Carcinoma Of The Sigmoid Colon: The Most Common Form Of Cancer

The sigmoid colon is a part of the large intestinal tract. It is a loop form which is about forty centimeters long and lies within the pelvis. When a cancer occurs in this part of the colon, it is known as a carcinoma of the sigmoid colon.

There are a number of symptoms that work as indicators of the disease for the sufferer to diagnose the presence of the disease. For instance, the change in the bowel habit can be caused due to a colorectal cancer. Thinned stools and bloating and cramping of the stomach may also be the body's way of indicating the condition of carcinoma of the sigmoid colon. The only way to diagnose the presence of the cancer cells is through a regular screening or a sigmoidoscopy.

A sigmoidoscopy is an internal examination of the sigmoid colon. This exam uses an instrument called a sigmoidoscope. This is a small camera that is attached to a flexible tube. This instrument is inserted into the large intestine to check the sigmoid, the descending portions of the colon and the rectum. This examination helps the specialist to know whether or not the victim is actually suffering from sigmoid cancer.

This examination is basically performed to identify the cause of some specific symptoms. It is used as a preventative measure to diagnose problems at a primary stage. This examination may be able to detect the problem even before the patient recognizes the symptoms.

A sigmoidoscopy must be performed in case the victim experiences bleeding from the rectum. Rectal bleeding is one of the most common symptoms. This is caused due a fissure (a small tear at the anus) or hemorrhoids. There can, however, be many other serious problems that can lead to a bleeding of the rectum. Benign polyps in the sigmoid colon can also lead to bleeding. It is therefore essential to identify the polyps and remove them at an early stage, before they become cancerous.

A continuous diarrhea must also be always evaluated. A cancer in the sigmoid colon can also cause the victim to suffer from a persistent diarrhea. A sigmoidoscopic examination can prove to be of great help in tracking down carcinoma of the sigmoid colon.

Cancer of the sigmoid colon is the most common form of cancer. However, it is highly curable if tracked at an early stage. Thus, it is usually advisable that every adult undergo a sigmoidoscopy examination after crossing the age of fifty. A sigmoidoscopy is also recommended if a carcinoma of the sigmoid colon is diagnosed in any family members. So its best to go through the examination immediately and dont put this off for another day!