What are the differences in the symptoms of colorectal cancer, colon cancer and rectal cancer

The symptoms of colorectal cancer, colon cancer, and rectal cancer are often similar in the early stages, but there are some characteristic differences depending on the location of the tumor. The symptoms of colorectal cancer usually cover the manifestations of colon cancer and rectal cancer, while colon cancer and rectal cancer each have their own distinct characteristics due to their different anatomical locations.

Colon cancer is more common in the upper abdomen and the right or left area of ​​the abdomen. Its early symptoms may include abdominal pain, anemia, abdominal masses, and weight loss. When the cancer is located in the right colon, the patient may suffer from chronic iron deficiency anemia and fatigue due to poor absorption, while when the cancer is located in the left colon, constipation, abdominal distension, and deformed stools are more likely to occur. When the tumor blocks the intestine, it can also cause symptoms of acute intestinal obstruction. The typical manifestation of rectal cancer is a change in stool characteristics, including disordered bowel habits, persistent urge to defecate or a feeling of incomplete defecation, and blood and mucus in the stool, which is mostly bright red or dark red. Because the rectum is located lower and closer to the anus, patients often feel anal swelling and pain, which may cause difficulty in defecation or even complete obstruction in the late stage.

Colon cancer is more common in the upper abdomen and the right or left area of ​​the abdomen. Its early symptoms may include abdominal pain, anemia, abdominal masses, and weight loss. When the cancer is located in the right colon, the patient may suffer from chronic iron deficiency anemia and fatigue due to poor absorption, while when the cancer is located in the left colon, constipation, abdominal distension, and deformed stools are more likely to occur. When the tumor blocks the intestine, it can also cause symptoms of acute intestinal obstruction. The typical manifestation of rectal cancer is a change in stool characteristics, including disordered bowel habits, persistent urge to defecate or a feeling of incomplete defecation, and blood and mucus in the stool, which is mostly bright red or dark red. Because the rectum is located lower and closer to the anus, patients often feel anal swelling and pain, which may cause difficulty in defecation or even complete obstruction in the late stage.

For the symptoms of these three cancers, no matter what the manifestation is, early diagnosis is critical to the treatment effect. When symptoms such as unexplained blood in the stool, sudden weight loss, persistent abdominal pain, changes in bowel movements, etc. occur, it is recommended to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Professional examinations such as colonoscopy, CT imaging and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) testing can make a clear diagnosis. In order to prevent the occurrence of these three diseases, you should pay attention to maintaining a high-fiber, low-fat diet, eat more fruits and vegetables, and exercise regularly. At the same time, quit smoking and limit alcohol to avoid obesity. Once diagnosed, surgery is the main treatment method, which can be combined with chemotherapy or radiotherapy to improve prognosis. The surgical procedures selected for cancer in different parts include colectomy, proctocolectomy, etc. The specific treatment plan needs to be determined according to the cancer stage.