Carcinoma Of Sigmoid Colon: An Overview

The colon forms a major part of the large intestine. This colon is split into four parts namely, the ascending, the traverse, the descending and the sigmoid colon. When a cancer develops in the fourth section of the colon, it is known as the carcinoma of sigmoid colon.

The last section is known as the sigmoid colon because it is shaped like a sigmoid. Simply put, it resembles an S shape. The sigmoid colon is also known as a sigmoid flexure or a pelvic colon. It forms a loop which averages to almost forty centimeters in length and usually lies within the pelvis region.

The sigmoid colon is generally affected by colorectal cancer. This bowel cancer or the cancer of the large intestinal tract is very common in adults over the age of fifty years. The colon carcinoma can affect any part of the rectum or the colon. But it first develops in the sigmoid colon, the rectum or the lower part of the descending colon, most commonly.

There are various symptoms of the colorectal carcinoma that can help the victim identify and treat the disease. The symptom that is most commonly found in all the patients is blood traces in the stool. If the victim is suffering from carcinoma of the sigmoid colon and the rectum, the stools would be bright red.

Howsoever, if the stool is black, thick and tarry, the cancer can be diagnosed in the sigmoid colon as well as higher up in the digestive tract. This type of stool is generally known as melena, which is caused as a result of the blood being digested partially. If the bleeding persists, it is advisable that the victim consult a specialist immediately.

This is because if the slow bleeding prolongs, the victim can even develop an iron deficiency. This can lead to anemia. Anemia would manifest paleness and weakness and eventually, a shortness of breath. This slow bleeding through the stools is the first evident symptom of a carcinoma of sigmoid colon.

This situation requires an immediate treatment. Usually surgery is the only therapy which can be used for treating the cancer of the mesentery or the sigmoid colon. One of the most recommendable and recognized treatments of the carcinoma of the sigmoid colon is the flexible sigmoidoscopy.

Flexible sigmoidoscopy comprises the visual examination of the interior of the sigmoid colon and the rectum. This exam is performed to diagnose the cause of various symptoms. A victim of carcinoma of sigmoid colon may be able to detect the disease at an early stage with the help of regular sigmoidoscopy. This can help the victim get the disease cured easily. So dont miss it!