cancer is progressing rapidly.

• The form is enterocolitic.

This form of cancer is similar in its symptoms to inflammatory and infectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Manifested by obvious bowel disorders: bloating, seething in the abdomen, difficulty in emptying, diarrhea. The nature of the pain is aching. Feces contains blood,.

• Symptoms of a dyspeptic form.

Symptoms of this form are not characteristic of cancer, they are observed as signs of many other gastrointestinal diseases. With dyspeptic cancer, the upper abdomen hurts, nausea, vomiting, bloating in the stomach, and poor appetite are pronounced.

• Obturation.

The first and main sign of an obstructive form of cancer is intestinal obstruction, which is expressed by the irregular occurrence of such symptoms: difficulty in passing gas and feces, paroxysmal pain, a feeling of fullness in the abdomen.

• Pseudo-inflammatory.

The form of cancer manifests itself as abdominal pain and fever. Such a common symptom as bowel disorders is mild.

• Tumor-like form.

A characteristic feature of this form is absent or mild symptoms and signs. During the physical examination and diagnostic examination, cancer can be detected.

Rectal cancer symptoms

The first significant symptoms of the disease appear even when the tumor has reached a large size. The severity of rectal cancer due to the location, size of the tumor, the level of development of the disease:

1. Painful sensations in cancer are continuous, but this is not an early sign of the disease, on the contrary, such a symptom speaks of the spread of a neoplasm and damage to adjacent organs and tissues.
2. An irreversible symptom is discharge from the anus during emptying. Feces with an admixture of dark blood, state the fact of injury to the tumor by feces. The progressive development of cancer is determined by purulent, mucous secretions. This symptom indicates the beginning of the disintegration of the neoplasm, an infectious inflammation.
3. Early signs of rectal cancer are bowel disorders, alternating diarrhea with constipation and vice versa. Tenesmus often occurs - the urge to empty, which does not have a positive result. Instead of feces, only blood or mucus can be excreted.
4. The form of feces in rectal cancer is ribbon-like, it turns out to be the first sign of this disease.
5. The growth of a cancerous tumor narrows the space of the intestine, then signs of intestinal obstruction appear: sharp pains, constipation, inability to pass gas, bloating of the abdomen, nausea.
6. Common symptoms of rectal cancer are: hyperthermia, gradual anemization, impotence, weight loss.

Cancer stages and prognosis

Bowel cancer develops in four stages.

The international classification of the stages of development of cancerous tumors is tNM system... A short and accurate guide to the description of oncological disease, allowing you to get undistorted information. First component T - primary tumor, second N - The lymph nodes, third M - distant metastases. The numbers next to the letter indicate the degree of development of the disease.

The question - how many people live with such a pathology and after its treatment, does not have an exact answer. Life expectancy will whistle from the stage of cancer at which treatment began, at what age the disease occurred, whether the patient has other pathologies, etc.

Five-year survival rate after radical surgical treatment is 45-50% .

If treatment began at the first, second stage, the prognosis is much better and will be 85-95% survival rate... In the third stage, cancer is curable by 65-70% ... The most dangerous fourth stage leaves 35% a chance to overcome the disease.

Diagnostics and treatment

The absence of characteristic symptoms characteristic of intestinal cancer indicates the need for additional examination methods to be able to detect the disease at an early, first stage.

The specialist should pay special attention to the patient's complaints regarding the characteristics of abdominal pain, uncontrolled weight loss, blanching of the skin. Based on the patient's complaints and the following research methods, there is a chance to identify the disease as early as possible and start treatment.

Treatment is only operative, necessarily supplemented by chemotherapy. Preparation for surgery is aimed at complete cleansing of the intestines, through enema, taking laxatives, adherence to a certain diet.

The operation involves resection of the tumor and regional lymph nodes, with the imposition of an anastomosis to restore intestinal patency. The choice of the operating method is determined by the stage of cancer development, possible complications, metastases, age and general condition of the patient.

Bowel cancer is a disease that occupies one of the leading places among all oncopathologies. It is called the disease of civilization, because it is the population of advanced and developing countries that most often encounters this problem. In Western Europe and America, this issue is most acute. The disease affects equally both men and women, mainly after 40 years.

Why does bowel cancer occur?

The intestine is divided into two sections: the small intestine and the large intestine. Each of them is at risk of being affected by cancer. Colon cancer is the most common cancer. Tumors in the thin section are much less common.

There are many factors that provoke the onset and development of the disease:

• Genetic predisposition.
• Inflammatory and chronic diseases in the intestines. Long-term exposure to damaging factors on the mucous membrane of organs can provoke the degeneration of normal cells into cancerous ones.
• Benign bowel masses can degenerate into malignant ones.
• The human papillomavirus causes cancer in some cases.
• Unbalanced diet. A decrease in the consumption of plant fibers, as well as the predominance of fatty and protein foods, causes inhibition of intestinal motility and the formation of stagnation. In this case, feces act irritatingly on the mucous membrane, causing its chronic inflammation and, in the future, intestinal cancer. Signs of malnutrition are frequent constipation, colic and increased flatulence.
• Alcohol abuse.

