What Are the Early Symptoms of Colon Cancer?

The early symptoms of ascending colon cancer manifest in various forms, including initial symptoms, toxic symptoms, intestinal obstruction manifestations, and abdominal masses. Here is a breakdown:

I. Early Symptoms of Ascending Colon Cancer

1. Initial Symptoms

At the earliest stage, ascending colon cancer may present with symptoms such as abdominal bloating and indigestion. Subsequently, changes in bowel habits may occur, manifesting as diarrhea or constipation. Mucus-filled stool or mucus-bloody stool may also be observed.

2. Toxic Symptoms

Due to tumor ulceration, blood loss, and toxin absorption, patients often experience symptoms such as anemia, low-grade fever, fatigue, weight loss, and edema. Among these, anemia and weight loss are particularly prominent.

3. Intestinal Obstruction Manifestations

These manifest as incomplete or complete low intestinal obstruction symptoms, such as abdominal bloating, abdominal pain (distention or colic pain), constipation, or obstipation. Physical examination may reveal abdominal distension, intestinal patterns, local tenderness, and audible hyperactive bowel sounds.

4. Abdominal Masses

These masses are tumor bodies or masses resulting from infiltration and adhesion of the tumor to the mesentery and surrounding tissues. They are hard, irregular in shape, and may have a certain degree of mobility along the intestine. In the late stages, as the tumor infiltrates more deeply, the mass may become fixed.

II. Treatment Methods for Ascending Colon Cancer

1. Surgical Methods

Right hemicolectomy is suitable for cancers located in the cecum, ascending colon, and hepatic flexure of the colon. For cancers in the cecum and ascending colon, the resection includes the right transverse colon, ascending colon, cecum, and a 15-20cm segment of the terminal ileum. Anastomosis is then performed between the ileum and the transverse colon.

2. Chemotherapy

The goal of chemotherapy is to eliminate cancerous cells and subclinical micro-metastases in the patient's bloodstream, thereby preventing local recurrence and metastasis after surgery. The main routes of administration are intravenous chemotherapy, as well as local infusions and intraluminal administrations via the anus or arteries. Intravenous chemotherapy is the most commonly used method.