What is the difference between right and left colon cancer

The colon can be divided into the right colon (cecum, ascending cecum, hepatic flexure, and right half of the transverse colon) and the left colon (left half of the transverse colon, splenic flexure, transverse colon, and sigmoid colon). Due to the differences in the anatomical location, blood supply, intestinal contents, and functions of the left and right colons, the clinical manifestations and tumor growth rates of left- and right-sided colon cancers are different.

Characteristics of right colon cancer:

The right colon is in a slightly higher position, and its blood supply is the superior mesenteric artery. The right colon has a larger intestinal cavity, a thin intestinal wall that is easy to expand, and its physiological function is to absorb water, electrolytes, and some glucose. The intestinal contents are mostly liquid or semi-liquid, so right colon cancer is not prone to intestinal obstruction. The lesions are mostly lumpy and protruding, growing slowly, and often showing symptoms of poisoning. Clinically, there may be abdominal pain (mostly persistent dull pain), anemia, fatigue, fever, indigestion, and mushy stools, and a mass can be felt in the right abdomen.

Characteristics of left colon cancer:

The left colon is in a lower position, and its blood supply is the inferior mesenteric artery. The left colon has a narrow intestinal cavity, and its physiological function is mainly to absorb water and store stool, so the intestinal contents are formed and are relatively dry and hard in a semi-solid state. The lesions are mostly infiltrative growth type, and the mass grows faster, often showing symptoms of obstruction. Clinically, there may be bloody or mucous stools, abdominal distension, abdominal cramps, and thinning of stool, and a mass can be felt in the left lower abdomen.