cancer and irritable bowel syndrome
Some of the symptoms of colon cancer may be similar to those of irritable bowel syndrome, but what is the difference between the symptoms of colon cancer and irritable bowel syndrome? The symptoms and signs of colon cancer (colorectal cancer) are similar to irritable bowel syndrome, and to differentiate between them, several tests must be performed. To learn the difference between the symptoms of colon cancer and irritable bowel syndrome, as follows:
The difference between the symptoms of colon cancer and irritable bowel syndrome
Although the symptoms of colon cancer and Irritable Bowel Syndrome are similar, they can be distinguished. In the following, an explanation of the difference between the symptoms of colon cancer and Irritable Bowel Syndrome
symptoms
IBS
Colon Cancer
Abdominal cramps and pain
A change in bowel habits that lasts for several days
constipation
diarrhea
Feeling that the bowel movement is incomplete
bloating and gas
White mucus in the stool
Dark stools or blood in the stool
Fatigue and general weakness
narrowing of the stool
Rectal bleeding
Unexplained weight loss
Symptoms of colon cancer
Colon cancer is one of the types of cancers that appear in the large intestine, as it appears in the lining of the intestine.
It usually begins as small, non-cancerous clumps of cells called polyps, which form inside the colon. Over time, some of these polyps may become colon cancers.
After knowing the difference between the symptoms of colon cancer and irritable bowel syndrome, it is necessary to clarify the symptoms of colon cancer. In the early stages of colon cancer, symptoms will not appear in most people, and they may appear after the disease has grown and spread within the body.
Symptoms and signs of colon cancer include
Persistent upset stomach
Any obstruction in the colon impedes the passage of gases, which leads to bloating, pain, cramps and contractions.
diarrhea or constipation
The presence of a cancerous mass in the colon leads to a constant change in bowel habits which in turn leads to diarrhea or constipation or both.
If the bowel movement is fast, it leads to diarrhea, because there is not enough time to absorb water from the stool, and vice versa in the case of constipation.
Dark or light blood in the stool
All cases of colon cancer involve rectal bleeding.
Fatigue and exhaustion
The consumption of the body''s energy by cancer cells during their multiplication leads to fatigue and exhaustion.
Unexplained weight loss
Where cancer cells consume the body''s energy during their reproduction, and the immune system''s energy consumption while fighting cancer cells leads to unjustified weight loss.
Colon blockage with cancerous mass can prevent the absorption of important nutrients.
Change in the shape and consistency of stool
The appearance of the stool as a strip indicates colon cancer, as the presence of a mass in the colon leads to narrowing of the colon and the occurrence of what is known as partial colon obstruction.
Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
After knowing the difference between the symptoms of colon cancer and irritable bowel syndrome, it is necessary to clarify the most important information about irritable bowel syndrome. Irritable bowel syndrome is a common disorder that affects the large intestine and is a chronic condition that requires long-term treatment.
Irritable bowel syndrome does not cause changes in the intestinal tissues and does not increase the risk of colon cancer. The following are the main symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome:
Abdominal pain related to bowel movement
It is one of the most common signs, and it is one of the most important symptoms for diagnosing the disease, usually this pain occurs in the lower part of the abdomen or the entire abdomen, then the pain usually decreases after a bowel movement.
A healthy diet and some medications can help relieve abdominal pain.
bloating
It is one of the most persistent and disturbing symptoms, as the constant change in the digestion process in those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome leads to gases, and it goes away completely or partially after excretion.
diarrhea or constipation
Where a clear and continuous change in bowel movement leads to diarrhea, constipation, or both.
White mucus in the stool
Irritable bowel syndrome can cause a buildup of mucus in the stool, and dark-colored blood may appear in the stool.
Food Intolerance
70% of individuals with irritable bowel syndrome suffer from an inability to tolerate food, as the increase and irritation of symptoms is associated with some foods, and the most common foods contain gluten and lactose.
Anxiety and stress
Irritable bowel syndrome can lead to anxiety and stress, which in turn increases Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms.
There may be some days when the symptoms are milder, and other days the signs and symptoms are more severe and worse. Women with IBS often have worse symptoms during their menstrual periods.
The difference between colon cancer and irritable bowel syndrome in prognosis
After knowing the difference between the symptoms of colon cancer and Irritable Bowel Syndrome, here are the most important tests for detecting colon cancer and Irritable Bowel Syndrome:
1. Colon cancer diagnosis
Methods for detecting colon cancer include the following
Colonoscopy: Using a long, flexible, thin tube connected to a video camera and monitor, the doctor takes tissue samples for analysis if suspicious areas are found.
Blood tests: The doctor performs a blood test to look for a chemical produced by colon cancer in the patient''s blood.
2. Diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome
After knowing the difference between the symptoms of colon cancer and irritable bowel syndrome, it is necessary to know the most important information about the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome. The doctor searches for a specific pattern in the symptoms, and doctors usually make the diagnosis based on the person''s description of the symptoms.
You should refer to the doctor when you feel disturbing or persistent symptoms in order to conduct the necessary examinations and determine the appropriate treatment options for the condition.
