Nausea and Vomiting as Symptoms of Colon Cancer
The majority of people with colon cancer do not experience any symptoms during the early stages of the disease. However, there are early signs of colon cancer that we need to be aware of.
Colon cancer usually starts to occur with the development of non-cancerous (benign) polyps. These polyps develop when the cells lining the colon multiply too quickly. Then, the polyps will be cancerous that will invade the wall of the colon as well as the blood vessels surrounding it, and spreads to other areas of the body.
Colon cancer can develop through the years before it causes any symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they will depend on the size and location of cancer in the colon. Symptoms start to appear when the cancer is already in its advanced stage.
The right side of the colon is spacious; thus, cancers that develop in the right colon can increase to large sizes before causing any abdominal symptoms. On the other hand, the left part of the colon is narrower. Therefore, cancers on this region are more likely to produce partial or complete bowel obstruction.
Symptoms of Colon Cancer
The typical symptoms of colon cancer include abdominal pain, blood in stool, changes in bowel movements, unexplained anemia, unexplained weight loss, and nausea and vomiting. Other conditions such as IBD and hemorrhoids may also cause these symptoms. That’s why seeking medical help is advised when you experience any of these symptoms.
Nausea and Vomiting
A lot of reasons can be the culprit for the occurrence of nausea and vomiting. These include motion sickness, slay of common viruses, an unpleasant smell or sight, and drinking too much. However, there are cases where nausea and vomiting may be symptoms of more serious conditions such as colon cancer.
If nausea and vomiting come with constipation or pain, the cause can be colon cancer. However, if nausea and vomiting occur alone, it is unlikely that it is caused by cancer.
Usually, when vomiting becomes a symptom of colon cancer, this is because the tumor has caused a bowel obstruction. When a large tumor in the right colon is present, it will prevent the digestive contents to move forward; thus, causing the food to go back up. For this reason, nausea and vomiting occur. In addition, the severity of the blockage can prevent solids, liquid, and gas from passing through the intestine. This occurrence can result to painful stomach cramps as well as constipation.
Nausea and vomiting that are accompanied by indigestion and cramping are also causes for concern. An upset stomach due to colon cancer may feel like bloating, gassy, and aching. It could also be a sharp stabbing pain and cramps. Some people mistakenly thought of these symptoms as ulcers, but later they realize that they have colon cancer. Chronic heartburn may also be experienced.
Feeling nauseated all the time and having severe bouts of vomiting should not be ignored. It would be good to make a doctor’s appointment and try to look for the underlying cause of your condition. It is always better to prevent a disease rather than cure it.
