The difference between colon cancer and benign colon tumors

The Difference Between Colon Cancer and Benign Colon Tumors

Colon cancer and benign colon tumors are two very different conditions with different causes, symptoms, and treatments. It is important to be able to distinguish between the two so that you can get the appropriate care.

Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the large intestine (colon). It is the third leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Colon cancer typically develops slowly over many years. In the early stages, it may not cause any symptoms. As the tumor grows, it can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

Abdominal pain

Constipation

Diarrhea

Blood in the stool

Narrow stools

Weight loss

Fatigue

Benign Colon Tumors

Benign colon tumors are noncancerous growths that can occur in the colon. They are not as common as colon cancer, but they can still be a cause of concern. Benign colon tumors can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

Abdominal pain

Constipation

Diarrhea

Blood in the stool

Narrow stools

Weight loss

Fatigue

Risk Factors

The risk factors for colon cancer and benign colon tumors are similar. They include:

Age: The risk of both colon cancer and benign colon tumors increases with age.

Family history: People who have a family history of colon cancer or benign colon tumors are at an increased risk of developing these conditions.

Personal history: People who have had a previous colon polyp or colon cancer are at an increased risk of developing another colon polyp or colon cancer.

Diet: A diet high in red meat and processed meat increases the risk of colon cancer. A diet high in fiber decreases the risk of colon cancer.

Obesity: Obesity increases the risk of colon cancer.

Smoking: Smoking cigarettes increases the risk of colon cancer.

Alcohol use: Heavy alcohol use increases the risk of colon cancer.

Diagnosis

Colon cancer and benign colon tumors are diagnosed through a variety of tests, including:

Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is a procedure in which a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end is inserted into the colon. This allows the doctor to see the inside of the colon and look for any abnormalities.

Sigmoidoscopy: A sigmoidoscopy is a procedure in which a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end is inserted into the rectum and sigmoid colon. This allows the doctor to see the inside of the rectum and sigmoid colon and look for any abnormalities.

Virtual colonoscopy: A virtual colonoscopy is a CT scan of the colon. This allows the doctor to see the inside of the colon and look for any abnormalities.

Biopsy: A biopsy is a procedure in which a small piece of tissue is removed from the colon and examined under a microscope to look for any abnormalities.

Treatment

The treatment for colon cancer and benign colon tumors depends on the stage of the condition.

Treatment for Colon Cancer

The treatment for colon cancer typically involves surgery to remove the tumor. In some cases, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may also be used.

Treatment for Benign Colon Tumors

The treatment for benign colon tumors typically involves surgery to remove the tumor. In some cases, other treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, may also be used.

Prevention

There are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of colon cancer and benign colon tumors, including:

Get regular colonoscopies: Colonoscopies are the best way to find and remove colon polyps before they can turn into cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends that people at average risk of colon cancer get a colonoscopy every 10 years starting at age 50. People who are at high risk of colon cancer may need to get a colonoscopy more often.

Eat a healthy diet: A diet high in fiber and low in red meat and processed meat can help reduce your risk of colon cancer.

Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity increases your risk of colon cancer.

Quit smoking: Smoking cigarettes increases your risk of colon cancer.

Limit alcohol intake: Heavy alcohol use increases your risk of colon cancer.

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