User:Palmd/colonca

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Overview

Colon cancer is the third most common caner in both men and women in the United States. It is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S, with 50,000-60,000 people dying of it yearly.

Anatomy

Anatomy of the colon

The anantomy of the colon is important in understanding cancer. The colon is usually considered to have 5 sections:

• ascending colon
• transverse colon
• descending colon
• sigmoid colon
• rectum

Natural History

Progression of colon polyp to cancer

Symptoms & Diagnosis

Many people with colon cancer have no symptoms at all. In people who do have symptoms, the most common ones are:

1. Abdominal pain — 44 percent
2. Change in bowel habit — 43 percent
3. Hematochezia or melena — 40 percent
4. Weakness — 20 percent
5. Anemia without other gastrointestinal symptoms — 11 percent
6. Weight loss — 6 percent

References

1. Jemal, A, Siegel, R, Ward, E, et al. Cancer statistics, 2006. CA Cancer J Clin 2006; 56:106.
2. Speights, VO, Johnson, MW, Stoltenberg, PH, et al. Colorectal cancer: Current trends in initial clinical manifestations. South Med J 1991; 84:575.