Sigmoid Colon

Although inappropriate diet & unhealthy lifestyle considerably add to the risks of  sigmoid colon cancer, the disease may also be influenced by an underlying genetic predisposition. Sigmoid colon cancer statistics reveal that 5 % of colon cancers globally are caused solely through genetic dysfunctions and physiological abnormalities. Depending upon their underlying cause, sigmoid colon cancers may be either unexpected (sporadic colon cancers), or genetically-inherited.

The majority of cases of sigmoid colon cancer occur because of formation of polyps in different regions of the large bowel (the colon). Colonic polyps are well-known soft tissues which may become malignant. There are numerous types of hereditary sigmoid colon cancer; a lot are caused foremost colonic polyps. The most common kinds of genetically-inherited sigmoid colon cancers are adenomatous polyposis and “Gardner’s Syndrome”. Non-polyphonies colon cancer is as well common among hereditary forms of the disease. Unlike other types of genetically-inherited colon cancer, non-polyposis sigmoid colon cancer does not always involve the configuration of polyps. Uncommon varieties of hereditary sigmoid colon cancer include juvenile polyposis and Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome.

Unlike non-hereditary types of colon cancer that usually develop in those older than fifty, hereditary sigmoid colon cancers can arise in younger people. In fact, some types of the genetically-inherited sigmoid colon cancers are developed by children and teenagers.

Among the populace who have a family history of sigmoid colon cancer, people should regularly visit oncologists, qualified doctors or natural health specialists well versed in colon health for the sake of prevention, or early detection and treatment. Discovered in its initial stages, colon cancer may be effectively overcome by means of surgical interference or specific therapies. On the other hand, if sigmoid colon cancer is identified much later, a patients’ prognosis may be uncertain.

Colonoscopy is a very common, reliable method of finding traces of sigmoid colon cancer in patients. Doctors may quickly spot potential signs and symptoms of abnormalities in the large bowel. Colonoscopy is very useful in the process of diagnosing the hereditary or sporadic types of colon cancer, since it can easily disclose the presence of colonic polyps, or the later stage tumors. People who have blood-relatives affected by colon cancer may carry a higher risk of developing such disease as well. Therefore, it is advised that they should receive also have semi-regular colonoscopies, as to detect and prevent signs of malignancy within the colon.

Both obtained (sporadic) and hereditary sigmoid colon cancers can be life-threatening diseases; they should be revealed as soon as is feasible in order to reduce the risk of morbidity. Colon cancers encompass an unpredictable prototype of evolution, and the development is strongly prejudiced by genetically-inherited abnormalities. While lifestyle improvements and vigorous diet can diminish those risks of developing sigmoid colon cancer, people with underlying physiological abnormalities of the large bowel may still be vulnerable to developing problems. However, this is not to say that good dietary and lifestyle choices should be disregarded. On the contrary, they should be embraced; they can benefit any person with concerns relating to sigmoid colon health.

What is Sigmoid Colon Cancer?The colon is located in the large intestine, and is divided into several regions. Each region of the colon has specific responsibilities to carry out as part of the human digestive tract. The sigmoid region of the colon is located immediately above the rectum, and below the descending colon. Sigmoid colon cancer, then, are cancerous cells that are within the sigmoid region of the colon. Treating sigmoid colon cancer depends on what stage of cancer the patient is in when treatment begins.Stages of Sigmoid Colon Cancer

There are three stages to sigmoid colon cancer, and the stages are determined by the size of the tumor and to what degree the tumor has penetrated. Stage 1 cancer is the classification for cancerous tumors that are small in size, and those that have no yet penetrated the mucosal layer of the colon.

Stage 2 sigmoid colon cancer include tumors that have penetrated the muscle wall of the colon, and are larger than tumors in stage 1 cancer.

Stage 3 sigmoid colon cancer includes large tumors and the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes located nearby.

