Cancer of the splenic angle of the colon. What are the conditions in the room? Cancer of the transverse colon: symptoms

The colon is a section gastrointestinal tract pertaining to the large intestine, which is a continuation of the caecum and then continues into the sigmoid. The direct process of digestion does not occur in it, because. it ends earlier, but there is an active absorption of nutrients, electrolytes, liquids and feces are formed. Colon cancer (denoted by the abbreviation ROK) is the appearance in any part of the intestine of a malignant tumor, which is accompanied by an appropriate clinical picture and the course of the disease.

Statistical data

More often this disease diagnosed in North Americans and Australia, lower in European countries, and most rare in Asia, South American and African countries. Colon cancer accounts for 5-6% of the total number of detected oncological diseases, and among all malignant tumors of the gastrointestinal tract, it occupies the 2nd place.

More than 70% of patients with colon cancer seek help already reaching the last stages (3-4), which makes treatment difficult. At the same time, it was found that if surgery and chemotherapy are performed, when the process is still localized, then survival for five years is observed in 92% of patients. If treatment is carried out with already existing regional metastatic foci, the five-year survival rate is 63%, with distant metastases - only 7%.

Causes of pathology

The conditions for any cancer are often processes that lead to prolonged inflammation in the tissues, their frequent injury, and toxic damage. AT this case It is believed that colon cancer can be provoked by the following factors:

Hereditary predisposition leads to the early appearance of a tumor in the intestine. If you have relatives who experienced ROC before the age of 50, this fact most likely indicates high risk disease development and hereditary burden.
Irrational unbalanced diet with the dominant role of animal fats and refined products, as well as with a low fiber content, leads to a violation of peristalsis in the intestine, the contents stay in it for too long and lose water, dense calculi with sharp edges are formed.
Prolonged constipation, tk. in this case, the feces become hard and can seriously damage the intestinal wall. Damage leads to inflammatory reactions and increased division of epithelial cells, which increases the likelihood of a cancerous tumor.
The presence of diseases of the intestine, called precancerous, that is, they also often transform over time into cancerous tumors: Crohn's disease, UC, glandular polyps, diverticulosis, familial polyposis and etc.
Old age, when blood circulation worsens in the intestines, atony is frequent (decrease in contractility musculature of the intestinal wall, leading to constipation), accumulate pathological changes in tissues.

The frequency of detection of colon cancer increases after 40 years and reaches a maximum at 60-75 years. Also, the disease can be caused by factors such as:

obesity, especially among the male part of humanity;
work during harmful conditions associated with industrial intoxication;
smoking and drinking alcohol.

Classification

ICD 10 - a malignant tumor of the colon is indicated by the code C18 (C18.1, C18.2, C18.3, C18.4, C18.5, C18.6, C18.7).

Under the term "Cancer of the transverse colon", several types of tumors are distinguished depending on their origin (from what type of cells they developed) and morphology (this classification is important when histological examination neoplasm tissue):

Adenocarcinoma, the most common type of colon cancer, originates from atypically altered epithelial cells of its inner surface.
Mucous adenocarcinoma - comes from the glandular epithelium of the intestinal wall, which secretes mucus, respectively, it itself is always heavily covered with it.
Signet-shaped cell carcinoma - represented by ring-shaped cells containing mucus in the cytoplasm, visible as a cluster of vesicles that are not connected to each other.
Squamous cell carcinoma - is formed from squamous epithelium, bridges and granules of keratin are visible under microscopy, it is detected quite rarely.
Glandular squamous cell tumor - combines the qualities squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinomas.
Undifferentiated cancer - the cells that make up the tumor do not secrete mucus and are not components of the glands, form strands that are separated by the connective tissue stroma.
Unclassified cancer - is put when the tumor does not match any of the listed options.

Depending on how the tumor grows relative to the walls of the intestine, there are three forms:

Exophytic growth - if the tumor protrudes into the intestinal lumen;
Endophytic growth - cancer begins to grow into the intestinal wall, can spread to surrounding organs and tissues;
Transitional form - there are signs of both forms.

Colon cancer stages

The stages determine the severity of the process, how much the cancer has spread within the intestine and surrounding tissues:

Stage 0 - tumor cells are located within the intestinal mucosa and have not yet spread to its deeper layers and to the lymph nodes;
Stage 1 - the submucosa of the intestinal wall is also affected;
Stage 2A - colon cancer spreads to the muscle layer of its wall, to adjacent tissues, closes the intestinal lumen by half or more, there is no metastatic spread.
Stage 2B - cancer grows into the pleura, there is no metastasis;
Stage 3A - the above and metastases in regional lymph nodes;
Stage 3B - cancer affects the subserous layer of the intestine and nearby tissues, can affect other organs and the pleura, there are metastases in no more than 3 regional lymph nodes;
3C stage - metastases spread to more than 4 regional lymph nodes, the intestinal lumen closes;
4 - distant metastases appear in other organs.

The stage of the disease determines the prognosis.

Symptoms and clinical manifestations

What symptoms will accompany developing colon cancer often correlates with the localization of the process. Let's consider this in more detail.

Cancer of the ascending colon. Most often, patients with tumors of this localization suffer from pain, which is explained by the fact that the passage of contents from the small intestine into the blind is disturbed due to the closure of the lumen by the tumor. Digested food is constantly pushed forward by contractile movements of the intestine and meets resistance, against this background there are cramping pains, appear, intoxication is growing. Often the tumor can be felt through the wall of the abdomen, like a solid pathological node in the intestine.

Cancer of the hepatic flexure of the colon. In this place, the lumen of the intestine quickly closes with tumor growth, often there are difficulties with the introduction of a special device - an endoscope used to examine the pathological focus and take biopsy material from tumor tissues. These difficulties are caused due to severe mucosal edema and decreased intestinal mobility.

Cancer of the transverse colon. Cancer of the transverse colon as a whole manifests itself in the same way - due to impaired progression stool in the intestine, may occur sharp pains as the main symptom, intestinal obstruction develops, toxins begin to be absorbed. If the growth of cancer is endophytic, then there may be no pain until the tumor spreads to surrounding tissues.

Tumor of the hepatic angle of the colon. In this case, the main role in the development of symptoms is played by the anatomical proximity to the loop of the duodenum, that is, the tumor can spread to it, cause stenosis, and disrupt the separation of bile into its lumen. With the growth of the tumor, its decay, metastasis, there is a reaction to the process in other parts of the intestine and abdominal organs. This manifests itself in the exacerbation chronic diseases and the occurrence of acute:, adnexitis, cholecystitis, ulcers of the duodenum and stomach, etc. Also, one should not forget about the development of obstruction, and sometimes the formation of fistulas in the rectum, or in the duodenum.

Cancers of the descending colon. They threaten in general the same as tumors of the hepatic angle of the colon. The difference in the place of detection on palpation, localization of pain and treatment features.

