Intestinal cancer – symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of small and large intestine cancer

Proven content

Intestinal tumors are neoplastic growths in the intestine, depending on the type of starting cells, and may be benign or malignant in nature. Considering the multitude of different cells, there is a possibility of many types of cancer that differ from each other in terms of cell structure, image and course.

Intestinal cancer

Intestinal neoplasms are neoplastic growths that may be benign or malignant. Due to the large number of different cells, there is a possibility of a large number of neoplasms, which differ in terms of cell structure, picture, clinical course and the consequences of their occurrence. Actually, none of these hyperplasia have a clearly established cause of occurrence.

All kinds of hemangiomas, lipomas or fibromas do not need to be consulted with a doctor, unless their growth occurred towards the intestine and caused pressure on the surrounding organs and hindered the movement of the intestinal contents. The diagnosis of intestinal neoplasms is based on the histopathological examination of the samples taken, radiological examinations and endoscopy.

Colon cancer

The causes of colorectal cancer are not fully understood. It is suspected that there is a relationship between its occurrence and the genetic factor and the food factor.

With the existing genetic predisposition to its occurrence, it is predisposed to a small-residual (fiber-free) diet accompanied by an excess of fats. A fiber-free diet, on the one hand, modifies the bacterial flora of the gastrointestinal tract, thus causing the metabolism of certain chemical compounds in the body to produce substances that increase the risk of cancer. On the other hand, this type of diet slows down the intestinal peristalsis, which causes the intestinal content to shift and prolongs the contact of the intestinal mucosa with other harmful substances in the intestinal content.

It is impossible for a man to be able to consume fiber (i.e. cellulose) contained in plants as food (to give them, among others, flexibility and mechanical strength). Nevertheless, its presence in human food is beneficial, because parts of plant foods that are not fully digested have a stimulating effect on peristalsis, i.e. worming movements in the intestines.

Neoplastic changes can appear in any part of the large intestine, but it is usually the rectum and the sigmoid part of the colon.

Colon cancer – Symptoms

Early symptoms that may suggest colon cancer include:

1. you develop narrowing of your stools that may look like you are taking a pencil or ribbon
2. worsening constipation,
3. changing the rhythm and consistency of bowel movements,
4. pain and trouble passing faeces,

Colorectal Cancer – Diagnosis

In the diagnosis of colorectal cancer, palpation of the rectum, colonoscopy of the rectum or the upper part of the colon, colon X-ray or computed tomography are used. However, the most important and basic examination is the histopathological analysis of the specimen taken from suspicious sites.

In order to diagnose intestinal cancer, an auxiliary test for the concentration of calprotectin in the feces can also be performed, which helps in determining the presence of acute intestinal inflammation.

Colorectal Cancer – Treatment

Treatment of neoplastic lesions depends on their type and location. Usually, surgery is recommended, and if there are contraindications – radiotherapy, chemotherapy and general supportive treatment. The earlier the tumor is diagnosed, the greater the chances of treatment success.

Colon Cancer – Prevention

Colon cancer prevention is difficult because the exact causes of cancer are not known. Nevertheless, the following factors play an important role in preventing the disease:

1. remembering to have regular bowel movements;
2. avoiding diseases and drugs that lower the body’s immunity, e.g. taking an antibiotic on your own;
3. avoiding a long-term inhibition of the need to pass stool, as this causes it to remain in the final section of the large intestine, and this in turn leads to irritation of the mucosa by harmful gases and chemicals;
4. taking care of a varied diet, not limiting yourself to eating only in excess of proteins or carbohydrates; be careful with smoked, stale and moldy products;
5. implementation of a diet rich in fiber and consisting of coarse-grained products – reduces the contact of harmful substances with the intestinal mucosa;
6. limiting the use of laxatives, which can be easily addicted to, then it is necessary to use higher and higher doses (thus the intestinal mucosa is chronically irritated);
7. avoiding fruit, vegetables and other food products splashed with chemicals.

Cancer of the small intestine

Malignant neoplasm of the small intestine usually occurs in the ileum, while its mild form in the jejunum. Most often, cancer of the small intestine is a metastatic tumor of tumors of other organs of the abdominal cavity and pelvis. As a tumor originally originating in the small intestine, it is more common in smokers and alcohol abusers, as well as in those who already suffer from other diseases of this part of the gastrointestinal tract, such as: Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, polyposis syndromes, e.g. Gardner’s syndrome or Peutz-Jeghers. Cancer usually occurs in people over the age of 60. The changes that develop in the small intestine include:

1. carcinoid tumors – carcinoid is a hormonally active neoplasm originating from neuroendocrine cells;
2. lymphomas – changes in the form of ulcers and small nodules;
3. adenocarcinoma – mainly characterized by a narrowing of the lumen of the intestine.

Cancer of the small intestine – Symptoms

This type of neoplasm usually does not give any symptoms, and only with the development of the disease can the following appear:

1. vomiting,
2. nausea,
3. diarrhea,
4. flatulence and constipation – may be caused by a narrowing or closure of the small intestine by the tumor,
5. blood in the stool
6. anemia due to iron deficiency, which is much more often associated with bleeding from an ulcer or malignant colorectal cancer, but can also occur in the case of cancer of the small intestine,
7. abdominal pain (especially in the middle part) – they are dull and can radiate to the back (especially if intensive diagnostics did not reveal their cause), these pains appear regardless of the time of day, physical exertion or eating,
8. jaundice,
9. weight loss in a short time
10. a tumor in the abdomen.

Small intestine cancer – Diagnostics

Unfortunately, mortality in patients with the small intestine is high. The diagnosis itself is based on laparoscopy, while the treatment is based on the excision of the tumor and the surrounding lymph nodes. The other tests performed in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer are:

1. magnetic resonance imaging,
2. contrast examination of the small intestine,
3. TK,
4. arteriography,
5. scintigraphy.

Unfortunately, cancer of the small intestine is often not diagnosed until an advanced stage. This is because it is rare and has few specific symptoms. Prevention of this ailment is similar to that of colon cancer.