Symptoms
It is possible to have colon or rectal cancer without symptoms. Many patients are free of symptoms until their tumors are quite advanced.
Weight Loss and Changes in Bowel Movements
Weight loss and changes in bowel movements are general symptoms for colon cancer, but also occur in many other diseases.
Rectal Bleeding
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Blood in the stools is a common sign of many intestinal cancers. It may appear red if it is fresh or black if it is old. It should be reported to a physician immediately, even though it is often caused by conditions other than cancer, including the following:
- Hemorrhoids.
- Minor tears around the rectal or anal areas.
- Diverticulosis.
- Stools can turn red after eating certain red foods, such as beets or red licorice.
- Iron supplements and medications that have bismuth subsalicylate, most commonly Pepto-Bismol, can cause stools to turn black.
Nevertheless, blood in the stools is an abnormal finding that should never be ignored. Always report it to your doctor for further advice.
Symptoms of Cancers in Specific Areas of the Colon
Symptoms of colorectal cancer vary widely depending on the location of the cancer within the large intestine.
Tumors in the Cecum and Ascending Colon (Right Colon). The waste matter in the first portion of the colon is in liquid or semi-liquid form. Tumors that develop here do not change bowel habits or stool formation, but they may cause intermittent or chronic bleeding. Although the stools look normal, patients may develop symptoms of anemia from iron deficiency. Such symptoms include weakness, fatigue, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and exercise intolerance.
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