In general, it is possible to describe the course of colon cancer, highlighting the main forms, syndromes that appear with the disease in question. Symptoms of colon cancer in various clinical cases can be combined, but usually it is possible to isolate the predominant ones:

tumor-like form of cancer - when the patient does not feel anything, but during palpation the tumor is felt;
obstructive - when the passage through the intestine closes and symptoms develop mainly due to impaired passage of food. Cramping pains appear, the abdomen swells, symptoms pathognomonic for intestinal obstruction appear (splash noise, a symptom of a falling drop, a symptom of the Obukhov hospital, etc.), vomiting torments, intoxication occurs;
toxic-anemic - hemoglobin decreases, against which the patient becomes pale, sleepy, lethargic, weakens, loses tolerance to physical exertion, experiences dizziness, shortness of breath, flies appear before the eyes, dark spots etc;
pseudo-inflammatory - imitates the inflammatory process in the abdomen, the patient experiences abdominal pain, minor dyspeptic disorders, fever, ESR, blood leukocytes;
enterocolitic - as the name suggests, diarrhea or constipation, bloating, rumbling, pain, feces with mucous, bloody, purulent discharge are observed in the picture of the disease;
dyspeptic - may develop an aversion to certain products, patients experience nausea, vomiting, frequent belching, heaviness, epigastric pain, gases accumulate in the intestine.

This happens overall picture. If you have symptoms of colon cancer, go to the hospital immediately. As you can see, tumors of the colon can give symptoms that pass for other diseases, so you should always be on your guard.

Diagnostic methods

First, always a general medical examination. Estimated appearance patient: the condition of the skin, mucous membranes, constitution. It is possible to suspect the presence of cancer by palpation (palpation), if there are rather large tumors, an increase in superficial lymph nodes is also detected. At the same time, using percussion (tapping), it is possible to determine the presence of fluid in the abdominal cavity, which may indirectly indicate a tumor process.

Secondly, laboratory research. A general blood test will reveal elevated ESR and leukocytosis, which indicate inflammation in the body. Analyzes for specific onco-markers give almost exact result. A fecal occult blood test with a positive result also indirectly speaks for the presence of cancer, but only in conjunction with other reliable signs.

Thirdly, instrumental methods. First, it is a survey radiography, then radiography with contrast, colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, ultrasound, CT scan, Magnetic resonance imaging. All studies are prescribed by the doctor after assessing the clinical picture.

Fourth, the study of biopsy specimens. The diagnosis of cancer is accurate only after a biopsy (collection of tumor tissue) and examination of the obtained materials under a microscope. If clear signs of a malignant tumor are found, a diagnosis of colon cancer is made, with a doubtful result, an immunohistochemical study of the biopsy is also carried out.

Treatment features: video operations, relapses

Before choosing tactics, the doctor carefully assesses the stage of the tumor process, its spread, the state of the patient's body - comorbidities, age. The most effective is the radical (complete) removal of all tumor cells, metastases, affected lymph nodes with adjuvant (that is, carried out after surgery against cancer) chemotherapy and / or radiation therapy. However, the extent to which this is feasible, in each case, is limited by the neglect of the process and general condition m of the body.

If the tumor appeared on the right, then a right-sided hemicolonectomy is realized, when the caecum, ascending colon, 1/3 of the transverse colon and the final part of the ileum are removed. Regional lymph nodes are also removed, because. tumor cells may remain there, which in the future will cause a new appearance of cancer.

Finally, end-to-end anastomosis (stitching) of the small and large intestines is formed.
For a tumor present in the left parts of the colon, a left-sided hemicolectomy is performed, where the distal 1/3 of the transverse colon, the descending colon, partly the sigmoid colon, plus the adjacent mesentery and lymph nodes are removed. At the end, the intestine is sutured end to end, or (depending on the conditions) a colostomy is formed, and only then, months later, at the next operation, both ends are sutured.

Often patients appear at the oncologist with a process that has spread to other organs. In this case, if possible, not only part of the intestine is removed, but also all the affected parts of the organs.

When metastases are multiple and distant, radical surgery is not possible, palliative interventions are performed. For example, a colostomy is done with intestinal obstruction due to tumor obstruction in order to remove the contents of the intestine and alleviate the suffering of the patient, or the formation of fistulas.

Radiation therapy is started about three weeks after surgery and can cause nausea, vomiting, which is explained by damaging effects on the intestinal mucosa, and numerous other complications, but is necessary to prevent recurrence.

After radiation therapy, temporary and long-term complications can occur:

feeling of increased weakness;
violations of the integrity of the skin at the sites of exposure;
decrease in the function of the reproductive system;
inflammation of the bladder, dysuric disorders, diarrhea;
symptoms of radiation sickness (leukemia, the appearance of areas of necrosis, tissue atrophy).

The fight against cancer is long, stubborn and difficult, but very often not hopeless.
Chemotherapy is usually easier for the patient with the advent of modern drugs.

The colon is the largest section of the large intestine in terms of length and area. It digests and absorbs dietary fiber and elements. What could not be digested is formed into feces and comes out.

Colon cancer is a malignant lesion of one or more of its departments with a progressive course, metastasis, dysfunction and various complications.

In the anatomy of the intestine, independent sections and bends are distinguished.

The departments include:

Ascending part.

Located in the right side of the abdomen. It is a continuation of the caecum.

Cross section.

Occupies top floor abdominal cavity. It is projected in the supra-umbilical region, follows the ascending section.

descending part.

Lies in the left half of the abdomen, serves as a continuation of the transverse segment, is the final section of the colon. It ends with a transition to the sigmoid colon.

Between the parts there are bends:

Hepatic flexure of the colon.

Located under the liver, on the right, in the upper right quadrant abdominal wall. Lies between the end of the ascending part and the beginning of the transverse. There the organ has a certain extension.

Splenic flexure.

Located on the left, in the upper left quadrant. Extends between the end of the transverse section and the beginning of the descending section, borders on the spleen.

Classification

There are several classification criteria. Depending on the type of tissues and cells from which the tumor is formed, there are:

epithelial cancer.

Formed from epithelial type tissues. It is the most common form. Responds well to chemotherapy treatment.

Adenocarcinoma.

It is dominated by mutation and degeneration of glandular elements. It is in second place in terms of prevalence. Tends to progress rapidly. Not always treatable with chemotherapy.

Mucous cancer.

Formed from mucus-producing cells and mucous membranes. It is not so common, about 10% of all types.

Ring cell carcinoma.

It is put only on the basis of a study of biopsy specimens under a microscope. In cells, the nuclei are of huge size, they resemble a ring in shape, hence the name. Aggressive tumor, has a severe course.

undifferentiated carcinoma.

It is almost impossible to determine the neglected form, the type of cells. Poorly treatable, has a poor prognosis.

Depending on the form, progression and extent of the lesion, the stages are distinguished:

Stage 0 is precancerous.

The first atypical cells begin to form, there are no complaints or symptoms yet. May be manifested by mucosal hyperemia. It responds well to treatment, the prognosis of recovery is close to 100%.

Stage 1

True cancer, the most initial and light in the flow. Characterized small tumor, on the mucous layer, without germination in depth, does not give metastases.

It may not manifest itself clinically, so it is not often diagnosed. With timely detection and treatment, the prognosis is good, the cure rate is 90%.

Stage 2

The tumor takes on a larger size, the submucosal layer is affected, without metastasis, appear early symptoms. May disturb pain syndrome, dyspeptic phenomena, well treated. The survival rate for stage 2 cancer is 70-90%.

