In fact, some common causes of blood in stool are hemorrhoids, ulcers, Crohn’s disease, and iron. Regardless of your age, you should visit your doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. Your doctor will ask you about your diet, symptoms, and frequency of occurrences in order to properly diagnose the condition.
While the chances of a complete cure are extremely low, if detected early, bowel cancer can be successfully treated. A surgical removal of the affected bowel can be carried out, which can involve a stoma. While a stoma can be temporary, permanent stomas are common. Around one in 10 people with rectal cancer require a permanent stoma. Treatment is usually followed by chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The aim of radiation therapy is to destroy cancer cells by reducing their size. This treatment isn’t typically used in early colon cancer but can be very helpful for later stages of the disease.
If you suspect bowel cancer, your doctor may recommend a screening test to detect any abnormalities. Screening tests look for genetic mutations or blood products in the stool. The body naturally produces genetic material in all cells, including colon cells. However, abnormal cells, or polyps, contain genetic material. If your colon cancer screening test reveals an abnormality, a doctor may recommend a colonoscopy to confirm the diagnosis.
While there are many symptoms of bowel cancer, the main ones include an abdominal lump, unexplained tiredness, and loss of appetite. Some people have no symptoms, but others have no warning signs. Some people have blood in their stool, or even no symptoms at all. The cancer may be present without a lump. Sometimes, cancer of the colon will cause blood to appear in the bowel. Once the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, it may spread to other parts of the body.
Environmental factors can also contribute to the development of bowel cancer. Exposure to pesticides, pollution, and red meat can increase the risk of developing the disease. Several chronic diseases can also contribute to inflammation in the gut. Moreover, the development of cancer in the bowel is genetically linked. This means that you are at greater risk for bowel cancer if one of your parents or grandparents had the disease. In addition, people who have other cancers may also be more susceptible to developing this type of disease.
The cancer in the colon may be classified into different stages based on its size and spread. Cancer in stage 0 has not spread beyond the inner layer of the colon and is easily treated. Stage 1 is the best option, as the cancer has spread to one to three lymph nodes and distant organs. Therefore, early detection of cancer in the bowel is very important. This will enable doctors to develop the best treatment plan. The cancer is usually diagnosed in an early stage and treated as early as possible.
