Signs of Precancerous Colon Conditions
Adenomatous polyps are a precancerous condition. They are not cancerous by themselves and are often largely harmless. Their presence, however, indicates abnormal changes to colon
Types of Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is cancer that starts in the colon, which is responsible for absorbing water and nutrients from partially digested food. Colon cancer is a malignant growth that interferes with this function. It is one of the most common types of cancer, affecting more than 100,000 new people every year, and is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States.
To treat colon cancer effectively, oncologists must first determine its type.
Many people diagnosed with colon cancer turn to Regional Cancer Care Associates (RCCA) for care. RCCA is a group of more than 90 medical oncologists and hematologists who treat patients who have solid tumors, blood-based cancers and benign blood disorders at more than 20 locations throughout New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and the Washington, DC area. They strive to educate patients while providing innovative care.
Classifying the Types of Colon Cancer
Colon cancer includes any cancer that develops in the colon or large intestine. There are several subtypes distinguished by the type of tissue they form from. The primary ones include:
Adenocarcinoma
Adenocarcinoma of the colon is a cancer type that forms in gland cells that produce mucus. This lubricating fluid plays a crucial role in helping stool move smoothly through the colon. Mucus-producing gland cells are found on the inner lining of the colon. Adenocarcinomas are the most common type of colon cancer, accounting for most cases.
Carcinoid Tumors
Carcinoid tumors of the colon develop in neuroendocrine cells that are scattered throughout the colon, helping to regulate hormone production. The hormones assist in releasing gastric juices, which work to break down food in the colon. They also influence how quickly food travels through the digestive system. Carcinoid tumors sometimes interfere with hormone balance.
Gastrointestinal (Gastric) Stromal Tumors
Gastric stromal tumors, also called GISTs, are cancers that form in the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs). ICCs are specialized cells that send signals to nearby smooth muscles, telling them when to contract. This sets the pace for muscle contractions that push stool and gastric fluid along the colon. GISTS are a comparatively uncommon type of colon cancer.
Sarcomas
Sarcomas are cancers that form in soft tissue, including connective tissue, blood vessels, and muscle layers. They can develop anywhere in the body, including the colon. Sarcomas that originate in the colon are rare, with this cancer type being more common elsewhere in the body.
What Are Adenomatous Polyps?
Polyps are a type of precancerous growth that forms on the colon’s inner lining. These are small clumps of abnormal cells that create a bump or growth inside the colon. They are common, especially in older patients, and are not dangerous by themselves. Certain types of polyp cells, however, have a high chance of becoming cancerous over time. Up to 40% of colon cancers originate from polyps.
Because of the cancer risk they represent, oncologists recommend removing polyps if they are found. Removing the polyps can stop cancer from developing. It also allows physicians to conduct a biopsy. The physician will evaluate the polyp tissue to learn more about its qualities, including:
- Polyp type: Adenomatous polyps, also known as adenomas, have a high risk of turning into cancer. Other types, meanwhile, are less likely to become cancerous.
- Cell shape: Tubular polyp cells are less likely to become cancerous than villous cells. An estimated 30% of villous polyps will become cancerous if not removed.
- Dysplasia: The term dysplasia refers to how abnormal polyp cells appear. Highly dysplastic cells closely resemble cancer and are more likely to become cancerous over time.
A biopsy helps doctors estimate an individual’s risk of developing colon cancer. People with high numbers of precancerous polyps may need more frequent colon cancer screenings. Regular screening can catch colon cancer or additional polyps as they develop, giving patients a better chance of successful treatment.
Signs and Symptoms of Colon Cancer
Colon cancer can be difficult to detect in its early stages. While the cancer is still small, it may not cause any symptoms. Noticeable changes occur as the tumor grows large enough to interfere with digestion and the passage of stool. Common symptoms of colon cancer include:
- Blood in stool or bleeding from the rectum
- Diarrhea or constipation, especially if it lasts for more than a few weeks
- Unusually narrow, pencil-shaped stools
- Frequent urges to have a bowel movement
- Feeling like the bowels are not fully empty even after a bowel movement
- Abdominal pains, cramps, bloating, or gas
- Unusual weakness or fatigue
- Anemia, or a serious iron deficiency
- Unintentional or unexpected weight loss
Many of these symptoms are more commonly caused by non-cancerous conditions. Even long-lasting bowel changes are more likely due to inflammatory bowel disease, food intolerances, medication, or infections. The great majority of women and men who experience one or more of the symptoms listed above will not have colon cancer. Nonetheless, it is important to consult a physician about these symptoms, particularly if they are pronounced, arose suddenly, or have persisted for an extended period. Prompt evaluation will enable a doctor to address your concerns and to provide a treatment plan for whatever condition may be responsible for the symptoms.
Risk Factors of Colon Cancer
Like other types of cancer, colon cancer is caused by irregular cell growth. A DNA change in the colon causes its cells to divide and reproduce much more rapidly than normal. The abnormal cells create a constantly growing mass called a tumor that presses against neighboring structures. They can also break away from the primary tumor, spreading to new parts of the body in a process called metastasis.
Oncologists are not always sure what causes a cancerous DNA change. Several known risk factors, however, can increase a person’s risk of developing colon cancer. These include:
- Age: Nearly 90% of patients with colon cancer are past the age of 50. The average age of diagnosis for male patients is 68, while the average for women is 72.
- Ethnicity: American Indian, Alaska Native, African American, and Ashkenazi Jewish people are at elevated risk of colon cancer and are more likely to develop it early.