Stage 3

The tumor is large, grows into the deep layers. Blocks more than half of the intestinal lumen. It has metastases and lesions of the lymph nodes.

Symptoms are expressed: pain at the site of localization, obstruction, constipation, asthenovegetative syndrome. It is not always treatable, the prognosis is moderately favorable. The five-year survival rate is 30-50%.

Stage 4

The heaviest and most neglected. Extensive damage to the organ, obturation of the lumen. Multiple distant metastases and lesions of the lymph nodes.

Complications in the form of intestinal obstruction, bleeding, infectious processes. The prognosis is not favorable, it is practically not amenable to treatment. The three-year survival rate is up to 20%.

The first symptoms of colon cancer

Symptoms do not always occur in the early stages. They usually develop in the later stages. This complicates the tactics of treatment and prognosis.

Feeling of discomfort at the site of the tumor or pain syndrome.

It can form in the left or right side of the abdomen. All envy from the localization of the malignant focus. At first, the pain is periodic, muffled. Then it becomes a nagging constant. Not related to eating.

Constipation is a common symptom.

A person cannot empty his intestines for 3-4 days, sometimes for weeks. At the same time, the stomach is greatly swollen.

Flatulence.

The phenomenon of abundant gas formation and swelling of intestinal loops. It may be the only sign of pathology.

Feces with pathological impurities.

First mucus joins, then pus. At extreme degrees, streaks of blood or obvious bleeding appear, this is a formidable sign, if it appears, immediately consult a doctor.

Loss of appetite.

associated with violation digestive functions intestines.

Rapid weight loss.

Caused by tumor blockage of the lumen of the colon:

Paleness of the skin, followed by increasing jaundice.
General weakness, malaise, chronic fatigue.
Dyspeptic phenomena: nausea, vomiting, diarrheal syndrome.
Persistent and prolonged increase in body temperature.

When joining complications, the following symptoms may appear:

Suppuration of the tumor, purulent fusion. Comes with sharp pains.
Accession secondary infection. Clinic of septic lesions.
Bleeding internal hidden and external obvious.
Rupture of the intestinal wall. Causes a state of shock, loss of consciousness, to whom.
Wall perforation.

Symptoms of liver damage

In colon cancer, the first organ that suffers from metastatic lesions is the liver. Most often this happens when primary focus localized in the hepatic flexure.

The tumor itself can grow into the capsule and parenchyma of the liver. What characterizes this phenomenon:

The patient will report general malaise.

Suffering from insomnia, anxiety, decreased performance.

An important syndrome is jaundice.

In bright yellow the sclera are stained, the mucous membranes are visible, and then the whole skin. The jaundice is constant and does not go away.

Skin itching.

A sign of cholestatic lesions and congestion of bile, joins at stages 3-4:

Dull pain in right hypochondrium.
Discoloration of feces. It becomes almost white.
Urine acquires a dark color, becomes the color of beer.
Skin rashes, hemorrhages.
Edema syndrome.

First, edema appears on the limbs, then in the abdominal cavity. ascites is formed.

Portal hypertension syndrome is a persistent increase in blood pressure numbers.
Varicose veins of the esophagus with subsequent bleeding from them.

Symptoms in women

Due to the peculiarities of the reproductive system and anatomical and physiological nuances, the symptoms of colon cancer in women may differ.

Due to a different innervation, pain can spread not only at the site of the focus, but also in the lower abdomen, inguinal zones.

In case of violations menstrual cycle, not associated with hormonal disruptions or pregnancy, in some women, menstruation becomes profuse, resembling uterine bleeding.

The main signs in women:

An increase in the size of the abdomen as during pregnancy.
Soreness and hardening of the inguinal lymph nodes.
Hormonal failures, endocrinopathy.
Sudden mood swings, brittle nails, strong fallout hair.

Cancer of the hepatic flexure of the colon

Occurs relatively infrequently, localized in the upper right half of the abdomen. The tumor progresses moderately, the liver is often involved in the process, as it borders on the department.

What are the symptoms of cancer:

Pain of diffuse dull nature.

It spreads in the right hypochondrium, in the umbilical region on the right. It can give to the navel, epigastrium, back, lower back.

Jaundice.

Early development of icterus of the sclera, skin, visible mucous membranes. Jaundice is not eliminated by drugs.

The presence of hemorrhages on the skin of the extremities.
Obstructive intestinal obstruction. The patient is unable to empty the bowels.
The presence of ascites, edematous syndrome.
At grade 4, an expansion of the veins is formed on the skin of the abdominal wall.
AT extreme cases a coma, hepatic encephalopathy is formed.

Pathology is treated in a combined way: a combination operational methods and chemotherapy. The prognosis for cancer of the hepatic flexure depends on the stage. At 1-2 degrees, it is treated well, not for a long time.

Survival after surgery is 80-90%. At 3-4 degrees, the prognosis is doubtful, more in an unfavorable direction.

Cancer of the splenic flexure of the colon

The percentage of its prevalence is not high. It rarely appears as an independent focus, it is a metastatic lesion from other parts of the intestine, while the spleen is involved in the process.

Symptoms:

Dull pain in the left hypochondrium, to the left of the umbilicus. Irradiation to the left shoulder blade, collarbone, epigastric region
Severe nausea, frequent vomiting.
Nose, gum bleeding.
The appearance of multiple bruises on the skin of the body.
Frequent diarrhea.
Intestinal obstruction may be associated.
Lemon jaundice.

Treatment requires special attention, as a delicate organ is involved - the spleen. At the first stage, courses of chemotherapy drugs are prescribed, followed by operational access, the entire area with the affected lymph nodes is removed.

The prognosis for cancer of the splenic flexure of the colon is uncertain. If there is no germination in the spleen, then the survival rate is high, in other cases - big risk lethal outcome.

Symptoms of cancer of the ascending colon

For cancer of this department of the organ, the entire general symptoms. Highlight individual points:

The pain of a aching character is distributed throughout the right half of the abdomen, from the very bottom to chest. It intensifies a couple of hours after eating, when the intestinal loops are stretched.
Intestinal obstruction appears early. Such patients with acute attack are admitted to the hospital in an emergency.
Loss of appetite, sudden weight loss.
Prolonged constipation.
Weakness, dizziness, nausea.

Prognosis of Survival in Ascending Colon Cancer

The prognosis for this form is related to the degree. The early stages are actively amenable to chemotherapy. Then the affected area is removed by performing an anastomosis. The survival rate is high, over five years 70%, 3-5 years - 90%.

In the later stages, due to metastatic spread and complications, treatment is complicated. Five-year survival is up to 40%, 3-year - up to 50%. This is why early diagnosis is so important.

Symptoms and prognosis in transverse colon cancer

Pathology is common among all oncological lesions of the intestine. It has symptoms characteristic of the entire colon.

Pain in the injured area. Patients note soreness of a dull or acute nature from above the navel, it increases a couple of hours after eating.
Asthenovegetative manifestations.
Alternating constipation and diarrhea.
Vomiting of food eaten the day before.
Nausea.
Formation of difficulty in the passage of the food bolus through the intestines.
Heartburn.
Persistent fever.

The prognosis for the disease is associated with early diagnosis. The earlier the disease is detected, the greater the chance of a favorable outcome. With complete resection of the transverse section, the survival rate is 75%.

