Beginning Signs: Colon Polyps
Colorectal cancer refers to cancers of the large intestine. The rectum is actually a part of the colon, making up the last six inches of the . Made up of several layers of tissues, colorectal cancer begins in the tissues' inner layers.
In these layers, small clumps of cells known as polyps develop from cells lining the colon. There are three types of polyps:
• Hyperplastic - Almost 90 percent of polyps are classified as hyperplastic. This type is typically no larger than 0.5 cm in diameter and typically run a low risk of developing into cancer.
• Adenomas - Very small in size (less than 1 cm in diameter) these polyps can take on a tube or cauliflower-like shape, called villous. Villous adenomas are the most dangerous, causing the most deaths of all polyps.
• Polyposis syndromes - This refers to polyps that grow as a result of syndromes such as Gardner syndrome, Turcot syndrome, and Cowden disease.
While some polyps are more dangerous than others, all have a chance to become malignant.
Cancer Development
Polyps typically develop in the colon as benign growths. These polyps can be removed before they become cancerous through a screening colonoscopy, which tests for the presence of cancer and colon polyps or by surgical methods. Another type of cancer can form in the colon: nonpolypoid lesions, which are growths that are flat or embedded in the colon wall. Like polyps, these lesions begin as non-cancerous, then can become malignant.
Advanced Forms
If polyps are not removed during a colonoscopy or surgical procedure, over time, certain polyps may develop into cancerous cells. These polyps may or may not cause symptoms, such as changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, cramping, gas, or other stomach pain. If cancerous polyps are allowed to develop, the cancerous cells may grow and extend into the outer layers of the colon, which can result in the most deadly cancers.
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