Cancer of the Colon and Bowel / Carninoma of Bowel

Cancer of the colon usually starts as a symptomsless polyp which grows slowly from the lining of the large intestine. Over time, sometimes years, the polyp can turn into a cancer and become malignant. If a cancer is left undetected, major surgery may be necessary. However, if a polyp is detected early and it is non-cancerous, it can almost always be removed without operation. The sooner the polyp can be detected, the better.

At The Wales Day Centre (Sydney)we use the most modern equipment to assist in examination, diagnosis and treatment. We specialise in the detection of cancers and the removal of polyps.

Symptoms of Polyps and Cancers

The most visible symptom of a polyp or cancer is bleeding on opening your bowels. It is therefore important to LOOK for this symptom on every occasion and if blood is seen on the toilet paper or in the toilet bowl, go to see your doctor urgently.

Diarrhoea or constipation, or both, alternating over more than a few days can also be a symptom of a possible cancer and if this occurs you should see your doctor urgently.

The other symptoms which may indicate a polyp or a cancer are as follows:

• Pain or discomfort
• Discharge of mucus
• Anal irritation

This polyp was located and painlessly treated during colonscopy.

What makes bowel cancer more likely in one person rather than another?

Family history. If a close relative has a bowel polyp or bowel cancer, this makes you more likely to develop such a condition. If you have had a bowel polyp or bowel cancer in the past, you are more likely to develop a new polyp or cancer. If you have had ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, this also makes you more likely to develop Bowel Polyps / Colon Polyps and cancers.

Your age. Young adults rarely develop bowel cancer, but unfortunately occasionally do so. Over the age of 35 polyps and cancers of the bowel become more common.

Diagnosis of Bowel Polyps / Colon Polyps and Cancer

If your doctor refers you to us, we will carry out tests. Examinations will be performed after you have told us your symptoms and family history.

This cancer was successfully removed and has not recurred.

Colonoscopy

A normal colonoscopy completely excludes the presence of bowel cancer or polyps. This is, of course, a great relief for the patient and relatives. If a polyp is found, it can be immediately removed and this can prevent future cancers at that site. If a cancer is seen, a small specimen is taken for analysis.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

With younger patients, a flexible sigmoidoscopy is often sufficient as cancers are less likely. This test is similar to a full colonoscopy but only about one third of the bowel is inspected.

PLEASE NOTE: Some chemical tests for the presence of blood in stools can be very misleading. Patients who have any of the symptoms described earlier should see their family doctor.

Return to Colonoscopy Information for Patients