Medical Health Encyclopedia

Tumors in the Transverse Colon. As waste material passes across the upper quadrants of the abdomen (the transverse colon), the intestine absorbs water and the waste matter becomes more solid. In addition to bleeding, tumors here may cause cramps, gas, partial or complete obstruction, and even perforation of the bowel. Anemia as described above can also occur.

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Tumors in the Descending Colon and Rectum (Left Colon). When tumors partially block the lower intestine, thin, pencil-shaped stools may form. Bowel habits can change. Tumors in the rectum and lowest part of the intestine can cause pain and a feeling of fullness. Defecation may be painful or patients may feel the urge to defecate, but nothing happens. Bleeding from these locations may be brisk and bright red or maroon, but cancer is often detected before symptoms of chronic anemia develop.