The colon (along with the rectum) is part of the colon (intestinal). The colon is a muscle tube about 1.5 meters long. It absorbs water and nutrients from food passing through it. The rectum, the lower six inches of the digestive tract, serves as a repository of the chair, which then leaves the body through the anus. The colon is divided into four parts: the ascending colon, the transverse colon, the descending colon and the sigmoid intestine. Most cases of colorectal cancer occur in the sigmoid intestine – an area just above the rectum. They usually start in the inner layer and can germinate through some or all of the different layers of tissue that make up the colon and rectum. However, cancer can develop in any part of the colon. The degree of penetration of cancer into different layers of colon tissue determines the stage of the disease.
What is colon cancer? Colon and rectal cancer is the second most common after lung cancer in men and third after breast and lung cancer in women. Most colorectal types grow slowly over several years, often starting with small benign tumors called polyps. Removing these polyps early on before they become malignant is an effective way to prevent colorectal cancer. Als de epitheelcellen (de cellen in het slojmvlies van de dikke darm) kanker worden en op een abnormale en ongecontroleerde manier beginnen te groeien en repliceren, kan het lichaam deze cellen niet organizationen voor een normal functie en vormen de cellen wordt. . Malignant colon tumors can eventually pass through the colon and spread to other parts of the body, displacing and destroying normal cells.
At some point in life, anyone may be at risk of developing colon cancer. Although colon cancer is commonly found in adults, it can also occur in young men and women. Some of the risk factors include the presence of rectum or colon polyps in a personal or family history, rectal or colon cancer, as well as certain conditions such as chronic ulcerative colitis (CUC) and Crohn’s disease. Diet is also a factor in the development of colon cancer.
Warning symptoms of colon cancer: There are warning symptoms or symptoms that should lead to suspicion of cancer. These include: Obstruction As colon cancer grows, especially if it affects the transverse or downward or sigmoid intestine, it can cause obstruction leading to increased pressure. This can cause pain and bloating. In the most extreme cases, obstruction may also cause nausea and vomiting. Bleeding As the tumor spreads, they can be traumatized by faecal flows, causing bleeding. Blood is often clogged in the stool and is not immediately visible. In some cases, bleeding in the stool or rectal bleeding may be visible. Anemia. In some cases, bleeding from the tumor causes iron deficiency anemia. Pain. As soon as the tumor penetrates the colon wall and begins to invade the adjacent tissues, it can cause pain with additional symptoms. For example, if the cancer spreads to the bladder, it can cause problems with urination. Waste syndrome. In some cases, colon cancer can cause loss of appetite, weight and strength.
Although the above warning signs may occur even in people without colon cancer, if someone has these symptoms, appropriate diagnostic procedures should be recommended to rule out colon cancer.
Colon cancer usually grows slowly for several years. Once the cancer enters the colon, it can enter the bloodstream or develop into the lymphatic system and spread very quickly. As the cancer grows, it often spreads to the liver and lungs. It can also spread to the bones, especially in the pelvis. Depending on the location of the tumor, it can also spread to the collarbone.
The American Cancer Society recommends starting screening for colon cancer in people without symptoms at age 50. Screening should include an annual finger rectal examination (DRE) and a ban on exposure to feces (FOBT). Sigmoidoscopy, preferably flexible endoscopic sigmoidoscopy, should be performed every three to five years.
Facts – Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. More than 50% of all new cases of colon cancer are associated with metastases at the time of diagnosis. This year, 102,900 Americans will be diagnosed with colon cancer. About 48,100 Americans will die this year from colon cancer. 80 to 90 million Americans are at risk of developing colon cancer. When colon cancer is detected and treated at an early stage, survival is high.
Screening by the American Cancer Society and the American College of Gastroenterology recommend starting screening for colon cancer in people without symptoms at age 50. The recommended method of screening is colonoscopy (repeated every ten years if polyps or tumors are not detected and there are no risk factors in the person). The recommended alternative method of screening is the annual finger rectal study (DRE) and the hidden effects of feces (FOBT). Sigmoidoscopy, preferably flexible endoscopic sigmoidoscopy, should be performed every three to five years. Anyone with a first-degree relative (parent, brother or sister) with colon cancer before the age of 55 is recommended from the age of 40.
Medical negligence and colon cancer The level of medical malpractice associated with the diagnosis of colon cancer is alarming. It is the second most common type of cancer in the United States, killing 48,100 people this year. However, the diagnosis of cancer in too many men and women is delayed when the doctors in whom these men and women trust their well-being do not conduct appropriate screening tests, interpret the test results correctly and do not take appropriate action. When symptoms of cancer are reported. If it happened, the doctor was negligent. And too often the tragic result of such neglect is the loss of treatment opportunities and/or loss of life.
My law firm deals with explaining how medical negligence arises in the context of a doctor’s inability to diagnose colon cancer in time; describe what the medical malpractice claim is; and provide free and direct legal advice to those who feel that they have been the victim of medical malpractice.
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