Symptoms and signs of colon cancer

Intestinal cancer is a common malignant tumor of the digestive system. Its early symptoms and precursors may include changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain and bloating, weight loss, anemia, and changes in stool shape. However, these symptoms are not typical and cannot be judged by symptoms. Relevant examinations need to be done in time to clarify. The details are as follows:

1. Changes in bowel habits: In the early stages of colorectal cancer, bowel habits may change, such as alternating constipation and diarrhea, increased or decreased bowel movement frequency, or unexplained blood in the stool. This is because the tumor in the intestine affects the normal peristalsis and excretion function of the intestine. Patients should pay attention to changes in bowel habits. If persistent abnormalities are found, they should seek medical attention as soon as possible, and use fecal occult blood tests, routine stool examinations, etc. to rule out the possibility of colorectal cancer, and undergo further gastrointestinal endoscopy.

2. Abdominal pain and bloating: Patients with colorectal cancer may experience unexplained abdominal pain and bloating, which is usually intermittent and not fixed in location. These symptoms may be caused by obstruction or compression of tumors in the intestine. If persistent abdominal pain and bloating occur, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible, and use imaging examinations such as abdominal ultrasound, CT, and gastrointestinal endoscopy to determine the cause, and perform surgical treatment or other intervention measures if necessary.

3. Weight loss: Unexplained weight loss is an important precursor to colorectal cancer, usually accompanied by loss of appetite and fatigue. This is because the growth of the tumor consumes a lot of nutrients, causing the patient to lose weight rapidly. Patients should pay attention to changes in weight. If unexplained weight loss occurs, medical examinations should be conducted immediately to determine whether there is a tumor or other serious disease, and targeted treatment should be carried out in a timely manner.

4. Symptoms of anemia: Intestinal cancer may cause chronic blood loss, which can lead to anemia, manifested as pale complexion, dizziness, fatigue, palpitations, etc. This is due to chronic blood loss caused by intestinal tumor bleeding, which leads to a decrease in hemoglobin. For example, blood transfusion or iron supplements, such as ammonium ferric citrate tablets or ferrous sulfate tablets, etc., patients must follow the doctor's instructions to use the medicine.

5. Changes in stool shape: Intestinal cancer can cause intestinal stenosis, making stool thinner and changing shape, and even producing string-like stool. This is because the tumor in the intestine affects the normal passage of stool, resulting in abnormal stool shape. Patients should pay attention to changes in stool shape. If the abnormality persists for a long time, fecal occult blood test and colonoscopy should be performed to rule out the possibility of intestinal cancer and to carry out necessary treatment.

In order to prevent colorectal cancer, it is recommended to maintain healthy eating habits in daily life, consume enough dietary fiber, avoid high-fat and high-protein diets, have regular physical examinations, and seek medical treatment in time if abnormalities are found. Early detection and treatment of colorectal cancer can significantly improve the cure rate and survival rate.