Most sigmoid colon cancers are treated by surgery to remove the entire sigmoid area of the colon. A colostomy is typically required of sigmoid colon cancer surgery. When detected early, in stages 1 and 2, surgery is typically the only treatment required for removal of the cancer, while stage 3 colon cancer is likely to require chemotherapy treatments after surgery to kill any remaining cancerous cells.

How To Detect Sigmoid Colon Cancer

During an inspection of the lower portion of the large intestine, called a sigmoidoscopy, if polyps are found then a piece of tissue is removed (a colon culture) and tested for sigmoid colon cancer. If there is a large number of polyps found in the lower third of the patient’s large intestine, than typically a colonoscopy will be suggested in order to perform a much more thorough examination of the large intestine.

Risk Factors Contributing to Sigmoid Colon Cancer

Sigmoid colon cancer, or colon cancer in general, is considered third in the most common cancers found in the United States. Risk factors that contribute to colon cancer include diets that are high in fat and low in fiber, Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis (inflammatory bowel disease), having certain colonic polyps, and hereditary disorders.

Sigmoid Colon

Where is the Sigmoid Colon?

The sigmoid colon is the s-shaped curve in the last part of the large intestine or bowel just before the rectum. It is less than 16 inches in length and is curved like an “s.” In Greek, the “s” is called sigmoid. The sigmoid colon is free to move somewhat and may be displaced into the abdominal cavity.

The colon starts on the lower right side of the abdomen where the small intestine empties into the large intestine. The first part of the colon is called the cecum. The colon then goes to the level of the liver where it bends sharply to the left and crosses the abdomen; this is called the transverse colon. When the colon moves to the level of the spleen, it is called the descending colon. This goes down the left side of the abdomen to the pelvis where it becomes the sigmoid colon.

The colon (large intestine; including the sigmoid colon, rectum and anus) is the final stage of the digestive tract, which goes from the mouth to the anus. It is a tube that looks like muscle and is about 2.5 inches around. The main functions of the colon are to absorb water and minerals and make and eliminate feces.

The colon contains 60 varieties of bacteria to help digestion and promote a healthy balance of vitamins and pH (acid-base) and to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.What happens with Sigmoid Colon Cancer?

Colorectal cancer is the term used to refer to cancers of the colon or rectum. The wall of the colon and rectum is made up of layers of tissue. Cancer starts in the layer in the inner part and may grow through to some of the other layers. For most people, this type of cancer grows slowly over several years. Before becoming cancer, there is usually a growth called a polyp on the inner lining of the colon. Polyps are not cancer, but tumors are cancer. The chance of a polyp becoming a tumor depends on the type of polyp it is and the stage at the time of detection.Is there anything I can do to prevent sigmoid colon cancer?

5-10% of patients have inherited a gene that causes the disease. But the risks for colon cancers increase in developed countries.“The sigmoid colon is the last part of the large intestine.”

* A diet high in red meat increases the risk* fruits and vegetables decrease the risk* alcohol use and smoking increase the risk* obesity increases the risk, especially in men

Suggestions to improve your chances of preventing colorectal cancer:

* regular exercise* a healthy diet* weight maintenance* not smoking or drinking

Protect Yourself From the High Cost of Cancer

According to the recent studies, American men have a 44% chance of developing cancer while the chances for women are about 37%. The general risk of developing colon cancer in the United States is about 6%. For this reason, it’s important for everyone, particularly people above the age of 50 years, to go for routine screening.

Whether discovered early or late, cancer is a debilitating disease due to the care, costs and the mental and physical trauma involved. Many times the cost of treatment leaves the patient in heavy financial distress.

ResourceS:-

• http://sigmoidcolon.org/
• http://www.cancerarchive.com
• http://www.nlm.nih.gov
• http://www.coloncancerresource.com

Sigmoid colon cancer

Tags: hereditary sigmoid colon cancer, hereditary forms, Non-polyphonies colon cancer

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