It is a disease developed through the mucosa of the colon, which contains a polyp that evolves from different causes and becomes a malignant tumor. Malignant cells are normally located in the large intestine. This cancer is one of the most common level worldwide also for being one of the easiest to diagnose. If detected quickly, it can have a high cure rate. Both the colon and the rectum store feces before being expelled to the outside through the anus, by accumulating these waste substances, colon cancer can be caused. It can grow in three possible ways, which are:
Local growth: the tumor deeply invades all layers of the digestive tract, growing the mucosa and causing the malignant tumor to expand and touch the muscle layers.
Lymphatic spread: it is when the tumor goes deep into the wall of the intestine to reach the other organs using a network of lymphatic vessels that allow access to other regions.
Hematogenous spread: this is when the tumor serves as a bloodstream to spread cancer cells to the liver, lungs, bones, and brain.
One of the causes that generates this type of cancer is constipation, so it is always recommended to maintain a healthy diet. Age also influences the appearance of this disease since it occurs in people between 65 and 75 years old, although there are cases of patients with ages of 35 and 40 years. Genetic inheritance also plays a fundamental role in this disease, since there is the possibility that it is transmitted by generations, however it can be detected.
The symptoms can vary depending on where the tumor is (large or small intestine), however, hemorrhoids, digestive disorders, blood in the stool, abdominal pain or discomfort, weight loss, are the most common symptoms.
This disease can be prevented by doing the relevant tests for its early detection. There are several types of cancer that can appear in color, the three most common are:
- Lymphoma: the cells of the intestinal and stomach defenses.
- Sarcoma: arises in the muscular layer of the digestive tract.
- Carcinoid tumors: it is produced in the hormone-creating cells of the digestive system.
- Melanoma: cancer cells in the skin.
