Does bowel cancer spread quickly?
In some polyps, the instructions that the genes give the cell on how to grow become increasingly disordered. When this happens, the cells grow so quickly and in such a strange way that they grow not just on the lining of the bowel but start to extend through the wall of the bowel.
How long does it take for bowel cancer to spread?
Colon cancer, or cancer that begins in the lower part of the digestive tract, usually forms from a collection of benign (noncancerous) cells called an adenomatous polyp. Most of these polyps will not become malignant (cancerous), but some can slowly turn into cancer over the course of about 10-15 years.
What happens if bowel cancer is left untreated?
If untreated, bowel cancer can grow deeper into the wall of the bowel. From there, it can spread to lymph nodes in the area. Later, bowel cancer can spread to the liver or lungs.
What does bowel cancer poop look like?
Usually, the stools (poop) of the patients with colon cancer may have the following characteristics: Black poop is a red flag for cancer of the bowel. Blood from in the bowel becomes dark red or black and can make poop stools look like tar. Such poop needs to be investigated further.
What was your first colon cancer symptom?
Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty completely. General abdominal discomfort, such as frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness and/or cramps. Constant feeling of fatigue or tiredness. New onset anemia diagnosed on routine lab work.
What are the final stages of bowel cancer?
poor appetite and weight loss. swollen abdomen (called ascites) yellowing of the skin (jaundice) itchy skin.
Do you feel ill with bowel cancer?
The symptoms of bowel cancer can be subtle and do not necessarily make you feel ill. However, it’s worth trying simple treatments for a short time to see if they get better.
Can you have colon cancer for years and not know it?
Colon cancer is typically slow-growing, starting as a benign polyp that eventually becomes malignant. This process may occur over many years without producing any symptoms. Once colon cancer has developed, it may still be years before it is detected.
What are the 4 stages of bowel cancer?
Stage 4 bowel (colon and rectal) cancer means the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the liver or lungs. It’s also called advanced bowel cancer. Stage 4 is divided into 3 stages – 4A, 4B and 4C.
Do you get back pain with bowel cancer?
Gastrointestinal tract. Cancers of the stomach, colon, and rectum can all cause lower back pain. This pain radiates from the cancer site to the lower back. A person with these cancer types may have other symptoms, such as sudden weight loss or blood in their stool.
How did your bowel cancer start?
Cancer develops when the cells in a certain area of your body divide and multiply too quickly. This produces a lump of tissue called a tumour. Bowel cancer usually first develops inside clumps of cells called polyps on the inner lining of the bowel.