Colon cancer


What causes Colon Cancer?

The pathomechanism implicated in the development of colon cancer is the transformation of a precancerous adenoma into invasive carcinoma. 

Risk factors include:

• Inherited CRC syndromes, including familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and Lynch syndrome
• Family history of sporadic colorectal cancer
• Ulcerative colitis
• Diabetes mellitus/insulin resistance
• Uncontrolled acromegaly
• Long-term immunosuppression associated with renal transplantation.
• Exposure to abdominal radiation is the most common risk factor in children.
• Tobacco use
• Excessive use of alcohol
• Poor diet and lack of physical exercise

Signs and symptoms of Colon Cancer

Colon cancer most often presents with suspicious symptoms that can include:

• Rectal or abdominal mass
• Abdominal pain
• Changes in bowel frequency, consistency, or color
• Blood in stool
• Fatigue
• Anemia

A subset of asymptomatic patients are first suspected of disease through routine screening, usually at an earlier stage. A smaller group of patients are diagnosed during emergent abdominal procedures, such as surgery for obstruction, peritonitis, and perforation.