Advanced colon cancer is late stage 3 to stage 4 cancer of the colon or large intestine. When a person has late stage colon cancer, he or she will likely become very symptomatic. Some of the most common symptoms of advanced colon cancer include bloody stools, differences in usual bowel habits and chronic abdominal discomfort. Unintentional weight loss, changes in appetite and ongoing nausea can also be symptoms. Some individuals with colon cancer may also suffer from extreme fatigue.
Bloody stools can be a symptom of advanced colon cancer. The color of the blood may vary from being really bright to very dark red colored. In some individuals, the stools may appear so dark that they have a tarry appearance. Often in colon cancer, seeing spots of blood in stools can be an early symptom.
Changes in normal bowel habits can also be symptoms of this advanced disease. Bowel habit changes may include an unusual increase or decrease in bowel movements as well as abnormal bouts of diarrhea or constipation. There may also be the uneasy feeling that even after bathroom usage, the bowel is still somewhat full. Some individuals may also notice peculiar looking stools, such as a pencil thin appearance. Rectal bleeding may be an additional symptom with or without the occurrence of a bowel movement.
As colon cancer spreads, chronic abdominal pain and cramping can be other symptoms. The abdomen may appear especially bloated and often tender. In the late stages, some people may also endure pelvic pain. This may be a sign of the cancer advancing into organs in the lower abdomen such as the bladder.
Unintentional weight loss is another highly rated symptom of advanced colon cancer. This symptom can be attributed to several factors. For instance, many people with advanced cancer experience a loss of appetite. Other common symptoms such as nausea and vomiting can also cause unintentional loss of weight. Extreme fatigue and overall body weakness can also be symptoms of colon cancer as it progresses.
If an individual experiences symptoms of colon cancer, he or she should seek immediate help of a medical professional. The doctor will generally run several tests to conclude or exclude the presence of the disease. One test commonly used to diagnose colon cancer is a colonoscopy. The test is commonly recommended for older individuals and people of all ages with a family history of this type of cancer. Early diagnosis is key when treating cancer, so any symptoms similar to those of this disease should be investigated.