"Doctor, I feel something is wrong with my body recently. My stomach is always uncomfortable and my bowel movements are not normal. I am so worried. Is it possible that I have some serious illness?" Mr. Li, who looked anxious, came to my clinic. He said anxiously as soon as he sat down. I asked him not to worry and to describe the specific symptoms slowly. Mr. Li frowned and recalled: "It has been a few months. At first, I had occasional stomach pain. I thought I had eaten something bad and didn't pay much attention to it. But later, the frequency of stomach pain became more and more frequent, and the stool became shapeless and bloody." After listening to his description, I became alert and arranged for him to undergo a series of examinations. 1. Clues of intestinal malignancies Changes in bowel habits Under normal circumstances, our bowel habits are relatively regular. But if there is a malignant tumor in the intestine, this pattern may be disrupted. For example, a bowel movement that used to occur once a day may suddenly become several times a day, or only once every few days. Mr. Li encountered such a situation. He used to have regular bowel movements, but later he began to suffer from diarrhea and constipation at times. Abnormal stool shape Healthy stools are usually formed and of moderate thickness. When there is a tumor in the intestine, the stool may become thin, pencil-like, or irregular in shape. I said to Mr. Li: "Think carefully, is the shape of your stool different from before?" Mr. Li suddenly realized: "Yes, doctor, why didn't I notice it?" Blood in the stool This is a relatively obvious sign, but it can easily be mistaken for hemorrhoidal bleeding. If the blood in the stool is caused by intestinal tumors, the blood will usually be mixed with the stool and will be darker in color. Hemorrhoidal bleeding is usually on the surface of the stool and is bright red in color. Mr. Li heard this and asked nervously: "Doctor, what's going on with my bloodshot eyes?" stomach ache Intestinal tumors may cause dull pain in the abdomen or intermittent cramping. The location of the pain is related to where the tumor is located. Abdominal mass When the tumor grows larger, you may feel a lump in your abdomen. anemia Due to long-term bloody stools or tumor consumption, patients may experience symptoms of anemia, such as pale complexion, dizziness and fatigue. Weight loss If you don't try to lose weight but your weight drops significantly in a short period of time, you should be alert. 2. Understanding Intestinal Malignancies Intestinal malignancies, commonly known as intestinal cancer, include colon cancer and rectal cancer. Its occurrence is related to many factors, such as genetic factors, bad eating habits (excessive intake of high-fat, high-protein foods, insufficient intake of dietary fiber), long-term chronic intestinal diseases, smoking, alcoholism, etc. There was once a patient named Mr. Zhang who liked to eat greasy food and ate very few vegetables and fruits. In addition, I am under great work pressure, often stay up late, and rarely exercise. Later, some of the above-mentioned symptoms appeared. Unfortunately, he did not seek medical treatment in time. By the time the diagnosis was confirmed, it was already in the late stage of colorectal cancer. He was filled with regret: "If only I had noticed earlier and come to check it out sooner." 3. How to detect intestinal malignant tumors at an early stage Regular colonoscopy For high-risk groups, such as those with a family history of colorectal cancer, those suffering from chronic intestinal diseases such as ulcerative colitis, and those over 40 years old, regular colonoscopy is recommended. Colonoscopy is like a "scout" that can directly observe the situation inside the intestine and detect early lesions. Pay attention to subtle changes in your body Like Mr. Li, we should be alert to abnormal physical symptoms and seek medical attention promptly if we find something is wrong. Maintain a healthy lifestyle Eat a balanced diet, eat more vegetables and fruits, and eat less greasy, spicy, and irritating food; Exercise moderately and avoid sitting for long periods of time; Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption; Keep a good attitude. IV. Treatment and Prevention Treatment Once intestinal malignancy is diagnosed, treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, etc. If the disease is detected and treated early, the prognosis is usually good. Precautions Starting from daily life and developing good eating habits and living habits is the key to preventing intestinal malignant tumors. 5. Conclusion: Take care of your intestines and stay away from tumors After a series of examinations, Mr. Li was fortunately able to have his illness discovered in time. After treatment, his body gradually recovered. He said with emotion: "Doctor, I will pay more attention to my health in the future and never be careless again." I hope everyone can learn from Mr. Li's experience and pay attention to changes in their bodies. Remember, intestinal health cannot be ignored. Early detection and early treatment can keep us away from the threat of intestinal malignant tumors. In short, let us care for our intestines, protect them with scientific methods, and enjoy a healthy and beautiful life. Follow me to learn more about health knowledge. See you next time~ |
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