Colon Cancer

Colon cancer and rectal cancer, also known collectively as colorectal cancer, are the second leading causes of death by cancer. The wall of the colon and rectum is made up of layers of tissues and colorectal cancer starts in the inner layer and can grow through some or all of the other layers. The stage, or extent of spread, of a cancer depends to a great degree on how deep the cancer goes into these layers.

In most cases, colon cancer and rectal cancer develop slowly over many years. Most of these cancers start as a polyp. Polyps of the colon, particularly a type of polyp known as an adenoma, are a risk factor for colon cancer. Screening is recommended to find the polyps before they become cancerous, according to the Mayo Clinic. The removal of colon polyps during a colonoscopy reduces the subsequent risk of colon cancer. A colonoscopy is a test that provides an inside look at your colon and rectum. A doctor uses a flexible tube called a colonoscope that has the ability to snip off polyps. Removing a polyp early may keep it from becoming cancer.

Note that colon cancer can have many symptoms. In the early stages, however, people with colon cancer often do not have any symptoms and is why regular screening beginning at age 50 is recommended by the medical community. The other symptoms of colon cancer can be put into two categories, local symptoms, and systemic symptoms.

Local symptoms affect your daily bathroom habits and the colon itself. If experiencing any of these for two or more weeks, it is recommended to call and inform your doctor and arrange to discuss your concerns and receive appropriate testing. Some common local symptoms are:

• Changes in your bowel habits, such as bowel movements that are either more or less frequent than normal
• Constipation (difficulty or straining in order to have a bowel movement)
• Diarrhea (loose or watery stools)
• Constipation and diarrhea intermittantly or alternating
• Bright or dark red blood in your stools
• Black, dark colored, "tarry" stools
• Thinner than normal "pencil" stools
• Feeling as if you cannot completely empty your bowels
• Abdominal discomfort, bloating, frequent gas pains, or cramps

Systemic colon cancer symptoms affect your whole body. If experiencing any of these for any length of time, if even a few days, it is recommended to call and inform your doctor and arrange to discuss your concerns and receive appropriate testing. Some common systemic symptoms are:

• Unintentional weight loss when not trying to lose weight
• Loss of appetite
• Unexplained fatigue
• Nausea or vomiting
• Anemia (low red blood cell count or low iron in your red blood cells)
• Jaundice (yellow color to the skin and whites of the eyes)

While no symptom is diagnostic of colorectal cancer, rectal bleeding or anemia are especially high risk features. If a doctor fails to recommend and order a colonoscopy for a high-risk or suspecting patient, they may have committed malpractice if the patient does develop colon cancer. Also, if the cancer spreads from its site of origin, called a metastasis, the patient may have a medical negligence claim.

If you feel that you or a loved one has been harmed due to negligence or malpractice in dealing with colon cancer, please contact the lawyers at Sweeney Law Firm to find out your legal rights. Sweeney Law Firm offers free consultations and there is never a fee unless we obtain a financial recovery in your legal case.