If there are metastases, then the percentage drops to 50. At grade 4, the outcome is not favorable. Doctors give a life span of 3-5 years, subject to all recommendations.

Symptoms of cancer of the descending colon

The disease is characterized by:

Heaviness in the left abdomen and lower back.
Intestinal obstruction. Profuse diarrhea.
An admixture of mucus, pus, blood in the feces.
Weight loss of a person for a month by 10-15 kg.
Dryness and pallor of the skin.
Absence of vomiting.
Rapid progression of the disease.

Surgical treatment of cancer

For the treatment of colon cancer, a combination of methods is used: chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery. Operational tactics play a leading role.

What do they do with online access. It all depends on the prevalence of localization, the volume of the lesion. If the focus is located in the right sections, then they resort to a hemicolonectomy operation, remove the entire cecum, the ascending colon, and a section of the transverse colon.

The lymphatic regional apparatus is completely excised. The remaining sections of the intestine are connected by making an anastomosis between the loops. If necessary, a stoma is applied - the loop section is brought out onto the abdominal wall.

If the left sections are affected, a left-sided ectomy is performed. The left sections of the intestine are excised with the imposition of anastomoses and stoma, if necessary.

If the tumor is small at an early stage, the intestine is not completely removed. Produce its resection - excision of a site or several loops. Be sure to remove the mesenteric lymph nodes.

In the later stages, palliative operations are performed aimed at preserving and prolonging the life of the patient, alleviating his suffering and providing comfort.

Cancer Survival

It depends directly on the duration of the course, the volume of the lesion, the stage of the pathology. If the tumor is small, without metastases and complications, then the prognosis is favorable. People are cured completely without relapses, the survival rate is close to 90%.

If there are metastases, then the percentage is significantly reduced, they look at the shape and volume of the operation.

Survival rates range from 50 to 70%. In the later stages, survival is low. With palliative tactics, people live 5 or more years - 15%, 2-3 years up to 30%.

Differential Diagnosis

Colon cancer should be distinguished from other pathologies with similar symptoms.

inflammatory processes.

They are characterized by an acute course, the pain is more pronounced. Feature - liquid stools and profuse vomiting. High fever, pronounced intoxication syndrome. Amenable to antibacterial and anti-inflammatory treatment, does not have a long-term character.

Acute appendicitis.

Severe pain in right iliac region, high fever. At the same time, appendicular symptoms are positive. On palpation of the area, the pain increases.

AT general analysis blood are noted inflammatory changes, no intestinal obstruction, jaundice. An inflamed appendicular process is determined by ultrasound.

Nonspecific ulcerative colitis.

Pain is localized in lower sections abdomen without obstruction. Mucus impurities in the feces, diarrheal syndrome is characteristic, confirmed endoscopically. Actively treated with antibiotic therapy.

Worm infestations.

They proceed without intoxication and temperature, without pain. Often there is itching in the anal region. In the general analysis of blood, eosinophilia is detected. Amenable to therapy with antihelminthic drugs.

Intestinal cancer refers to oncological diseases that form in the colon and small intestine. It occurs in both men and women. Signs of bowel cancer are quite minor at the initial stage.

A malignant tumor is formed on the mucous surfaces of the intestine, and more often the neoplasm appears in the large intestine, there are times when it is found in the sigmoid, rectum, colon or caecum. The survival prognosis of patients with any cancer depends on the stage at which it was detected. The sooner a tumor can be detected, the more chances the patient has for complete healing.

Why bowel cancer develops, what are the first signs of the disease and what methods of prevention exist - we will consider further in the article.

About bowel cancer

Colon cancer is a malignant transformation of the epithelium that can affect any segment of the intestine.

The most susceptible to this disease are people in age group after 45 years, men and women equally, every 10 years, the incidence rate increases by 10%. Intestinal cancer differs in its histological structure, in 96% of cases it develops from the glandular cells of the mucous membrane (adenocarcinoma).

Depending on the location of the tumor, there are:

Crayfish small intestine. It occurs quite rarely, in about 1-1.5% of cases of all oncological diseases. digestive tract. The disease is predominantly in the elderly and old age The disease affects men more often than women. Of all parts of the small intestine, tumors prefer to be localized in duodenum, less often in the lean and iliac.
Colon cancer. The predominant number of tumors in this area is located in the sigmoid and rectum. Among people who prefer meat, pathology is observed more often than among vegetarians.

It takes about 5-10 years for bowel cancer to develop from a polyp, for example in the colon. An intestinal tumor grows from a small polyp, the symptoms of which in the first stages are characterized by sluggish symptoms.

It can manifest itself, for example, as an upset gastrointestinal tract, which distracts from the primary cancer, since many do not pay attention to the discomfort in the intestines with the disorder, not knowing what pain can occur with bowel cancer, and therefore they treat diarrhea.

Causes

Causes of bowel cancer:

Elderly age. Here important role plays how old the person is. According to statistics, intestinal diseases affect people aged 50 years and older.
Intestinal diseases. People suffering from inflammatory bowel pathologies are most affected by this disease.
Wrong way of life. If you visit a medical forum, then these factors include malnutrition, including a large percentage of the use of fats and animal products, smoking, drinking strong drinks.
hereditary factor. A person is at increased risk when their relatives have had different forms intestinal diseases.

In men, according to statistics, this is the second oncological disease in terms of prevalence after lung cancer, and in women the third. The risk of getting cancer increases with age. In medicine, there is such a definition of bowel cancer - colorectal cancer.

First signs

With this 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.

In order not to miss the onset of the disease, you should take a closer look at the following signs:

a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen, not associated with eating;
poor appetite, sudden loss weight;
aversion to fried fatty foods;
signs of dyspepsia;
diarrhea, followed by prolonged constipation;
signs;
blood in stool and stool.

Main problem cancerous tumors is absence specific symptoms on the early stages, so patients go to the doctor at stages 3-4, when treatment options are already limited.

Stages of development

There are five distinct stages in the development of bowel cancer. Complete absence or weak manifestations are observed up to the second (in rare cases, even to the third) stage. In the third and fourth stages, the patient develops severe pain, forcing him to seek medical help.

Stages of development of bowel cancer:

Stage 0 is characterized by the presence of a small accumulation of atypical cells, which are characterized by the ability to rapidly divide and can degenerate into cancerous ones. Pathological process limited to the mucous membranes.
Stage 1 - a fairly rapid growth of a cancerous tumor begins, it does not go beyond the walls of the intestine until metastases can form. Of the symptoms, there may be disorders of the digestive tract, which the patient does not pay due attention to. At this stage, when examining a patient with a colonoscopy, it is already possible to detect the appearance of neoplasia.
At stage 2, the tumor grows up to 2-5 cm and begins to penetrate the intestinal wall.
Stage 3 is characterized by an increase in the activity of cancer cells. The tumor rapidly increases in size, penetrates through the walls of the intestine. Cancer cells invade The lymph nodes. Neighboring organs and tissues are also affected: regional lesions appear in them.
At stage 4, the tumor reaches its maximum size. gives metastases to distant organs. going on toxic injury body by the waste products of a malignant neoplasm. As a result, the operation of all systems is disrupted.

