What are the symptoms of left-sided colon cancer?

Symptoms of Left-Sided Colon Cancer and Recommended Medical Attention

The primary symptoms of left-sided colon cancer encompass abdominal pain, blood in stool, and alterations in bowel habits. Patients are advised to promptly seek medical attention for treatment. Here are the key symptoms:

1. Abdominal Pain: As the tumor grows within the intestine, it enlarges and irritates surrounding tissues and nerve fibers. Larger tumors can cause dull or aching abdominal pain, often persistent in nature.

2. Blood in Stool: In more severe cases, patients may experience intermittent bleeding in their stool, appearing dark red or bright red and typically not mixed with feces. As the condition progresses, it may be accompanied by symptoms such as mucous discharge or purulent blood in stool.

3. Changes in Bowel Habits: Some patients may experience diarrhea or constipation, leading to significant weight loss and emaciation. Additionally, a small number of individuals may feel a sense of urgency to defecate, yet produce little to no stool, commonly known as tenesmus.

Apart from these common symptoms, patients may also exhibit systemic manifestations such as anemia, fever, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Upon diagnosis, it is crucial to actively cooperate with medical professionals in targeted treatments, including surgical resection of the tumor, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, to manage disease progression.

In daily life, maintaining a healthy diet is essential, favoring light and easily digestible foods while avoiding spicy and greasy meals.