The colon (also known as the rectum) is the largest part of your digestive tract. Waste is absorbed into the colon after food passes through the small intestine and then stored until it can exit through the anus. The rectum is about 6 inches (15cm) long, and ring-shaped muscles keep the stool from coming out until it relaxes during a bowel movement.
The main organs in the colon are the cecum, the ascending colon, the transverse colon, and the descending colon. Each one of these consists of several layers of tissue. Each layer absorbs and stores waste. The lining of the rectum is called mucosa.
It is made of cells that make a sticky substance that helps to lubricate the inside of the colon and rectum. Adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer that starts in these mucus-making cells. It is the most common type of colorectal cancer and accounts for 95 percent of all colon and rectal cancers.
In some cases, adenocarcinoma may spread to other parts of the body. This is known as metastasis and can cause serious problems.
Some people who have adenocarcinoma develop other symptoms as well, such as blood in their stool and loss of appetite. Other symptoms of adenocarcinoma include back pain, fatigue and weight loss, bloating, diarrhea or constipation, and trouble swallowing.
Diagnosis of adenocarcinoma involves using several different tests to find out the extent of the disease. These tests can include a physical exam, an imaging scan or biopsy of the affected tissue.
CT or MRI: These types of imaging scans take detailed, 3-D pictures of abnormal tissues. This can help identify the exact location and size of the tumor, as well as how it’s growing and spreading.
Blood test: A blood test will measure the levels of certain chemicals in your blood that can be related to adenocarcinoma. It can also show whether the cancer is responding to treatment.
Biopsy: A doctor will use a thin or wide needle to take a sample of the adenocarcinoma and send it to a lab for testing. This will help to determine the size and location of the tumor, as well as the type of cancer it is.
TNM: A doctor will often use this to calculate the stage of the cancer, which is how far it has spread. A higher number means that the cancer has spread to more lymph nodes than a lower number.
Adenocarcinomas usually have a poor prognosis and are not curable, but treatment can extend life expectancy. It is important to talk with your doctor about the best way to manage your condition.
Risk factors for adenocarcinoma:
A person’s age, diet and lifestyle, and family history can increase their risk of developing adenocarcinoma. If you have a close relative who has had cancer, it’s a good idea to get regular screening tests.
These tests can detect adenocarcinoma early on, before it has spread to other parts of the body. They can also help determine the best course of treatment, which is often surgical removal of the tumor followed by chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
