Colon Cancer: Stages and Symptoms

Colon Cancer: Stages and Symptoms

Colon cancer starts developing from growths or polyps in the inner lining of the colon. If left untreated, it can quickly spread to other parts of the body. Hence, it’s crucial to know its stages to understand its progression. But first, let us learn about its early signs and symptoms from the best gastroenterologist doctor in Mukundapur, Kolkata.

Symptoms

• Changes in bowel habits: Persistent constipation or diarrhoea, the feeling of incomplete bowel movements, or changes in stool consistency can be indicative of colon cancer.

• Rectal bleeding: Blood in stool might be a sign of several underlying conditions, including colon cancer.

• Abdominal discomfort: Pain or bloating in the abdomen without any apparent cause must be evaluated for malignancy of the colon.

• Unexplained weight loss: Sudden and unexplained weight loss without any dietary changes is a sign of colon cancer.

• Anaemia: Anaemia resulting from blood loss in the stool can result in symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, and weakness.

Stages of colon cancer

The stages of colon cancer are listed below by the doctors of the best gastroenterologist clinic in Mukundapur. 

• Stage 0 (Carcinoma in situ): In this stage, the cancer is limited to the inner lining of the colon or rectum and has not invaded deeper layers.

• Stage I: Cancer has spread beyond the inner lining into the deeper layers of the colon wall but has not spread beyond the colon or rectum.

• Stage II: At this stage, cancer has spread through the muscular wall of the colon but has not yet affected nearby lymph nodes or other organs.

• Stage III: Cancer starts to spread to nearby lymph nodes but hasn't reached distant organs.

• Stage IV: Cancer has metastasized, spreading to distant organs like the liver, lungs, or other parts of the body.

Early-stage colon cancer often does not have noticeable symptoms, highlighting the importance of regular screenings, such as colonoscopies, for early detection. The best gastroenterologist doctors in Mukundapur recommend getting started with these screenings by forty-five years or earlier if there are risk factors present.