Tumor of the sigmoid colon refers to diseases that occur quite often and are dangerous malignant neoplasms. This disease is characterized by the appearance of uncontrollably proliferating cells that can penetrate into nearby tissues and metastasize.
What is the sigmoid colon
The sigmoid colon is a section of the intestine. It goes almost to the rectum. It is in it that the formation of feces and the absorption of nutrients occur.
Tumor of the sigmoid colon is one of the most common malignant neoplasms, which is determined by the anatomical structure of this area. Fecal masses become much thicker, so the mucous membrane is in contact with toxic substances for a long time. As a result of interaction with the tissues of the intestine, the formation of polyps that hang down into the intestinal lumen, and fleecy, pink-red tumors, the surface of which is velvety, may form.
Feature of the disease
A malignant tumor of the sigmoid colon refers to neoplasms that form on the tissues of the sigmoid regionintestines. This intestine is located in front of the rectum. It is in this department that feces are formed. If there is a violation of the digestion process in the body, then the feces remain in the sigmoid colon for a long time, as a result of which it stretches, changes its location and becomes more voluminous.
As a result of the retention of feces, intoxication of the body occurs, as well as a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen and discomfort. A tumor of the sigmoid colon at the initial stage does not manifest itself at all, which is very dangerous. Symptoms begin to appear only when the disease is in the last stages. Therefore, if there is discomfort in the intestinal area and the presence of characteristic symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor, since the disease can lead to the death of the patient.
Tumor type classification
A benign tumor of the sigmoid colon can develop into a malignant neoplasm over time. Among the main types of this disease are the following:
- mucoid adenocarcinoma;
- highly differentiated;
- moderately differentiated;
- Ricoid cell cancer.
Poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma is considered the most aggressive form of malignant neoplasm. It has very pronounced symptoms and rapid development.
Stages of disease
There are several stages of a tumor of the sigmoid colon, which are characterized by different symptoms. In the first stage, the tumor is small and located only inmucous membrane. With timely treatment, the prognosis is quite good, and a person can live more than 5 years.
In the second stage, the tumor grows into the intestinal wall, its size increases, but there are no metastases. In the third stage, a malignant neoplasm extends to half the diameter of the sigmoid colon, and at the same time metastases begin to form in the lymph nodes. Survival prognosis after treatment is less than 50%.
A tumor of the sigmoid colon of the 4th stage is characterized by the germination of a malignant neoplasm in other organs and tissues and the formation of metastases. At this stage, the treatment is quite difficult.
Causes of occurrence
Modern medicine has stepped far forward in determining the main cause of this disease. The method of conducting therapy, as well as the outcome of the treatment, largely depends on this. There are certain risk factors that affect the occurrence of cancer of the sigmoid colon, in particular such as:
- hereditary factor;
- food features;
- presence of bad habits;
- chronic inflammation.
Most often the disease is associated with a hereditary factor. That is why, if close relatives have this disease, it is necessary to undergo a periodic examination by a doctor, especially during puberty, so that the pathological process can be detected even at the stage when the tumorbenign.
Unhe althy diet, in particular the consumption of fast food, foods high in carcinogens, as well as alcohol abuse and smoking, can lead to the onset of the disease. All this provokes the formation of toxic substances in the body, which, when they penetrate the intestines, provoke the inhibition of beneficial microflora, which causes inflammation in the stomach and intestines.
Chronic inflammatory processes lead to significant changes in the intestinal mucosa. At risk are people suffering from peptic ulcer and colitis. They can provoke complications in the form of malignant neoplasms.
Main symptoms
Sigmoid tumor symptoms appear at later stages, so the disease is very difficult to recognize and treat in a timely manner. Among the first signs, one can single out the occurrence of bleeding, which may be due to trauma to the neoplasm with feces.
Often there is a degeneration of a fleecy spongy tumor, resulting in an inflammatory process. Metastases of the tumor of the sigmoid colon are often observed in the elderly. The asymptomatic course of oncological processes is always dangerous for a person, since the first signs appear already at the very last stages, and this threatens with dangerous complications and threatens life.
Villous tumor of the sigmoid colon at the initial stage can be detected duringpreventive measures and research analyses. She, like polyps, responds well to therapy and gives fairly good prognosis after surgery. They need to be removed only with a benign course of the disease in order to prevent the transition to a malignant neoplasm.
With an attentive and careful attitude to one's own he alth, it is quite possible to suspect the presence of signs of a malignant neoplasm. Symptoms in this case will be characteristic of the entire intestine and prolonged. You should definitely consult a doctor if you have symptoms such as:
- disruption of digestive processes;
- bloating and belching;
- feeling of tension in the peritoneum;
- presence of purulent accumulation in feces;
- pain.
If you suspect a malignant tumor, you can not ignore the deterioration of he alth, as they may indicate the 3rd stage of the disease. The patient's face acquires a gray tint, anemia occurs, body weight decreases, he quickly gets tired and becomes weak.
In women, symptoms may be similar to signs of cystitis, as well as inflammation of the urinary organs, as well as ovarian cancer.
Diagnostics
Instrumental studies will help determine the cause and stage of a malignant neoplasm. Diagnostic measures include research, with the help of which the doctor can indicate the clinical picture of the course of the disease, on the basis of which the therapy regimen is determined. Initiallyhe asks the patient about the existing complaints, characteristic signs and localization of painful sensations.