Life expectancy is determined by the size of the neoplasm and its ability to localize. Tumor cells that have spread in the surface layer of the epithelium allow 85% of patients to survive. With the affected muscle layer, the situation is aggravated - the survival rate does not exceed 67%.

In accordance with the International classification, there are:

adenocarcinoma;
Colloidal cancer;
cricoid-cell;
Squamous;
Undifferentiated and unclassified forms.

Most often (about 80% of cases), adenocarcinoma is diagnosed - glandular cancer originating from the epithelium of the intestinal mucosa. Such tumors are highly-moderately and poorly differentiated, which determines the prognosis. Signet-shaped cell carcinoma often affects young people, and squamous cell carcinoma is more often localized in the rectum.

Colon Cancer Symptoms: Manifestation in Adults

Symptoms of bowel cancer appear on later dates illness. Symptoms of oncology of the intestine in the early stages are sluggish, almost not noticeable. But they should also be taken into account in order to avoid irreversible consequences.

Bowel cancer symptoms depending on the type:

With stenotic oncology, constipation and colic appear due to the narrowed lumen. At the same time, in the first stage of cancer, a person suffers from flatulence with relief after defecation.
Signs of enterocolitis-type bowel cancer are constantly changing stools from diarrhea to constipation and vice versa.
Dyspeptic appearance is different constant belching with heartburn and bitterness in the mouth.
Pseudo-inflammatory oncology brings with it nausea with vomiting, chills, fever and unbearable pain.
Symptoms of cystic bowel cancer are the appearance of blood during urination with pain.

Other symptoms:

quite often, with the development of a malignant tumor in the intestines, patients experience fullness, even after a successful trip to the toilet;
some have a sharp inexplicable weight loss, despite the fact that the usual regimen and diet are observed;
the presence of blood impurities in the feces may also indicate the development oncological process in the intestines;
the first signs of intestinal oncology are usually mild, so they can be mistaken for general malaise (drowsiness, general weakness, fast fatiguability) or indigestion. However, with the aggravation of the process, they become more pronounced and supplemented.

Signs of bowel cancer are determined by the concentration of the tumor and the stage of its development. If the tumor has affected the right part of the organ, then the following symptoms occur:

diarrhea;
the presence of blood in the stool;
pain in the abdomen;
anemia.

Development of a tumor in the left side of the intestine:

The patient complains about persistent constipation, difficulties during the removal of feces, bloating.
There is frequent alternation liquid stool with constipation, through the narrowing and relaxation of the lumen of the colon.
Excretion of feces occurs with great difficulty, often with blood and mucus, accompanied by painful sensations.

Symptoms and manifestation
thick	Signs of colon cancer: Constipation, diarrhea; Digestive problems - bloating, rumbling; The presence of blood in the stool; Pain in the abdomen; weight loss; False urges or tenesmus; For complications such as: fistula, inflammation, abscesses adds a number of other symptoms.
thin	Specific symptoms of small intestine cancer: recurrent abdominal pain accompanied by a "taste of copper"; vomiting and nausea; weight loss; anemia; violations of the liver.
sigmoid colon	Dominant characteristic symptoms may be as follows: the appearance in the feces of impurities of blood, pus, mucus; false urge to empty; intoxication of the body; flatulence; sharp pain during bowel movements.

Bowel cancer symptoms in women and men

Signs of bowel cancer in men and women with this course are practically the same. Later, if the tumor progresses and spreads to neighboring organs, then in men the prostate is affected first, and in women the vagina, the rectal space and anal canal are also affected.

At the same time, the patient begins to worry severe pain in the anus, coccyx, sacrum, lumbar region, men feel difficulty during urination.

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

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

Late stages of bowel cancer are characterized by the addition of general symptoms to local ones. Symptoms of bowel cancer:

The skin becomes dry and pale.
Frequent dizziness and headaches.
Weakness and fatigue of the patient.
Unreasonable weight loss and emaciation.
Damage to other systems and organs of the body.
Small amount of blood in the body low level protein in it.

The appearance of metastases

Intestinal cancer most often metastasizes to the liver, there are frequent cases of damage to the lymph nodes of the retroperitoneal space, the peritoneum itself, abdominal organs, ovaries, lungs, adrenal glands, pancreas, pelvic organs and bladder.

The following circumstances become unfavorable factors for the forecast:

a tumor that grows into fatty tissue;
cancer cells with a low degree of differentiation;
colon with perforation;
the transition of primary cancer to the organs and tissues "in the neighborhood" and to large veins, closing their lumen;
cancer embryonic antigen high concentration in plasma prior to surgery. He is associated with increased risk recurrence regardless of the stage of the cancer.

Patients with metastases are divided into two groups:

patients with single metastases;
patients with multiple metastases (more than 3).

Diagnostics

Diagnostic search begins with a detailed clarification of the nature of complaints, clarifying the presence of patients with colonorectal cancer among close relatives. Particular attention is paid to patients with previous inflammatory bowel disease, polyps.

At the first stages, even a mild feeling of discomfort in the abdomen, which is complemented by changes in the blood test and the patient's age over 50 years, can indicate the presence of bowel cancer.

Features of the blood test:

decrease in hemoglobin and red blood cell count;
level up ;
high ESR;
the presence of blood impurities (hidden blood) in the feces;
increased blood clotting;
tumor markers.

The diagnosis is made after the following studies:

X-ray diagnostics of the intestine (irrigoscopy). It is an x-ray examination of the intestinal walls after the introduction by means of an enema x-ray contrast medium for which barium suspension is used.
Retromanoscopy. The study of the intestinal area from the anus to a depth of 30 cm is carried out with a special device that allows the doctor to see the intestinal wall.
Colonoscopy. Examination of the intestine from the anus to a depth of 100 cm.
Laboratory examination of feces for occult blood.
CT, MRI can determine the location of the tumor, as well as the presence or absence of metastases.

How are people with bowel cancer treated?

Used to get rid of cancer different methods: surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Treatment of rectal cancer, like any other malignant tumor, is a very difficult and lengthy process. top scores gives a surgical operation, during which the tumor and surrounding tissues are removed.

With the timely diagnosis of the disease, surgical intervention is performed with a retromanoscope, the introduction of which is carried out into the rectum through anus. On the last stage The course of the disease uses extensive surgical entry. Sometimes with oncology of the intestine, patients partially cut off this organ.

After surgery, the two parts of the intestine are sewn together. If it is impossible to connect them, one of the parts of the intestine is brought to the peritoneum.

Treatment also includes:

Radiation therapy, when X-rays are used to prevent tumor growth and cause cancer cells to die.
Radiotherapy as a preparatory stage for surgical treatment. It is also shown in the postoperative period.
Chemotherapy - involves the introduction of cytotoxic drugs that have a detrimental effect on tumors. Unfortunately, these drugs have a negative effect on healthy cells body, so chemotherapy has a lot of unpleasant side effects: hair loss, uncontrollable nausea and vomiting.

Chemotherapy is used systemically, before or after surgery. In some cases, local administration into the blood vessels that feed 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).

Forecast

The prognosis for bowel cancer depends on the stage at which the disease was discovered. So, with the initial forms of the tumor, patients live a long time, and the indicator five-year survival reaches 90%, while in the presence of metastases it leaves no more than 50%. The most unfavorable prognosis is in advanced cases, as well as with significant damage to the rectum, especially in the distal section.

