The first signs of a tumor in the colon are usually not very typical: altered bowel habits, abdominal pain or blood in the stool may also indicate other intestinal diseases. Many of them are comparatively harmless. If such problems last longer, you should still go to a doctor. The following text gives hints, which warning signs one should take seriously, and with which complaints a clarification is necessary. Whether or not colorectal cancer is the cause of the symptoms and how high the personal risk of a colon tumor is can only be assessed by the attending physician. Information from the Internet only supplements such as medical consultation. (New Life hosted bay Samrawit Asefa)

Colon cancer: which warning signs are possible?

A tumor in the large intestine or rectum caused in most people affected for a long time no complaints: colon cancer usually grows slowly, you often feel a long time of it. In early stages, a so-called colorectal carcinoma is discovered more by accident, such as in a study on other occasions. The early diagnosis – even before colon cancer makes complaints – is also based on screening tests: The statutory screening program in Germany offers all legally and privately insured the opportunity to be examined regularly for colorectal cancer from 50 years. For people with special risks, tests are possible earlier. The text “Colorectal cancer: early detection with stool test and colonoscopy” explains which examinations belong to this and who should be contacted. First noticeable signs that indicate a colon tumor are usually not very typical. You can also go back to other bowel diseases.

Possible symptoms of Dam Cancers are: Altered bowel habits: particularly frequent urination, repeated blockages or a change between constipation and diarrhea Eye-catching stool: visible blood in the stool, mucus congestion, particularly foul-smelling stool or pencil-thin stool due to narrowing in the intestine Other indigestion: frequent, strong bowel sounds and bloating, flatulence with unwanted stool, frequent nausea or feeling bloated despite little food Pain: Pain during bowel movements and spasmodic abdominal pain regardless of bowel movements

In case of complaints consult a doctor Take complaints seriously Have you noticed any prolonged indigestion, changes in bowel habits or abnormalities in the stool? Do not hesitate to see your doctor. In general, a tumor can also indicate an unusual reduction in performance and frequent fatigue, as well as repeated mild fever and night sweats.

Importantly, many sufferers have none of the problems listed here, or just a few. Precisely because colon cancer does not cause any symptoms for such a long time, experts consider the screening tests to be so important. Conversely, if you have one or more of these symptoms, it does not necessarily mean that you have colorectal cancer. Indigestion is often the result of an unbalanced and unhealthy diet or caused by foods that are not well tolerated. They may also be a sign of an intestinal infection or a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, for example. Blood in the stool, in turn, is due to hemorrhoidal disease in many people, an expansion and displacement of blood vessels in the area of ​the anus. Nevertheless, one should consult with such symptoms, a doctor, especially if they persist for a long time or return again.

Signs of advanced colorectal cancer If the disease is further advanced, then further complaints can be added: If the tumor is bleeding regularly, then some patients develop anemia. They are often very pale and tired. It can also lead to unwanted weight loss. If the tumor in the intestine is already relatively large, then you may be able to feel it as hardening in the stomach. If the tumor narrows the entire intestine, the result is an intestinal obstruction. Patients can no longer leave a chair. Most severe, colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting may be added. Complete bowel obstruction is an emergency and usually requires immediate surgery. Serious problems can occur when a progressive tumor spreads beyond the intestine or forms distant metastases in the liver or other organs. Discomfort then depends on which organs and tissues are actually affected by the growing tumor.