The large intestine absorbs water from food. Tumors can occur in the wall of this part of the intestines.
The colon, or large intestine, is a long, hollow tube at the end of the digestive tract in the abdomen. The large intestine acts as a waste processor: it absorbs digested food as solid waste and pushes it out of the body through the rectum and anus.
The lining of the large intestine is an ideal place for small polyps and tumors to establish and grow. polyps are generally benign. However, malignant tumors can also develop in the colon.
Colon cancer can occur in men and women, mostly older than 50 years. Prolonged constipation or diarrhea, blood in the stool, and unexplained fatigue or weight loss are symptoms of colorectal cancer. Colon cancer is often associated with rectal cancer. Then we speak of colorectal cancer.
As in most cases of cancer early detection is also important in colorectal cancer. Patients at increased risk should be monitored regularly. These are, for example, people over the age of 50 and people with a family history of colorectal cancer.