How many people live at different stages of bowel cancer?

The initial stage (difficult to diagnose) is a guarantee that positive result will reach 90-95% survival, if, of course, the surgical intervention was successful.
At the second stage the progression of the neoplasm and its spread to neighboring organs leaves a chance of survival for 75% of patients. That is, those patients who have successfully undergone surgery and radiation therapy.
At the third stage, the size of the tumor is critical, in addition, it grows into regional lymph nodes. In this case, 50% of patients manage to survive.
The fourth stage practically does not guarantee a successful outcome. Only 5% manage to survive under malignant neoplasm sprouted into separate organs and bone tissue that formed extensive metastases.

Prevention

Oncological diseases are cunning and unpredictable. It is worth thinking about prevention for people who have a hereditary predisposition to cancer, or have diseases that can transform into cancer, as well as all people over the age of 40.

Increased motor activity;
Enrichment of the diet with foods containing fiber;
Rejection bad habits(smoking, drinking).

Colon cancer is dangerous disease, which can be prevented by observing preventive measures and carry out a complete diagnosis of the body 1-2 times a year. If you or your loved ones have the symptoms described in this article, be sure to make an appointment with a gastroenterologist and get diagnosed.

Among all cancer, this type of tumor occurs in one in five out of a hundred cases of cancer, and if we consider tumors that affect gastrointestinal system then - here, colon cancer confidently holds the second place. The symptoms of this disease are mainly inherent in the elderly, regardless of gender.

What causes this disease?

The causes of malignant neoplasms have not yet been unequivocally determined, however, there are a number of factors that significantly increase the risk of the disease:

genetic predisposition. This factor is relevant for people whose close relatives had this disease before the age of 50;
Unhealthy diet with a predominance of proteins, animal origin, especially fatty ones;
Lack of sufficient physical activity- sedentary lifestyle;
Violation in the digestive system, namely chronic constipation. In this state of affairs, solid fecal masses, passing the corners of the bowels, constantly injure him;
Work related to hazardous production;
Old age - above 50 years.

In addition, colon cancer can be the result of chronic pathological processes:

Gardner's syndrome;
adenomatous polyposis;
Ulcerative nonspecific colitis;
diverticulosis;
Crohn's and Turk's diseases;
Amoebiasis;
Polyps.

This is just a small list of factors that can cause colon cancer.

Stages of the course of the disease

Today, eight stages of the development of the disease are distinguished with the corresponding symptoms:

Stage - 0 "TIS— N0 M0. At this stage, the tumor does not grow into the lymph nodes of a nearby location and distant metastases are not detected. The focus of the disease is preinvasive carcinoma of the epithelium or intestines, more precisely, its mucosa;
Stage - 1 "T1-2 N0 M0". Metastases, both regional and remote, are not detected. At this stage, the neoplasm affects the submucosal tissues, and sometimes grows into muscle tissues;
Stage - 2A "T3 N0 M0». There are still no metastases, and the tumor penetrates into neighboring tissues or their base;
Stage 2B "T4 N0 M0». At this stage, the tumor grows on the cells of the visceral pleura, neighboring structures, and organs. Noticeable metastases are not yet detected;
Stage 3A "T1-2 N1 M0». There are lymph nodes affected by metastases adjacent to the focus of the tumor, there are no distant metastases, and the cancerous tumor affects the tissues of the muscular membrane;
Stage 3B "T3-4 N1 M0». The tumor actively infiltrates into the tissues surrounding the intestine and the subserous base, often affects neighboring organs, and sometimes even grows into visceral pleura. Up to three metastases appear in nearby lymph nodes in the absence of remote ones;
Stage 3C "T1-4 N2 M0». At this stage, a clear growth of the tumor is observed in all structures of the intestine and partial lesion tissues of neighboring organs, and the number of regional metastases increases to four. Distant metastases are not observed;
Stage 4 "T1-4 N-3 M0-1». At this stage, the tumor damage to the tissues of the intestine and third-party organs is as large as possible. Metastases are found, both regional and distant. Forecasts in this case are disappointing.

Types of colon tumors

Most often, this type of cancer begins with the defeat of epithelial cells by carcinoma. This state of affairs is due to the fact that the main part of the cells of the mucous membrane of the colon consists of epithelium, therefore, cancer of the colon and rectum is almost always represented by epithelial carcinoma of the ascending and descending section. The probability of such a course of events is approximately 95%.

Sometimes there are tumors of other types:

Squamous. With this type of tumor, squamous epithelial cells are reborn;
Glandular-squamous. In this case, there is a degeneration of cells of both flat and glandular epithelium;
Ring cell carcinoma;
Mucosal adenocarcinoma.

In addition to these (main) types of tumors, sometimes (rather rarely) carcinomas of unclassified symptoms occur.

Symptoms of the disease

Colon cancer does not always present in the same way. Its symptoms may be different, depending on the location of the lesion and the form of macroscopic tumor growth. The left and right sides of the colon differ in their physiological functions, and therefore react to the tumor in different ways.

Right-sided lesion of the intestine violates the physiology of absorption of nutrients, which is accompanied by a deterioration in digestion, and a tumor localized on the left side leads to a significant decrease in patency, which is expressed by more frequent constipation, turning into chronic.

The most typical symptoms of tumor growth in the colon, noticeable without medical examination:

Violation of the normal process of digestion. The symptoms are as follows - loss of habitual appetite, pulling sensations inside the abdomen, belching, nausea and vomiting, rumbling sounds, diarrhea, constipation, and in severe cases, obstruction;
The occurrence of discomfort in the lower abdomen, pain;
Changes in the composition of feces - they are excreted with an admixture of mucus and bloody clots.

For right-sided localization of a tumor of the colon, the following symptoms are characteristic:

A sharp decrease in overall tone;
Chronic fatigue;
Malaise;
Frequent feverish conditions;
development of anemia.

This behavior of the body is a consequence of hepatic poisoning with waste products or decay (in the later stages) of tumor cells.

The procedure for diagnosing a disease

At the forefront of diagnosing cancerous tumors, modern medicine puts 4 main types of research. Let's describe them in order.

Physical examination

At this stage, a visual assessment of the condition of the skin, the degree of bloating is carried out and palpation is performed. The latter allows a preliminary assessment of the presence of a tumor, its size, density and mobility, as well as the degree of pain experienced by the patient during the examination. Next, the problem area is tapped in order to identify fluid in the peritoneum.

Radiography

Radiography is carried out with the use of a contrast agent - the method of irigoscopy. This method allows you to identify such defects of the intestine as its expansion around the tumor, narrowing, shortening and the degree of excretion of the contrast agent.

Colonoscopy (endoscopic examination)

The essence of the study lies in cutting off a thin layer of tumor tissue for visual examination at the angle of view of a microscope in order to determine the type. The procedure is performed surgically under general or local anesthesia.

Ultrasound and CTM

Examination using ultrasound and tomography allows, with a high degree of accuracy, to determine the size of the tumor, its affected area and to identify metastases, even remote from the location of the main focus, for example, in the liver.

Methods of treatment of colon cancer

Comprehensive treatment consists of three types of therapy.

