What are the early warning signs of colon cancer?
3. Excessive Fatigue. Although excessive fatigue isn’t unique to colon cancer, it is a sign that something is wrong and is common in many different types of cancer. If you begin to feel chronically run down and have little to no energy, even if you’re sleeping well, you should visit your doctor.
What changes in bowel habits indicate colon or rectal cancer?
Changes in bowel habits that can indicate colon or rectal cancer include the following: 1 New-onset constipation or diarrhea 2 Changes in frequency or size and caliber of bowel movements 3 A bowel that doesn’t seem to empty completely 4 Stool that is narrower than normal (even as thin as a pencil)
How do I know if I have a bowel movement disorder?
A persistent change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain A feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely
What happens during a physical exam for colorectal cancer?
As part of a physical exam, your doctor will carefully feel your abdomen and also examine the rest of your body. You might also get certain blood tests to help determine if you might have colorectal cancer. Your doctor may also recommend more tests, such as colonoscopy or an x-ray or CT scan of your colon and rectum.
Early-stage colon cancer seldom causes any clear or obvious symptoms, so it is very important to know the warning signs, such as: Many of these symptoms can be caused by something other cancer, such as a poor diet, a viral infection, hemorrhoids or irritable bowel syndrome.
What are the symptoms of an inflamed colon?
Infections, poor blood supply, and parasites can all cause an inflamed colon. If you have an inflamed colon, you’ll likely have abdominal pain, cramping, and diarrhea.
What are the first signs of colon bleeding?
Depending on the location of the bleeding within the colon, anemia can be the first sign that blood loss is occurring. Common symptoms of anemia include skin pallor (paleness), increased heart rate, fatigue, dizziness and irregular menstruation. Unexplained Weight Loss, Loss of Appetite and Feeling Weak
What does colon cancer look like?
It usually begins as small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells called polyps that form on the inside of the colon. Over time some of these polyps can become colon cancers. Polyps may be small and produce few, if any, symptoms.