An inherited gene mutation can cause colon cancer. These genes are passed down to other generations. The inherited mutated genes cause a small part of colon cancer. Once the gene has been passed, the first mutation happens in the APC gene. Since cell growth is slowed down, the chances of colon cancer increase. There are further mutations that can occur, leading to excessive growth and uncontrollable spread of the affected cells (Ricci-Vitiani, Lombardi, Pilozzi, Biffoni, Todaro, Peschle, & De Maria, 2007). Spreading the cells to other parts of the body, making it hard to control cancer.
Colon cancer has been grouped as the third most common cancer in the United States, thus making it a concern. There are various symptoms that can be identified with it such as diarrhea or constipation, iron deficiency anemia, weakness and fatigue, rectal bleeding, excessive weight loss, abdominal pain, excessive gas and cramps and continuous urge to defecate. After experiencing the indicated symptoms, it is necessary for cancer to be tested so that if there is a polyp, it can be removed early.
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The pathophysiology of colon cancer starts with cancerous cells spreading from the malignant tumors to the other parts, which is done through the lymph and blood systems. The cancerous cells begin to grow, invading the healthy tissues which are nearby and then spreading to the entire body through the metastasis process (Pagès, Mlecnik, Marliot, Bindea, Ou, Bifulco, & Nagtegaal, 2018). Colon cancers start from cells that are noncancerous, and they are known as adenomatous polyps, which are formed on the inner walls of the large intestine. There are risk factors such as genetics, age, and behavior, which increases the chances of colon cancer developing quickly. When the polyp is taken out early, it helps to keep it from turning into cancer.
References
Pagès, F., Mlecnik, B., Marliot, F., Bindea, G., Ou, F. S., Bifulco, C., ... & Nagtegaal, I. D. (2018). International validation of the consensus Immunoscore for the classification of colon cancer: a prognostic and accuracy study. The Lancet , 391 (10135), 2128-2139.
Ricci-Vitiani, L., Lombardi, D. G., Pilozzi, E., Biffoni, M., Todaro, M., Peschle, C., & De Maria, R. (2007). Identification and expansion of human colon-cancer-initiating cells. Nature , 445 (7123), 111.