Surgery

The essence of the method is to remove the tumor surgically. At the same time, it is extremely important to carry out the procedure so that the edges of the cut-off tumor do not contain altered (tumor) cells. During surgical intervention, along with the main tumor, lymph nodes located near the focus, in the hepatic region, and all other identified metastases are also removed at the same time.

The degree of such interference can be local or volumetric:

Right-sided location of the tumor. This arrangement suggests hemicolonectomy of the affected organ. Also, 10 cm of the terminal section of the ileum and the third part of the transverse colon, together with a segment adjacent to the greater omentum, is subject to removal. In addition, cut off the blind and ascending colon. Removal of lymph nodes of a regional location is mandatory. At the end of the removal procedure, to form a small-colonic anastomosis, the small and large intestines are stitched together.
Left-sided location of the tumor. Removal in progress distal transverse colon- its third of the descending section, the sigmoid is partially removed, and the descending is completely. The splenic flexure, mesentery and regional lymphs are completely removed, and at the end, the large intestine is fused with the small intestine. With extensive lesions of the spleen, it is removed completely.
The tumor is small. If it is located in the middle of the affected intestine or the ascending section, they resort to its removal, simultaneously with the removal greater omentum and nearby lymph nodes.
The tumor is inferior and in the sigmoid colon. This arrangement allows for bowel resection. Part of the sigmoid colon, adjacent lymph nodes and the mesentery are removed. In patients with intestinal obstruction, an obstructive resection of the colon is performed, after which, its continuity is restored. When a tumor affects large areas of tissue and even individual bodies, resort to operations of a combined type. Most often, the formation of liver metastasis is observed, and in women, metastases affect the ovaries. Such metastases are removed.

If the process of tumor development has gone far and the metastasis lesion is voluminous, a palliative method is used - the anastomosis is formed by the method of applying a colostomy.

The method of radiation (radiation) therapy

This method is used both before and after the operation. Preoperative radiation therapy is designed to weaken cancer cells and facilitate surgery, while postoperative adjuvant therapy serves to consolidate the results. surgical intervention and reduce the risk of relapse.

Adjuvant therapy consists in targeted irradiation of the affected tissue to inhibit cancer cells.

This treatment has a number of side effects with symptoms such as nausea and vomiting with loss of appetite, diarrhea and blood in the stool.

Chemotherapy

Its essence is the use of inhibitory cancer cells chemicals. On the this moment, there are quite a lot of drugs of this kind, however, the most in demand are irinotecan, capecitabine and oxyplatin.

Like radiation, chemotherapy side effects. Most often, nausea and vomiting, leukopenia are observed varying degrees(decrease in the level of leukocytes in the blood) and allergic reactions, mainly skin rashes, redness and itching.

Forecasts

Forecasts of survival in colon cancer can only be made after a clear definition of the type of tumor and the stage of its development, and only after the therapy, based on its results.

The initial stages give an almost 100% chance that after the treatment the patient will live for at least 5 years. At the second stage and at the beginning of the third, this percentage is reduced to 60 - 70%, and the third stage leaves a chance for no more than half of the patients. With regards to the last, fourth stage, treatment is not always offered with it, since even with all measures taken, the prognosis is extremely negative - such a patient lives on average from six months to a year.

Prevention of colon cancer

It is impossible to independently determine the disease in the early stages, since the symptoms accompanying it are not quite obvious, and therefore the following is recommended for the risk group:

Annual examination of feces for occult blood;
Once every 5 years, conduct a sigmoidoscopy;
Do a colonoscopy at least once every 10 years.

In addition, it should be understood that the best treatment- this is prevention, so be sure to balance the diet in the direction of reducing the consumption of animal fats, proteins and compensating for them herbal products. In addition, one should respond in time to inflammatory processes in the large intestine - treat them in a timely manner, and if polyps are detected, they must be removed.

Causes of Colon Cancer

According to experts, malignant neoplasms in this area should be considered a polyetiological disease. An important factor that affects the development of cancer is an unbalanced diet, in which animal fats predominate, and vitamins and coarse fiber are in short supply.

because of a large number consumed animal fat stimulates liver production. As a result, the microflora in the large intestine changes. The breakdown of animal fats produces carcinogens that can cause colon cancer. Animal fat directly affects the formation of peroxidases, which negatively affect the intestinal mucosa. With a deficiency of coarse fiber in the diet, intestinal motility becomes lethargic.

As a result, carcinogens stay in the intestine for a long time, affect the mucous membrane in an unfavorable way, causing malignant degeneration of cells. The situation can be aggravated by vitamin deficiency, stagnation of feces in the intestines, permanent damage to the mucosa by fecal masses in the areas of natural bowel bends.

Studies have shown that another factor cancer causing colon, is an excess of sex hormones, in particular progesterone. It reduces selection bile acids in the intestinal lumen.

Another reason that increases the risk of malignant neoplasms in the colon is the presence of diseases: Crohn's disease, polyposis of various origins, ulcerative colitis, diverticulosis, adenomatous polyps. These diseases are not equally likely to cause cancer.

If familial hereditary polyposis is diagnosed, the probability of oncology is high in all patients, with adenomatous polyps - in half of the patients. For intestinal diverticula malignant tumors rarely occur.

Types of colon cancer

There are three forms of cancer based on the type of tumor growth. It:

exophytic colon cancer (nodular, polypoid, villous-papillary) is more often isolated in the right intestine;
endophytic (infiltrating, circularly stricturing, ulcerative infiltrative) cancer is more often isolated in the left intestine;
mixed.

If we take into account histological structure cancerous growth, isolated adenocarcinoma, solid, cricoid-cell, scirrhous cancer. According to the level of differentiation, a neoplasm can be highly differentiated, medium-differentiated, or low-differentiated. Colon cancer progresses through 4 stages:

1A - characterized by a node with a diameter of up to 1.5 cm, not extending beyond the mucous layer. There are no secondary foci;
2A - a tumor with a diameter of more than 1.5 cm, not extending beyond the boundaries of the outer wall of the intestine. There are no secondary foci;
2B - a tumor of the diameter indicated above, single lymphogenous metastases;
3A - neoplasia occupies more than half of the organ, protrudes beyond the boundaries of the outer wall of the intestine. There are no secondary foci;
3B - the tumor can have any diameter, there are many lymphogenous metastases;
4 - the neoplasm spreads to nearby tissues, there is big number lymphogenous metastases.

Symptoms of Colon Cancer

At the beginning of its development, colon cancer does not show symptoms. In the future, patients begin to feel pain and discomfort in the intestines, irregular stools, note the presence of mucus and blood in the feces. Pain usually manifests itself when the right sections in the intestine are affected. At first, the pains are aching in nature, as the disease progresses, the pain attack becomes cramping, sharp. This speaks of intestinal obstruction. This complication often occurs when the tumor affects the left intestine. This interferes with the circulation of intestinal contents.

Other signs of colon cancer are belching, abdominal discomfort, and loss of appetite. Such symptoms are characteristic of cancer that has affected the descending and sigmoid colon. With a left-sided malignant neoplasm in the colon, patients complain of diarrhea and constipation, flatulence.

