How Colon Cancer Develops - Chapter 7 Colon Cancer Whos At Risk: Cancer
Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School
How colon cancer develops
Your colon is the major portion of your large intestine. When you digest food, it passes from your stomach through your small intestine into your colon and eventually out of the body through your rectum. Sometimes cells in the colon multiply out of control and form polyps, which are small growths. Some kinds of polyps eventually turn cancerous. You will experience no symptoms in the early stages of colon cancer, but as it progresses you may notice that your bowel movements change in appearance, that you pass bloody stools, or that you suffer from diarrhea, constipation, or gas pains. These symptoms may also signify other conditions, including hemorrhoids or an ulcer, so if you notice any of these symptoms be sure to talk with your doctor.
Colon Cancer Up Close
 Most colon cancer starts from a certain type of polyp (adenomatous) that develops in the epithelial cells lining the inside of the colon. The change from an adenomatous polyp to colon cancer occurs slowly over about 5 to 10 years as the epithelial cells begin to proliferate, gradually invading surrounding tissues. |
| Last updated: | May 01, 2008 |
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Medical content reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School. Harvard Health Publications, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell.
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