- Family history: People are at elevated risk of colon cancer if a first-degree relative (parent, child, or sibling) has had colon cancer or adenomatous polyps.
- IBD: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) causes cell abnormalities in the colon that may turn into cancer over time.
- Previous cancer: If a person has had colon cancer, even if it was fully removed, then they are at a greater risk of developing colon cancer a second time.
- Radiation: If a person has received radiation to the colon area, often due to previous cancer treatments, then they are at a greater risk of developing colon cancer.
- Inherited syndromes: Certain inherited syndromes, including Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis, can increase a person’s colon cancer risk.
- Body weight: Being overweight or obese increases a person’s risk of developing colon cancer. Excess body weight may also increase risk of death from cancer if it develops.
- Diabetes: Patients with type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop colon cancer, possibly due to high insulin levels causing colon inflammation and dysplasia.
- Diet: A diet high in red and processed meats can increase a person’s colon cancer risk. Similarly, eating too few fruits and vegetables may increase cancer risk.
- Exercise: Patients who do not exercise often are at higher risk of developing colon cancer, in addition to some other common types of cancer.
- Smoking: A long-term history of smoking has been linked to a higher occurrence of many types of cancer, including colon polyps and colon cancer.
- Alcohol use: Moderate to heavy alcohol use (over two drinks a day for men, one a day for women) is associated with a higher risk of developing colon cancer.
Some risk factors, such as weight, diet, and alcohol use, are linked to lifestyle choices. Patients can take active steps to reduce these factors to limit their risk of colon cancer. Other factors, however, are not under the patient’s control. Patients with unavoidable risk factors should start cancer screenings early for the best chance of a successful treatment if cancer is found.
Colon Cancer Treatment Options
The best treatment for colon cancer depends on a variety of factors, including the cancer type, its size and stage, and the patient’s overall health. Treatments and therapies may include:
Surgery
Small, early-stage colon cancer tumors can be removed with surgery. The goal of colon cancer surgery is to fully remove the tumor if possible. Surgical treatment may also be used for precancerous polyps, especially if they are large or if there are multiple polyps.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy targets the cancer with a highly concentrated beam of radiation. The beam kills cancerous cells to shrink the tumor and stop it from spreading. Radiation therapy can be administered in one sitting or over multiple, lower-dosage treatments.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses strong drugs to kill cells that divide rapidly, including cancer cells. It can be used by itself to control or eliminate cancer. It may also be used to shrink a tumor before surgery or to kill any cells that were left behind after the tumor was removed.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy is a recent innovation that uses molecular science to kill cancer cells with minimal side effects. The drugs attack cells that feature specific mutations or proteins that are only found in cancer cells, effectively targeting the cancer while limiting the damage to healthy tissue.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is another new breakthrough that works by empowering the patient’s immune system. Immune cells are taken and modified with instructions to attack cancer cells. They are then re-inserted to give the patient’s body the ability to fight cancer on its own.
Find Comprehensive Colon Cancer Care Near You in NJ, CT, MA, and the Washington, D.C. Area
If you or a loved one is struggling with colon cancer, there is hope. Regional Cancer Care Associates (RCCA) provides cutting-edge treatment for a wide range of colon cancer types at over 20 convenient locations near you. RCCA specialists provide care to more than 30,000 new patients and 265,000 established patients each year. RCCA physicians offer patients innovative therapies, including immunotherapies and targeted therapy, cutting-edge diagnostics as well as access to approximately 300 clinical trials in community-based centers close to home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colon Cancer
What are the early symptoms of colon cancer?
Early symptoms of colon cancer include changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, frequent bowel movements, or changes in the appearance of stool. Patients may also experience blood in the stool, abdominal pain or bloating, gas, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss.
Can young people get colon cancer?
While colon cancer is most common in patients over the age of 50, cases in younger adults are on the rise. Researchers are not currently sure what is causing this increase, though early diagnoses are most common in patients with a family history of colon cancer.
When should patients get screened for colon cancer?
The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that people at average risk of colon cancer begin routine screenings at age 45. Patients with a higher risk may begin earlier. The recommended screening schedule depends on the type of test used:
- Colonoscopy every 10 years
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy every three to five years
- CT colonography every three to five years
More frequent screenings may be recommended for patients who are at higher-than-average risk of developing colon cancer, or for patients who have had suspicious findings on a screening test.
How effective is a colonoscopy at detecting cancer?
Colonoscopies are highly effective at detecting colon cancer and are considered the gold standard for screening. They can detect both cancerous growths and precancerous polyps before symptoms develop.
What is the survival rate for colon cancer?
Colon cancer survival rates depend on a variety of factors, including the colon cancer type, its size and stage, and the patient’s overall health. The prognosis for early-stage colon cancer is very good, with nearly 100% of patients surviving past five years. Late-stage and metastatic colon cancer has a much worse survival rate, which is why early detection is crucial to ensure effective treatment.
Receive the Highest Standard of Care
From the moment you have you first appointment at one of RCCA’s 25+ locations, you’ll experience quality care that only our highly trained oncologists can provide. We’ll take the time to help you understand your diagnosis and your options, so you and your doctor can devise the best treatment plan for your unique situation. You’ll also have access to clinical trials, putting you at the forefront of innovations in the field of colon cancer care.
To learn more about colon cancer treatment at RCCA or to schedule an appointment, reach out to us at 844-346-7222.
Physicians SPECIALIZED IN COLON CANCER
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