Many people don’t think changes in their bowel habits are important if they think the changes are minor or short-term. But if changes in bowel habits happen over and over, they may indicate a serious problem. Changes in bowel habits may be one of the first signs of cancer of the colon. Being able to recognize possible early signals of this disease may help you determine when you ought to see a doctor.
Some other conditions can mimic colon cancer symptoms. These conditions are usually infection- or irritable bowel-related. Because of this, it is important to have symptoms, especially concerning symptoms, checked out by a physician.
What symptoms warrant concern?
Very early stages of colon cancer can sometimes be asymptomatic. Symptoms can include a change in your normal bowel movements, bloody stool, constant diarrhea or constipation, abdominal pain, and weight loss.
Common warning signs include:
Blood in or on the stool
Persistent constipation or diarrhea
A change in stool shape or frequency
Feeling that the bowel has not completely emptied
Unexplained weight loss
Ongoing tiredness or weakness
Having one of these symptoms does not mean you have cancer. However, persistent or unexplained changes should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Changes in Bowel Habits to Watch
It is common to see temporary changes in bowel movements. Changes that last for several weeks should be further evaluated.
Changes may include frequently experiencing constipation or diarrhea. Changes may also include the consistent production of narrow stools.
Changes in the gastrointestinal tract may also be accompanied by changes in the abdomen. These may include a bloated feeling or cramping.
Changes in the gastrointestinal tract should be recorded. Dates that symptoms began should also be included. The recording may also include whether symptoms have gotten better or worse.
It is best to provide this information to your doctor or nurse practitioner during an office visit.
Why Blood in the Stool Matters
Blood in stool can be caused by hemorrhoids and anal fissures, but can also be caused by issues with the colon.
Bleeding in the colon can also cause stool to become dark or tar-like. Blood in the stool can be caused by many different conditions, and unless it is seen to be caused by hemorrhoids, it should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
How Is Colon Cancer Diagnosed?
Healthcare providers may suggest additional testing based on particular symptoms or screening test results. Factors such as a person’s age, symptoms, family history, and other risks may be considered when deciding what testing may be recommended. Stool and blood tests and colonoscopies may be considered. A colonoscopy scan is a type of endoscopy. In a colonoscopy, a flexible scope is used to visualize the colon. Polyps may be found and removed during the procedure. A tissue sample may be collected for further testing.
CT scans and other imaging tests may be used in some cases to evaluate the colon; however, a colonoscopy may still be necessary. Imaging tests may not always be used in replacement of a colonoscopy.
Screening Can Find Problems Before Symptoms Appear
One important reason screening matters is that colorectal cancer can develop from precancerous polyps. Removing certain polyps during colonoscopy can help prevent some cancers from developing.
Screening recommendations vary according to age, personal history, family history, and other risk factors. People with increased risk may need earlier or more frequent evaluation.
Finding Reliable Medical Imaging Provider
Medical imaging may be appropriate in some cases when a healthcare professional needs additional information about a patient’s condition. ViaScan of Las Colinas in Irving, TX, is an example of a medical imaging provider. When discussing the normal number of colon polyps, it is important to understand that the significance of polyps can depend on factors such as their number, size, type, and location.
Before considering any imaging options, it’s important to understand why your health care professional may have recommended imaging and what information the imaging is expected to provide.
Conclusion
Because the initial symptoms of colon cancer are similar to other digestive system conditions, medical experts can’t conclude that you have colon cancer based on the signs you have presented. However, certain symptoms like persistent changes in your bowel movements, abdominal bleeding, and extreme fatigue are of major concern and require medical attention. Your doctor will carry out tests and/or set up screening appointments to help determine the reason you’re experiencing the symptoms and what the next step will be.