However, it is impossible to accurately name the causes of intestinal oncology, as well as to predict its development. Only a careful attitude to your health and annual preventive checks after 40 years will help prevent the disease or start treatment on time.

How does the disease manifest

The insidiousness of the disease is that even experts do not always immediately determine bowel cancer. The symptoms of the disease are very vague and often resemble those of other pathologies. The main "bells" for going to the doctor and diagnostics are:

• Blood in stool from tissue affected by the tumor.
• Pain similar to colitis due to the mechanical effects of education.
• Nausea, belching and bloating.
• Constipation followed by diarrhea. The tumor inhibits the movement of feces, fermentation begins in places of stagnation. Then the liquid, mixed with feces, comes out, resembling diarrhea.
• Anemia due to constant blood loss.
• Aversion to meat due to an increase in the concentration of protein breakdown products in the blood.
• A sharp decrease in body weight.
• Yellowness of the skin.
• Decreased body tone, increased fatigue.

All of the above may indicate that a person has intestinal cancer. Symptoms and manifestations of the disease may look like colitis or appendicitis with peritonitis. At this stage, it is important to choose the correct diagnostic method.

Method for the diagnosis of intestinal oncology

Only specific types of diagnostics can confirm intestinal cancer, the signs of which are usually hidden, especially in the early stages. Timely research is a chance for a full recovery, since treatment of oncology in the late stages usually does not bring the expected result.

There are the following diagnostic methods:

• Finger examination. Allows you to determine oncology in the rectum.
• Sigmoidoscopy. Study of the intestinal walls 30 cm from the anus.
• Colonoscopy. Allows you to take a biopsy at a distance of up to 1 m from the anus.
• X-ray examination, or irrigoscopy. It is carried out after the introduction of a contrast agent (barium suspension) with the help of an enema, it allows you to identify tumors throughout the intestine.
• Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography. The most modern method allows you to determine a clear localization of malignant tumors.
• Ultrasound diagnostics of the abdominal organs.
• Study of feces for occult blood.

In order for the therapy to be successful, it is necessary to seek the help of specialists as soon as possible and undergo all the prescribed types of diagnostics, despite the fact that some of them are unpleasant and even painful.

Disease control methods

If the patient has been diagnosed with bowel cancer, treatment will involve surgical removal of the tumor. This is the only therapy that can lead to complete recovery.

The operation is performed under general anesthesia by dissecting the abdominal wall and removing damaged tissues and adjacent lymph nodes to prevent recurrence and metastases. If possible, the integrity of the intestine is restored immediately. And if not, then they do a colostomy - they artificially bring it to the abdominal wall. This is usually a temporary inconvenience that disappears after a few weeks or a month. The ends of the intestine are sutured, after which the normal bowel movement is restored.

Adjuvant therapy

After surgical removal of the tumor, a microscopic examination of the excised tissue is performed to detect malignant lesions of the lymph nodes. The presence of cancer cells in them indicates the possibility of the spread of metastases, which cannot yet be diagnosed due to their small size. A study is also carried out for the presence of metastases in the abdominal region and pelvic organs.

If the possibility of recurrence is confirmed, then adjuvant treatment is prescribed - chemotherapy for bowel cancer. It is carried out drug, slowing down the growth of tumor cells, 5-fluorouracil. This significantly reduces the risk of relapse. Sometimes radiation therapy is given to prevent the disease from returning.

How to timely identify bowel cancer

Unfortunately, screening of the population for cancer has not yet been provided. Therefore, you will have to take care of your health yourself. For this, people who are at risk need to undergo regular tests for occult blood in the stool and, if possible, have a colonoscopy. This is especially true for those whose relatives suffered from this disease.

Early detection of neoplasms allows intestinal cancer to be completely cured in the early stages. Metastases have not yet had time to form, so surgical intervention is enough to eliminate the problem.

Bowel Cancer Prevention

The basis for the prevention of malignant tumors in the intestine is proper nutrition, timely treatment of any inflammatory diseases of the digestive system and an active lifestyle.

Even those people who are not at risk should carefully monitor their diet. Mainly you need to eat vegetables and fruits, lean meats and fish, legumes and vegetable oils. It is worth giving up sweets, pickles, smoked meats, fried and spicy. It is recommended to do elementary physical exercise, go for walks and be outdoors more often.

Recovery prognosis

The earlier the disease is diagnosed, the more likely it is for a quick and complete recovery. About 80% of patients get rid of the disease if cancer has affected only the intestinal mucosa. If the malignant cells have already managed to grow into the wall, then the probability of recovery is reduced to 70%. When the disease has entered the stage of spreading metastases, the chances of patients are reduced to 30-50%.

It is very important to never forget about your own health and turn to specialists at the first symptoms of the disease. If the patient managed to identify intestinal cancer in the early stages, the signs of which may be hidden behind the mask of other diseases, then the possibility of successful therapy increases many times over.