Since the sigmoid colon is located on the left side of the peritoneum, pain is mostly concentrated in this area. After that, the doctor palpates the abdomen, and if the malignant tumor is large, then it is felt. Then the doctor prescribes a number of instrumental and laboratory tests, in particular such as:
- colonoscopy;
- irrigoscopy;
- tomogram;
- laboratory diagnostics.
In a malignant neoplasm, a patient is shown a colonoscopy, which is performed using a special apparatus - a colonoscope. This tool is a flexible and thin tube equipped with a small video camera at the end, which makes it possible to see the state of the affected organ on a computer monitor. The doctor examines the affected area of the intestine, determining the presence of neoplasms, their location, as well as their size. During the study, biological material is taken for a biopsy.
Irrigoscopy, or x-ray, is characterized by the fact that pictures of the peritoneal area are taken, on which the tumor is visualized. For this study, a contrast agent is first injected into the intestine, which allows you to make more accurate and clear pictures.
Computer and magnetic resonance imaging is prescribed for patients who are suspected of having a tumor. These studiesallow you to determine the size of the neoplasm, its location, how badly the intestine and nearby organs are affected.
In addition, laboratory diagnostics are carried out. The patient undergoes a number of required tests, including blood, urine and feces for blood and pus in case of damage to malignant cells of the kidneys and genitourinary system.
Features of treatment
Treatment of a tumor of the sigmoid colon is carried out exclusively by surgical intervention. Endoscopic techniques are considered the most effective methods. Laparoscopy helps not only to reduce the level of trauma from the surgical intervention, but also to prevent the occurrence of complications in the form of infection or bleeding. In addition, if a tumor of the sigmoid colon was removed using endoscopic techniques, then the rehabilitation period is significantly reduced. After a few days, a person may already return to their usual way of life.
With the help of endoscopy, it is possible to remove the affected area of the intestine through a small incision, and at the same time, nearby organs are protected from damage by malignant cells.
In the initial stages of the disease, the removal of a tumor of the sigmoid colon is performed during a colonoscopy. In this case, it is very well combined with electroplasma coagulation. Endoscopic techniques are used mainly in elderly people who are in a very serious condition. This is due to the fact that people in this condition simply cannot withstand standard surgical intervention, which implies a dissection of the abdominal wall.
Depending on the characteristics of the tumor of the sigmoid colon, the operation can be performed in different ways and the tactics of its implementation change during the intervention. In this case, the state of the intestine is of great importance. If the patient is young and his condition is stable, then doctors recommend performing a standard operation with the removal of a significant part of the intestine.
If a large tumor of the sigmoid colon is observed, the operation is not performed by the standard method. Such patients are shown palliative intervention, aimed not at treating the patient, but only at alleviating his condition. In the presence of intestinal obstruction, a colostomy is formed.
When the disease is advanced, the tumor of the sigmoid colon is not removed, but chemotherapy sessions are prescribed. In addition, chemotherapy is prescribed to the patient after surgery to restore the normal process of urination and defecation. Radiation therapy is used quite rarely, as rupture of the intestinal walls can occur, since this malignant neoplasm is very sensitive to radiation.
Dieting
In a malignant neoplasm with localization in the intestinal region, the patient is prescribed fractional meals 5-6 times a day. Dishes are served exclusively warm and grated.
Diet after surgery consistsexclusively from juices, liquid vegetable purees and herbal decoctions. This diet must be for 5-6 days. The consumption of any food should be strictly coordinated with the doctor. The subsequent diet for malignant neoplasms implies a decrease in the amount of meat consumed or its complete exclusion, fried foods, canned food, confectionery, and semi-finished products. Be sure to exclude spicy and hard foods from your usual diet.
You need to consume only natural fresh foods, in particular vegetables, fruits and cereals. Nutrition should be balanced, complete, not containing coarse inclusions. It is best to consume as many light meals as possible. After a month, you can gradually include lean meats and fish, various dairy products in your diet.
Folk methods of therapy
Therapy of bowel cancer through the use of folk methods complements surgery, as well as chemotherapy. Folk methods for malignant tumors help strengthen the immune system, make you feel better after chemotherapy, normalize the functioning of the intestines, and prolong the life of the patient. Treatment with folk remedies and methods implies the use of:
- poisonous herbs;
- alcohol tinctures;
- soda, minerals, goji berries.
Complex therapy of cancerous tumors of the sigmoid colon gives a good chance for a successful and quick recovery. Folkanticancer drugs are included in complex therapy and help to normalize well-being after surgery and a course of chemotherapy. It is important to remember that many herbs are highly poisonous, so strict adherence to the formulation of the drug preparation is required.
Survival forecast
With a tumor of the sigmoid colon, the prognosis largely depends on the stage of the course of the disease, as well as the characteristics of the malignant lesion. The prognosis of survival depends on several factors, in particular such as:
- cancer stage;
- age of the patient and the severity of his condition;
- are there any additional diseases.
A malignant tumor manifests itself at later stages, and in this case, the course of the disease has a very unfavorable prognosis. In this case, patients do not undergo surgery, and they can only rely on the effect obtained from chemotherapy.
The presence or absence of lymph node metastasis is very important. In the absence of metastases in the patient's body, the prognosis is quite good and the survival rate is high. If the patient has metastases, then only a few patients survive the 5-year milestone.
Prevention measures
To prevent the occurrence of a tumor, you must definitely worry about preventive measures. To do this, it is imperative to adhere to the correct diet, timely conduct therapy for inflammatory processes,lead an active lifestyle, undergo regular examinations, and give up bad habits.
In addition, if there are problems with the digestive tract, it is imperative to undergo periodic examinations to detect the problem in a timely manner.
