A patient with rectal cancer visited our clinic to undergo a rectal radiography. The imaging showed a sign of an apple-bite, which is consistent with colon cancer.
apple-bite Sign:
Colon cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the large intestine (colon) or rectum, which is the last part of the digestive tract. Colon cancer typically starts as a small growth of abnormal cells called polyps. Over time, some of these polyps can turn into cancer.
Symptoms:
People with colon cancer may not experience any symptoms in the early stages. However, some people may experience the following symptoms:
- Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation or changes in the shape or size of the stool
- Blood in the stool
- Pain in the abdomen or lower back
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
Causes:
The causes of colon cancer are not fully understood. However, doctors believe that there are several factors that can contribute to its development, including:
- Age: The risk of colon cancer increases with age
- Family history: People with a family history of colon or rectal cancer are at an increased risk of developing it
- Genetic changes: Mutations in DNA can lead to the growth of abnormal cells that can develop into cancer
- Lifestyle factors: Lifestyle factors, such as an unhealthy diet, smoking, and lack of physical activity, can contribute to an increased risk of colon cancer