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Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Colon Cancer Symptoms - Finding Out If You Have Colorectal Cancer

The only way to know if you have colorectal cancer is a biopsy of the colon or rectal area that appears cancerous. These tests can be performed by a gastrointerologist or a colon and rectal surgeon. What are the symptoms that should send you to one of these specialists for testing?

Often the first symptom is bright red rectal bleeding. This does not always mean that you have colon cancer but you should seek medical care for this symptom as colorectal cancers often bleed. If the cancer is far from the rectum instead of bright red bleeding, a sign of colon cancer is dark, tarry stools, another symptom that should send you straight to the doctor.

Bleeding into the intestine results in a low blood count or anemia. A symptom of anemia is lack of energy. In any unexplained anemia the diagnosis of colon cancer must be considered.

New onset constipation is another symptom. As the cancer grows it begins to block the intestine so stools cannot pass. With certain types of colon cancers, diarrhea can also be a symptom. Diarrhea that does not resolve in a few days must also be investigated.

When the intestinal tract is partially or completely blocked, a feeling of fullness, decrease in appetite, and weight loss can be a result. These are symptoms of colon cancer until proven otherwise.

Bright red rectal bleeding, dark tarry stools, fatigue, constipation, continuous diarrhea, weight loss, lacks of appetite, and a feeling of fullness can all be symptoms. It is important to seek medical help if you have any or especially a combination of these symptoms as they can be colon cancer symptoms. The only way to know that you have colorectal cancer is to see a doctor who can diagnose the cause of the symptoms.

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