Go Back To Menu
Close
- Mailing Form
-
Medical Report*
-
Go Back To Menu
Colon cancer is a malignant tumor that occurs in the colon, usually evolving from adenomatous polyps. It is most common in people over 50 years of age and is associated with risk factors such as family history, inflammatory bowel disease, and poor dietary structure. Due to vague early symptoms, many patients are already at an advanced stage when diagnosed.
Globally, colon cancer has a high incidence in Europe, the United States, and parts of East Asia, especially in the U.S., Germany, Japan, and South Korea. Southeast Asian countries such as Southern China, Malaysia, and Thailand have also shown an upward trend in recent years. If left untreated, the disease spreads rapidly, posing a serious threat to life and health.
Stage I: Limited to the mucosa or submucosa, good treatment outcome
Stage I colon cancer is confined to the mucosa or submucosa of the intestine, without lymph node involvement. Early screening may detect polyps or small lesions. After surgical removal, the 5-year survival rate can exceed 90%, with high chances of cure.
Stage II: Invasion into the muscle layer, no spread yet
At this stage, the lesion has invaded the muscular or serosal layers of the colon but has not spread to lymph nodes or distant organs. Patients may experience mild bowel difficulties, blood in the stool, or bloating. The 5-year survival rate remains between 70% and 85%.
Stage III: Regional spread mainly involving lymph nodes
Cancer cells have spread to nearby lymph nodes but not to distant organs. Symptoms become more pronounced, including frequent rectal bleeding and weight loss. The 5-year survival rate is about 50% to 65%, requiring comprehensive treatment.
Stage IV: Distant metastasis, poor prognosis
Cancer has metastasized to distant organs such as the liver, lungs, or bones. Patients may develop worsening abdominal pain, jaundice, breathing difficulties, or bone pain. The 5-year survival rate is less than 20%. The treatment goal focuses on symptom relief and prolonging survival.
1. Significant changes in bowel habits
Patients often experience persistent changes in bowel habits, such as alternating constipation and diarrhea or thinner stools. If the changes persist for weeks or months and cannot be relieved by regular fiber intake, colon disease should be suspected.
2. Blood in stool or melena
Blood in stool or dark red/black stool is a typical warning sign. Left-sided colon cancer often presents with bright red blood, while rectal cancer may be accompanied by mucus discharge. Melena may indicate involvement of upper colon tumors and requires further investigation.
3. Abdominal pain and bloating
Dull abdominal pain, bloating, or abdominal distension are common nonspecific symptoms of colon cancer. Tumor obstruction of the intestinal lumen may cause intermittent cramping abdominal pain or signs of intestinal obstruction.
4. Weight loss and fatigue
Significant, unexplained weight loss is a common sign of intestinal malignancies. Along with impaired digestion and absorption and tumor metabolism, patients often feel fatigued, weak, and in poor mental condition.
5. Anemia and weakness
Chronic blood loss can lead to iron-deficiency anemia, manifested as pale complexion, dizziness, and palpitations. Blood tests may show a persistent drop in hemoglobin, suggesting gastrointestinal bleeding.
6. Anal discomfort and tenesmus
When the tumor is near the rectum, patients often feel a strong urge to defecate even when the bowel is empty, or experience incomplete evacuation, accompanied by anal discomfort or local pain.
7. Abdominal mass or tenderness on palpation
In late-stage patients, a mass may be palpable in the lower right or lower left abdomen, often accompanied by mild tenderness. This usually results from tumor involvement of the intestinal wall and mass formation.
8. Ascites and bloating
Regional lymph node or peritoneal metastasis may cause ascites. Severe abdominal distension, shortness of breath, and indigestion significantly affect mobility.
9. Night sweats and low-grade fever
Some advanced patients may experience night sweats and unexplained low-grade fever, indicating chronic inflammation or active cancer. Anti-inflammatory or antipyretic drugs usually have little effect.
10. Anxiety and sleep disorders
Chronic rectal bleeding, abnormal bowel movements, and malnutrition affect patients' quality of life, often accompanied by anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Psychological intervention and supportive care are necessary.
Although colon cancer often develops from benign polyps, its early symptoms are diverse and insidious, making them easy to ignore. Experts at United Life International Medical Center emphasize that people over 50, those with a family history of colon cancer, or patients with chronic intestinal disease should undergo regular colonoscopy screening. If symptoms such as abnormal bowel movements, blood in stool, or unexplained weight loss occur, prompt medical evaluation is required. Experts highlight that through early screening, standardized treatment, and multi-modal strategies such as immune reconstruction cell therapy, tumor progression can be effectively delayed, improving survival rates and quality of life.