With neoplasia in the sigmoid colon, mucus and blood are found in the feces. In the case of a different localization of cancer, such symptoms are observed less frequently, since the discharge has time to be processed and mixed with feces during movement through the intestines. If the tumor is localized in the right parts of the intestine, the doctor can detect it by palpation.

In addition to intestinal obstruction, cancer may be accompanied by perforation of the intestine due to the germination of the machine tools of the colon, neoplasia necrosis. Foci of decay increase the risk of infection, development purulent inflammation, sepsis. In case of germination, purulent fusion of the intestinal wall, bleeding may begin. Distant metastases cause malfunction of other organs.

Diagnosis of colon cancer

A complex of laboratory, endoscopic, clinical, radiological data is used to diagnose the disease. First, the doctor listens to complaints, examines the patient. To clarify the anamnesis, palpation, percussion of the abdomen and rectal examination are performed.

If oncology is suspected, irrigoscopy is prescribed. This will reveal filling defects. If the doctor has a suspicion of perforation of the large intestine or obstruction, he refers the patient to an x-ray of the abdominal organs.

One of the diagnostic methods is colonoscopy - a relatively new procedure that allows you to determine the localization of the tumor, the stage, type and growth rate of the neoplasm. During the procedure, an endoscopic biopsy is indicated, then the material taken is sent to morphological study. The fecal analysis is evaluated for the presence of occult blood.

In a blood test important indicator there will be a hemoglobin level (anemia occurs with oncology), the patient is also being tested for a cancer-embryonic antigen. To establish whether there are metastases in the lymph nodes and distant organs, ultrasound of the abdominal organs and computed tomography are performed.

Colon cancer treatment

The method of treatment is selected comprehensively, individually for each patient. The main method of treatment is the surgical method. The volume of surgical intervention is determined by the site of the lesion, the stage of development of the disease, the presence of complications and metastases, and the general state of health of the patient.

If there are no complications, and at the moment the disease has not metastasized, then a radical operation is prescribed - the part of the intestine affected by the tumor is removed. Regional lymph nodes are also subject to removal.

As the operation proceeds, the surgeon will have to decide what to do next - remove the colostomy or choose a one-stage restoration of the passage through the intestines. Removal of a colostomy is more often chosen for intestinal obstruction, perforation of the tumor, bleeding. If the tumor is found to be inoperable, distant metastases are found in different bodies, then palliative surgery is performed to prevent intestinal obstruction.

Radiation therapy is used by doctors as an adjuvant therapy. It may be appointed prior to surgical operation to reduce activity malignant cells, to reduce their metastatic capacity, and with it to minimize the risk of recurrence. When the doctor has doubts about the effectiveness of the surgical intervention, he prescribes a course of postoperative radiotherapy of a local nature.

Chemotherapy for colon cancer is rarely prescribed as an independent treatment method. As a rule, medication is prescribed after surgery. For the purpose of prevention, chemotherapy is prescribed for the treatment of poorly differentiated neoplasms. Cytostatics in the correct ratio (levamisole, fluorouracil, leucovorin) are taken for about a year.

What to do before and after the operation?

Before surgery, the patient is explained all the stages of treatment, preparation measures and postoperative procedures. Psychological attitude plays an important role in the treatment of any cancer. The patient must understand what is required of him, strictly follow the recommended procedures and believe in the best.

Before surgery, the patient's intestines must be cleaned. To do this, the doctor prescribes a laxative or cleansing (the orderlies wash the intestines with a solution that enters through a special probe). An enema is given immediately before the operation.

A prerequisite is the observance of the diet - vegetables and bread must be excluded from the diet before the operation. Two days before the appointed time must be taken Castor oil. A few days before the scheduled operation, the doctor prescribes sulfa drugs and antibiotics to the patient.

When the operation is over, it is necessary to provide the patient complete care, rehabilitation, aimed at a speedy recovery. The main tasks are: to prevent intoxication, dehydration and shock state of the patient's body. On the first day after the operation, it is forbidden to eat any food. On the second day, you can drink water, gradually try soft food with a semi-liquid consistency. Over time, the doctor will allow you to include broth, pureed cereals, scrambled eggs, compote and vegetable puree, tea and juice in the menu.

To avoid constipation, which is very undesirable after intestinal surgery, the patient is given twice a day Vaseline oil. laxative effect oil prevents the accumulation of feces, the development of constipation. Due to this, exposure to postoperative sutures can be avoided.

Diet for bowel cancer

It is important to adjust the patient's diet in such a way as to prevent the growth of the tumor, to alleviate the symptoms. Doctors recommend eating 6 small meals a day. The diet should include:

various cereals;
fat free dairy products(yogurt, curdled milk, kefir, fermented baked milk);
fresh and cooked fruits, vegetables, berries;
dishes from poultry, fish, meat, mashed (you need to cook for a couple);
jelly, puree and juice from vegetables, fruits.

It is necessary to exclude from the patient's diet all foods that contribute to excessive gas formation. These are bran and legumes, cabbage, raw beam and garlic, mushrooms and rough meat, freshly baked and whole wheat bread, nuts and tomatoes, citrus fruits and soda.

Prognosis for a tumor of the colon

If you consult a doctor in time and catch the disease at its very beginning, the prognosis will be favorable. More precisely, patients with a tumor detected at stage 1 can live for about 5 more years after treatment.

The survival rate is 90-100%. If a we are talking about the treatment of stage 2 cancer, after treatment for 5 years, about 70% of patients will live. With stage 3 cancer with metastases to the lymph nodes, 30% of patients have a chance to live 5 years after treatment.

Cancer can and should be treated, regardless of the prognosis, medicine does not stand still, and in a year a new medicine may well be invented that can save 100% of patients. This is a reason to believe and take care of your health.

If colon cancer is not treated, the following complications are possible:

Intestinal obstruction occurs due to an overgrown tumor that has blocked the intestinal lumen. Approximately 15% of patients experience such a complication, but more often it is found with a tumor in the left half of the colon (in the descending section);
inflammatory-purulent process occurs in about 10% of cases. More often purulent infiltrate, phlegmon and abscesses appear in cancer of the ascending colon;
perforation of the intestinal wall is diagnosed in 2% of patients. Such a rare complication, however, is the most dangerous - it ends in death. Intestinal rupture is the result of ulceration and subsequent disintegration of tumor tissues, after which the contents of the intestine enter into abdominal cavity causing peritonitis. When the contents of the intestine enter the tissues located behind the intestine, a phlegmon or abscess of the retroperitoneal space is formed;
tumor growth in hollow organs leads to the formation of fistulas (enterovaginal and gastrointestinal).

How to avoid bowel cancer?

To prevent the occurrence of oncological diseases of any localization, you need to take a responsible approach to your health. Patients who fall into the risk group should be observed by a doctor so as not to miss the early symptoms of the disease. Precancerous conditions need to be diagnosed and treated in time.

Nutrition should be adjusted in such a way as to reduce the amount of fatty foods and carbohydrates in the diet, increase foods high in fiber. It is important to avoid obesity, fight constipation. active image life is a good friend of health.

Bad habits must be thrown categorically, without regret. It is important to assess the factors that provoke oncological diseases try to eliminate them from your life. This will minimize the risk of any disease, not only oncological, since the canons healthy lifestyle of life are equally effective for all ailments.