The colon, which is another name for the large intestine, is part of the body's digestive system. The colon helps in absorbing vitamins, protein, water, fats and carbohydrates. In some cases colon tissue will start to grow uncontrollably, which causes colon cancer. While colon cancer can be treated, sometimes some of the damaged cells are not eliminated, which can cause the colon cancer to come back.
Bowel Movement Symptoms
Some of the earliest symptoms that colon cancer has come back is a change in bowel movements. Bowel movements may happen more frequently but be of a smaller volume. They may also be thin or watery. Another symptom that bowel cancer has come back is that blood or mucus could be mixed in with the stool.
Other Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Other symptoms of colon cancer recurring can be found in other parts of the digestive system. They include abdominal pain, bloating and cramps. Patients may also feel full, even when not having eaten. They may also experience acid reflux and indigestion.
Systemic Symptoms
Other symptoms that can indicate the cancer has come back can affect the entire body. People who have had their colon cancer come back suddenly have no appetite. They will also experience a sudden and unexplained weight loss as a result of the cancer needing so much energy. Finally, they may feel tired all the time.
Symptoms of Metastases
Colon cancer, when it comes back, can spread to other organs. If it spreads to the liver, it can cause pain in the upper right part of the abdomen as well as swelling. When it spreads to the lungs, it may cause difficulty breathing, coughing and possibly coughing up blood. Those are the two most common sites for the cancer to spread.
Diagnosis
Often, if a physician suspects that colon cancer has returned, she will ask for a CT scan or an MRI. This test will help visualize any lumps or abnormal growths that may indicate that the colon cancer has returned. Generally, your physician will want to confirm this suspicion by getting a biopsy of one of the suspected tumors.
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